Friday, June 26, 2020

7 Ways to Indulge Lavishly on a Budget

After having lived an extremely frugal lifestyle without taking care of myself at all, I broke. At that point I realized that you can't be so frugal that you never take care of yourself, never have any luxuries, because "all work and no play..." and all that... So I started taking time for self care, for little and bigger luxuries, that fit into my budget. Here's some suggestions from a reader on frugal ways to indulge yourself.



Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about the luxurious life you could lead if only you had a little extra cash? Everyone gets carried away by this fantasy at one point or another. We crave beach getaways, fine dining experiences, and some much needed pampering.

The truth is, you can have a taste of luxury if you plan for it.

In this guide, we're going to help you create luxurious experiences on a budget that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. And you don't need to save up all year to do so! Here are seven ways you can indulge right now for cheap.


#1: Create Your Own Spa Day

Going to a spa or a salon is pricey. You can create that same space for some much needed self-care in your own home:

Pick a day where you have nothing going on so you can truly relax.
Start with a relaxing soak in the tub with a bath bomb.
Then pamper yourself with a face mask and a DIY manicure.
Candles and relaxing music can help set the mood as well.

#2: Order Takeout Using Promo Codes

When life gets busy, cooking for the whole family can be the last thing you feel like doing. Too often, getting takeout means ordering something unhealthy or spending more than you want to.

Services like Grubhub and Doordash help connect you to many local restaurants, including vegan options. Go here to find a promo code so that takeout doesn't have to be such a splurge.

#3: Plan a "Stay-cation"

If you can't afford a conventional vacation this year, don't worry. There are ways to relax and indulge close to home. Plan for your family to take a couple of days off from work and activities.

Once you've cleared your schedule for a stay-cation, plan activities near home such as hiking, biking, swimming, or making ice cream sundaes. You can even create a vacation itinerary.

You'll find that having something to look forward to will lift your spirits, even though you aren't going anywhere.

#4: Prepare a Three Course Meal

We associate multiple courses with expensive restaurants, but who says you can't plan a three course meal in your own home? It doesn't have to be extravagant. Start with a soup or salad, then bring out the main course, and end with dessert!

You can lean into the fun even more by setting the table nicely and asking your family to put on their Sunday best.

#5: Find Free Activities In Your Community

Regularly check the paper or other local publications for news of free events. Libraries and museums will often have free events like guest speakers or film screenings.

In the spring and summer months, look for events such as street fairs, fireworks, and free concerts.

#6: Bring The Big Game Home

Going to live sporting events is great fun, but it comes with a big price tag. Why not bring some of that stadium excitement to your living room?

Put the game on TV and fix up your favorite ballpark snack, like buttery popcorn or hot dogs with all the fixings.

#7: Redecorate Your Space

If you've caught yourself covetously eyeing a home decorating magazine recently, maybe a little redecorating is just what you need. There are plenty of ways to redecorate at little to no cost. Simply rearranging your furniture can transform a space.

A little paint goes a long way. Try repainting your kitchen cabinets or the borders around doors and windows. Find frames for old photos and give them a new life on a bedroom or bathroom wall.

Conclusion

With the right attitude, it doesn't take a lot of money to have a good time. You might even find that DIY indulgence is even more special than a night at the Ritz.


What are your favorite frugal ways to indulge?

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