Four Ways To Afford Luxuries When Money Is Tight

I guess everyone's definition of what constitutes a "luxury" is different.  When you are living under the median, often a "luxury" seems to constitute anything that is more than your "four walls".  I'll give you some examples and ideas of how to continue to add a little "bling" to your life, while paying off debt and setting your sights on becoming debt-free.

Whether your "luxury" is buying ice cream, going out to eat, taking a family vacation, or buying a designer purse, here are some tips for how to insure you have some fun and joy along the way on your debt-free journey. 

#1 - Do it Less Often

Vacations

No matter the luxury, a good way to fit it in your budget is to do it less often.  Planning a major trip every other year can make good sense when raising a family on a moderate income.  We planned a lot of "stay-cations" with day-trips sprinkled throughout our time of rest.  If you can drive somewhere and get back home within a day, then you can visit all sorts of regional museums, parks, and points-of-interest.  Take lunch with you and plan to eat out at an inexpensive restaurant.  Google, "day trips" and then the name of your state or "summer festivals" and your state.   I've done it!  You'll find all sorts of ideas that you never even knew existed!

Need more ideas?  Here's a post on saving on travel. I tell you how to save on food for the car, snacks, restaurants, and accommodations. 

Eating Out

When we were raising the boys, I could count on one hand the number of times we went out to eat every year.  This included fast food joints.  We had very specific financial goals, and eating out simply did not fit in with the focus we wanted for our family time.  But, rather than cut it out all together, we made it an extra special treat.  

I recently did two posts on this topic of saving money at restaurants. Read "My Top Ten Tips for Saving Money at Restaurants" and "Ten MORE Tips for Saving Money at Restaurants."  I gave you a ton of tips on inexpensive ways to eat out.  

#2 - Buy or Use Less of it 

Expensive Food

If you just can't stretch your budget enough to include it, rather than eliminate it, simply reduce your use of it.  To me, expensive food products fit perfectly in this category.

When we decided to quit buying and using refined sugar, it quickly became clear that sugar alternatives like honey, real maple syrup, or xylitol were expensive!  So, rather than risk the health of our family or derail our financial goals for the sake of sweeteners, we simply used less of it.  I didn't make as many desserts. I routinely add half the amount of sweetener called for in recipes and the finished product still tastes great. I learned to like my oats topped with mixed berries and no added sweeteners.

When the price of vanilla soared, I made my own.

You can use the same rationale for reducing your use of expensive meat, cheese, or seafood.  Just use it less often. 

#3 - Save Up for It In a Special Fund

Treats 

When we were raising our 4 boys our grocery budget was very tight. There was no room for "extras". Ice cream was an extra - since it isn't a real food product like potatoes. 

 So, we came up with a plan to save all the change that we found on our nightly family walks in a special jar. You would be amazed at all the money you can find lying on the street!  Twice a summer we had enough for a half gallon of ice cream!  The boys absolutely loved it!

Okay, you don't have to walk around your neighborhood looking for street-found-money.  But, you can devise another way to save money for special treats.  Maybe you can use some of the birthday money that it given to you.  Using money from store rebates is another great idea!  The idea is that this money should come from out-of-the-ordinary sources and not your regular monthly budget. 

#4 - Ask For It As A Gift

Memberships

I'm not suggesting you ask your folks to pay off your large credit bill.  But, if your family would love a family membership to a local museum or zoo, there is nothing wrong with asking Grandpa and Grandma to give it to you as a Christmas gift.  Most of the time, they are really anxious to know what would most please you and the children.  So, if there's a luxury item that is truly beyond your grasp, then ask for it as a gift.

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Do all to the glory of God, 

Hope