We get it. 2024 is the year of recession-core, but you’ve got an aesthetic to maintain – and there are lots of ways to save money without compromising on the things you love!
From DIY beauty and creative self-care routines to everyday swaps that add up a lot in the long run… Here are 5 lifestyle money-saving hacks for staying bougie on a budget.
Wardrobe
Fast fashion is pricey and unsustainable. Thrifting has a whole TikTok niche! Find hidden gems and get them looking new again… so long as you use the right products.
SWASH laundry detergent is a lifesaver for your laundry routine. Its ultra-concentrated formula is great for getting stubborn smells and stains out of pre-loved clothes, while still being gentle on your new favourite pieces.
With up to 80 loads of laundry in a little bottle that fits in the palm of your hand, this is a great option for small laundry rooms – or, let’s be real, laundry closets.
Its auto-stop top also means no more measuring. Just squeeze, and the cap stops after dispensing the perfect amount of detergent. Easy-peasy.
Travel
Forget the European summer vacation for now, and save by travelling locally instead! Canada in the summer is a pretty nice place. Just play some Euro-pop by the lake, and it’s practically the same thing.
While you’re lounging lakeside and planning on how to save for that bigger vacation later, try signing up for a travel credit card. There are so many to choose from, no matter who you bank with.
These cards are a great way to rack up travel dollars on everyday expenses. You already need to buy groceries and pay your phone bill. Earn points to fly while you do it!
Food
There’s no getting around this expense – we’ve all got to eat. But a little bit of planning can go a long way in reducing your grocery budget! Skip the overpriced “natural” section at the grocery store and try shopping at a local farmer’s market instead. It’s cheaper to buy what’s in season, and you’re reducing your carbon footprint this way too!
Another idea is to try a meal subscription service. You can save time by reducing the chopping and mental work of planning a meal while spending way less per dish than you would on take-out.
Self-Care
Pilates is all the rage right now, but did you know you don’t actually need a reformer to get a great Pilates workout? Become your own DIY Pilates Princess with mat Pilates! @blogilates and @MoveWithNicole are just a few of the many great YouTube channels with step-by-step instructions and NO pricey equipment required.
And of course, a cute workout outfit always gives you a little extra motivation. SWASH laundry detergent is great for keeping your gear fresh without taking up too much space! Its concentrated formula helps you use less detergent per wash, which prevents product build-up on fabrics, extending the lifespan of your wardrobe and lowering the cost-per-wash!
Entertainment
Staying out all night at the club? That’s so pre-pandemic. ‘Grandma hobbies’ are the new vogue, so why not spend your Friday night getting lost in a good book instead?
We know, we know. Books cost money too – but not always! You can borrow ebooks and audiobooks for FREE from your public library, and you don’t even need a fancy e-reader to read or listen to them.
Libby is a completely free app for Android and iPhone that lets you borrow, read, and return ebooks and audiobooks from your phone or tablet. It also returns titles automatically when they’re due, so you never have to worry about late fees. All you need is a library card from your public library – and that’s free too!
Saving money doesn’t mean letting go of your hobbies or the things that bring you joy. It’s all about doing more with what you’ve got.
SWASH CANADA
SWASH is a high-efficiency laundry detergent designed for the life-hackers. Its 8x concentrated formula gives you up to 80 loads of laundry, all in a compact, space-saving bottle.
Its auto-stop top dispenses the perfect amount of pre-measured detergent each time, and it comes in two scents: Smells Like Nothing and Smells Like Clean Laundry. Simplify your routine and save money. Easy, right?
So, whether it’s revamping your wardrobe sustainably, exploring local getaways, or using products that give you more for less, there are plenty of ways to maintain your bougie lifestyle on a budget.
Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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