How To: Live Large On A Budget

By Stephanie Eldred
Lifestyle Correspondent - Every Wednesday
PAGES: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |  

Live large on a budget - Credit: iStockPhoto.com

Every guy wants to live the high life, but not everyone has the paycheck to make it possible. It can be hard to keep up with the lifestyles of the rich and famous, but there are definitely ways to cut corners on expenses and still reap the rewards of being the envy of all your friends. That’s right: The finer things in life aren't just for jet-setters anymore. The key to living a classier lifestyle  -- or at least looking like you do -- isn't having more money, it's using the money you do have to its full potential.

The saying goes that nothing comes for free, and for the most part, that is a motto to live by, but money isn't the only currency you have. Your relationships and your time are great bargaining chips to help you score things that other people are paying for. Work your connections or barter with your friends for entrance into exclusive events and concerts, and to snatch up free merchandise. Keep your eyes open for free tickets and product giveaways at your place of work or through contests -- even if you aren't interested, you might know someone who is, and that someone might be able to offer up something in return.

If you live by the theory that time is money, another option you might want to consider is charity work. It might seem like a stretch, but most of the bigger national charities are generous when it comes to thanking volunteers. Many will dole out free invites to fundraising events that cost big bucks to attend and often feature door prizes, raffles, big-ticket entertainment or gift bags from sponsor companies.

But of course, not everything can be had for free; there are some things you have to pay for no matter what. The goal is to spend as little as possible without sacrificing the style and quality of life you desire. Keep reading for a guide to luxury living for less that will help you fake it until you get finally get that raise. 

leisure

You can sink a lot of money into entertainment if you aren't careful. Lucky for you, nightlife, entertaining and vacations are the easiest aspects of the jet-set life to upgrade for very little money -- if you use a little creativity.

Nightlife

Just because you don't make a six-figure salary and aren't intimately acquainted with the finer points of a $500 bottle of champagne doesn't mean you can't hit the town in style.

Find out how to enjoy premium alcohol for just a few bucks…
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READER COMMENTS: ( 20 posts )
Sun, May.6th 2007
RATING:
T-rev says:
Garbage
Wed, Apr.25th 2007
RATING:
Tony D. says:
Great information... well written article! Limiting your own alcohol costs when going out will save quite a bit... eliminating it will save even more. Order a bottle of Vass (or another good sparkling water) because you're "running/working out in the morning" or are the designated driver. You save a bundle and get more bonus points that any attempt at impressing a woman with your exotic drink selection. Dinner at home is another excellent tip! Make California Rolls, do a seafood stir fry or get an exceptional ready-to-cook entree from Trader Joe's. You make an incredible impression and guess what... you're date is at your home after dinner. Try doing that with any other first or second date! Excellent advice!!!
Mon, Apr.23rd 2007
RATING: n/a
big b says:
man the articles are really gettin sub-par
Fri, Apr.20th 2007
RATING: n/a
the dude says:
so, let's summarize. Pregame before you go to a bar, cookout instead of going to a restaurant, crash with relatives instead of getting a hotel, book spur of the moment flights, buy old electronics, and build stuff yourself... how's this different from "become a college kid again"?
Wed, Apr.18th 2007
RATING:
superman says:
my common sense detector blew up while reading this.
Wed, Apr.18th 2007
RATING:
Richard G says:
Did captain obvious write this?
Wed, Apr.18th 2007
RATING:
Alejandro D. says:
So none of these ideas put across the word "Baller" on a budget.
Wed, Apr.18th 2007
RATING:
Cordatus says:
This article is crap! The information is obvious and a bit tacky. I mean c'mon!
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