Today we are talking about something a lot of people need right now, because let’s be honest: The economy is beating some of us like a frying pan right in our faces.
Prices are up. Salaries are not. And everyone keeps saying save more (i know, including meee)… but nobody tells you HOW TO ACTUALLY reduce your costs while still feeling abundant so that retiring early or for some of us – simply surviving – doesnt feel like an absolute hustle!
So today I’m giving you a complete blueprint for how to live on next to nothing for 30 days to stock up on your emergency savings or to get a boost for your investments while still feeling rich, grounded, creative, and in control.
If you’re ready to lower your expenses without lowering your lifestyle, make sure you also check out my Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook or my YouTube!
Let’s go!
Step 1: Cancel ALL your subscriptions
Most people pay for 5 to 6 subscriptions they don’t even use. For one month, hit cancel on everything except what is absolutely necessary.
Entertainment? Switch to:
– YouTube
– Free trial periods
– Public library media
– Free ebooks
– Free educational platforms
Get a library card for 0 to 10 dollars and you suddenly have access to: Books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, workshops, coworking spaces.
You don’t need Netflix to feel rich. You need options. And the library gives you thousands.
Step 2: Cancel your gym membership
Your financial health matters more than your gym aesthetic right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop moving. Switch to:
– Home workouts
– Yoga and meditation apps
– Free trials in other studios or Pilates Clubs
– YouTube classes
– Local Running or Walking or crossfit groups
– Staircase cardio
– Outdoor excercise trails
– Resistance bands and dumbbells for home workouts are super affordable and pay off themselves within their first month
You get the same endorphins, without the monthly invoice and if you find a workout buddy you may even find a new friend!
Step 3: Turn down your AC and / or heat
Every degree counts. For real. I know that this point is hard for a lot of Americans but for us Europeans it should be super easy 😀 Lowering your temperature by 1 degree can reduce your energy bill by 6 to 10 percent.
Layer up. Open windows in the morning for fresh air. Use fans instead of AC. Small adjustments save huge money! Plus: You can actually enjoy nice cozy evenings with a blanket and a pullover and a hot cacao on your couch and some candles on. Wonderful!
Step 4: Wear EVERY SINGLE ITEM in your wardrobe
Before you spend a cent on new clothes, make it a commitment to wear EVERY SINGLE ITEM you own and create a Pinterest board of outfit combinations. I am currently doing this myself and it has been such a game changer. It forces you to become creative with what you already have and find new combinations for pieces you always ignored a little bit.
What you’ll notice:
1. You actually own more clothes than you think.
2. You just forgot about how many options you already have.
3. Former unwanted peices might become your new favorites.
Curate your closet. Style pieces differently. Do a capsule challenge. You’ll feel like you bought a whole new wardrobe and reinvented your style, even though you spent zero.
Step 5: Eat from your pantry first
Go through your pantry and fridge and list every staple you already own.
Then go to chatgpt and let it write down meals you can make from your list (or if you have handwritten it just make a picture of it and upload it to ChatGPT).
Most people have two or more weeks worth of food sitting in the house already!
This is where the real savings happen. Just imagine a whole month with a grocery bill of maybe 100$ for the small fresh ingreidents you needed to make something fancy out of what you already have. You technically didn´t “save” this money because you bought all the food at one point and spent money on it, but you will save a lot of food from expiring and its sometimes really humbling to see how little we actually need and you will shop more mindfully the next time.
Step 6: Share rides whenever possible
Fuel is expensive when you are commuting every work day! Find a coworker, neighbor, or friend that need to go in the same direction and carpool.
If you drive together three times a week, your fuel expenses drop by 40 to 60 percent! This is the easiest instant savings win and you get some personal connections to a person on top.
Step 7: Facebook Marketplace is your new Luxury Store
Search the free section daily. People give away everything in mostly very good condition!
– Sofas, furniture
– Coffee machines
– Baby items
– Tools
– Plants
– Home decor
Some pieces might need a little TLC or a touch up, but usually you get really great stuff because somebody just wants to get rid of it without having to drive to the landfill. So if you need (or rather want) something, try free or second hand before you buy. There are also so many local “buy nothing” or „free your stuff“ groups on facebook.
You can also find free events on Facebook Events or in your local newsletter like:
– Outdoor concerts
– Community markets
– Museum days
– Kids Workshops (Home Depot has free kids workshops once a month)
– Festivals
Fun doesn’t have to cost money!
Step 8: Give Free, Personal Gifts
If you get invited to a party this month, do not buy something new!
Instead, give either second hand (check out the TikTok I linked, she is a genius when it comes to gifting thrifted items) or a gift that hits harder emotionally:
– A video you edit
– A handwritten letter
– A scavenger hunt with places you both love and connect with each others memories
– A playlist
– A framed photo you already have
– A memory book
– A handdrawn painting
Free. Thoughtful. Way more meaningful and connects you more to the people you love than buying something from Target.
Step 9: Drink Water instead of Coffee and Soft Drinks
Switching from specialty coffee to water can save 80 to 150 dollars a month. And honestly… your skin will thank you. If you really can´t live without coffee make your own coffee at home. Don´t even let me get started on Energy Drinks, what a waste of time and health!
Make water your default for 30 days and your health AND your wallet will praise you.
Step 10: Swap Instead of Buying
You can swap literalley everything with:
– Friends & Family
– Neighbors
– Coworkers
Swap books, skincare, clothes, toys, tools. You can set up really quick a flyer in Canva and just send it to your contacts to find a friends group that want to swap their things. You could even just post it on a local Facebook group and meet up with people in the park – so you´ll get some new friends & Ccontacts and nice memories on top!
And – very important: Project-pan your cosmetics! That foundation shade you hate? Someone else might love it. Trade it and get a body lotion or shower gel instead.
Zero money spent. Zero waste.
Step 11: Transfer Credit Card Debt to a Personal Loan
If you’re paying high-interest credit card debt, this is the month you fix it.
Move everything to a personal loan with a lower rate. You can save hundreds over the year and free up monthly cash flow.
Financial freedom starts with debt strategy, not hustle culture.
Step 12: Ditch Meat and Switch to Plant-Based Staples
Meat is one of the most expensive items in the grocery store. Plant-based options like:
– Tofu and Tempeh
– Lentils
– Chickpeas
– Oats
– Frozen vegetables
are cheap and SO much healthier.
You will feel lighter, your budget will feel lighter, and your grocery bill will drop by 20 to 40 percent instantly.
So this is how you live on almost nothing for 30 days… and still feel rich. Not broke. Not deprived. Not stressed out. You will gain more sense of community, more real life contacts and get more in touch with what you already have.
After 30 Days you will be a lot further in the means of:
– Clarity
– Creativity
– Community
– Health
– and Financial Freedom
Are you ready to simplify your life and take control of your money?
Download my FREE 5-Page MoneyMalism Planner Bundle (usually 49,99€!) now – designed to help you declutter your mind, organize your finances, and move boldly towards financial freedom.
✨ Minimal effort. Maximum clarity.
👉 Grab your free planners here!
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