5 Affordable Ways to Enjoy the Finer Things on a Budget

Paying off debt isn’t glamorous, but it’s necessary if you want to live in greater financial freedom. Being on a tight budget often feels like a total buzzkill. No more Starbucks coffee, no more going out to eat unless it’s for something very special, and no more luxurious trips. It’s not all doom and gloom, however. There are plenty of ways to enjoy some of the finer things from home without breaking the bank. You can still make budget-friendly decisions that give you a sense of freedom and enjoyment in life. You just don’t get to enjoy them at full price.

Glamping Trips

While it might sound strange, these mini camping trips can be a lot of fun and feel like a luxury hotel stay without the hotel cost. There are even companies that can set up a glamping site in your backyard. When you need a mini-getaway, one of these experiences can be just the ticket. When you’re paying off debt, you still need time to refresh and rest. You just can’t necessarily take a trip to Bali to get it.

Make Your Coffee at Home

Investing in a French press or home espresso maker means you can easily whip up any of your favorite drinks right in your own kitchen. For a fraction of the cost, you can make your favorite macchiatos, cappuccinos, and more. While it might feel convenient to wait in line for a coffee made by a local barista, you’ll spend less time and money if you just do it at home. Plus, you can source coffee from your favorite spots far and wide.

Make Restaurant Favorites From Home

Let’s face it, you can find a recipe for almost anything on the internet. Want to make some Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden? There is a recipe for that. How about street tacos from your favorite food truck? There are plenty of ways to upgrade your food choices from home without paying restaurant prices. The key is to plan ahead, find a good recipe with clear instructions, and to source ingredients from all your local stores. If you can’t find an ingredient locally, you may be able to get some shipped from Amazon Fresh or other online grocers. Plus, with the ease of store pick-up, you may be able to order online, and have everything ready when you get to the store.

Plan a Movie Night

Going to the movies has gotten pricey. But since the pandemic, many theater favorites are available to stream before they are even out of the theaters. This can be an affordable movie night option, especially for families. Just get some movie theater butter popcorn from the grocery store, a few favorite candies from the dollar store, and a bottle of soda. Rent the movie from home and enjoy it in your living room. While your screen may not be as big as the one at the theater, it’ll still be a fun and enjoyable time with the people you love for a much nicer price. As a bonus, you can always pause the movie if someone must use the bathroom and they won’t miss a thing!

Buy Thrift Store Clothes

You can still buy clothes when you’re pinching pennies. But if you prefer the look of Louis Vuitton on a Walmart budget, the best thing you can do is go thrifting. Thrift store clothes are often in great condition and if you’re a savvy shopper, you can find great pieces for a very low price. You’d be amazed at the things that people donate. When the prices are only $5-$10 for a pair of jeans, you might be able to score a pair from Hollister for a fraction of the price.

Conclusion

Being on a budget doesn’t need to suck the fun out of life. It just means you need to be more thoughtful in how you prioritize your wants and needs. Eating is a need, going to a restaurant is a want. For some people, drinking coffee is a need, but spending $6 on a latte every day is a want. So, to help you budget for some of the finer things, you need to be more creative, and willing to DIY some of it. Whether you want entertainment for a bargain or you want to make a few home updates, it’s okay to do it on a budget that works for you.