How to Afford Life's Little Luxuries

Everywhere I look, online and off, I hear numerous mums haven't done their hair, nails or similar for months or longer because of the cost of living. They are struggling to feed the family and feeling self-conscious compared to the women on social media.

Too many families are doing everything they can and yet due to increasing costs, they are barely surviving. Holidays, date nights, and celebrations all seem too expensive.

So how can you afford those things that might be deemed luxuries such as beauty treatments, holidays, family activities and similar? Check out the articles below.

7 Tips for Beauty on a Budget: As an ex-hairdresser and beautician I share my tips, what to DIY and what I do.
Health and Beauty on a Budget: More tips for both health and beauty including where I get my glasses for cheap.
37 Frugal Family Activities: There are so many things you can do as a family for free or on a budget.
Family Travel: Read how to travel for free and super cheap as well as how to make money travelling as a family.
25 Free or Cheap Date Ideas: You don't need to give up dating, you can do it on a budget.
How to Save Money on Kids Birthday Parties

Also check out how to live with champagne tastes on a beer budget wage (Aspiring Millionaire), how to upgrade your life on a budget (Aspiring Millionaire) and how to live a luxury lifestyle on a shoestring budget with Piggy Bank Dreams.

I am also sharing a lot more about creating an abundant life with tips for self-care, confidence, travel etc on my other site, Kylie Travers.

A few more ideas

Enter competitions when you see them but don't buy things or go out of your way for them. Check out some tips for competitions here. I've won travel vouchers, day spa vouchers, food and more.

Discounts: Never pay full price for anything! There are so many ways to get discounts, use these tips.

Look for freebies: Check out this list of freebies to get you started.

How to Afford Self-Care

When the budget is tight, self-care tends to go out the window. It's not about getting to shower alone or do the groceries without the kids. Self-care is doing those things for yourself that make you feel good and keep you healthy, mentally and physically.

Check out 6 tips for self-care, especially during obstacles for ideas on what to do, how to do it and things that I do. (links to my other site).

How to Afford Health

How can you afford to keep healthy? Whether it be exercising, going to therapy, eating well, medication or getting treatment for illnesses and injuries, health can get expensive.

The best course is prevention but we can't prevent everything. Here are some tips and articles to help you reduce the cost of health.

How to Lose Weight and get fit for Free (or Really Cheap)
How to Manage Your Health and Wealth When You’re Sick
7 tips to Manage Finances when you have Depression or Mental Health Issues
How to Afford Medical Expenses (on a low Income or Centrelink)

If you have private health insurance, check everything you are entitled to with it and make sure you get the most out of it.

How to Make and Save Money with Hobbies

We all need hobbies for our mental and physical health. While some cost more than others, there are hobbies that can make or save you money. Check out our list of 10 hobbies that can make or save you money that we enjoy.

Save Money on Groceries

The cost of groceries is difficult for many now, so here are some articles about groceries to help you save:

20+ tips to reduce the cost of groceries
how to reduce waste/what to do with scraps and leftovers
13 Tips to reduce the cost of meat
18 tips to reduce your groceries to under $150 (written a few years ago but has some tips and personal experience. $150 is unrealistic now for a family of 4 to eat a variety).

Here are the discounts we use (note they are for new customers only):

1 Free box from HelloFresh: Up to 6 main meals for the family you cook yourself plus they have readymade options you can add on
Up to $190 off MarleySpoon: Up to 6 main meals for the family you cook yourself plus Everyday Rewards
Up tp $144 off Dinnerly: Up to 6 main meals for the family you cook yourself plus options such as a fruit box

What I Am Reading

If you can manage your time and habits, you're winning! Time Wise: Powerful Habits, More Time, Greater Joy by Amantha Imber shows you how to do that.

Dominate your day and level up your life, using the secrets and habits of highly effective people. A practical guide from the behavioural scientist behind the #1 ranking Australian business podcast How I Work.

For 2024, I have a list of books I am reading, some of which I have read before but know I can learn more from as I read them during times of stress.

The list is split into finance and business, health, self-help, new age/spiritual, parenting and relationships since these are the areas of my life I am always striving to improve.

I share what I am reading on my Instagram account and would love to hear what you are reading, what you recommend and why.

Discounts For You!

You can find all the freebies and discounts The Thrifty Issue has secured for you here. Including cash, free boxes of HelloFresh, EveryPlate, discounts on wine and other food, plus a mega-money makeover bundle with 3 ebooks at a discount.