Simple Ways to Live Below Your Means Without Feeling Deprived

30 December 2025

Let’s get one thing out of the way—“living below your means” sounds like a punishment handed down by a finance overlord who frowns upon guac on your burrito and has never known the sweet, soul-healing power of a double-shot oat milk latte. But hear me out: cutting back doesn’t have to feel like you’re exiling yourself to Adult Budgeting Prison. You can actually live below your means and still, dare I say, enjoy life.

Shocking, I know. But stick with me, because I’m about to show you how to master the fine art of spending less without becoming a monk who counts rice grains for fun.

What Does “Living Below Your Means” Even Mean?

Don’t worry, no math degree required—living below your means simply means spending less than you earn. Yes, that’s it. The magic lies in the gap between your income and your expenses. The bigger the gap, the more you can save, invest, or roll around in like Scrooge McDuck (just maybe don’t try that with coins—back pain is expensive).

But here's the kicker: doing this shouldn't make you feel like you're stuck in a cardboard box eating ramen every day. Let's dive into the simple ways to save cash without sacrificing your soul.

1. Stop Keeping Up with the Kardashians...or Your Neighbors

Ah yes, the great race of consumerism. It’s like Mario Kart, but every time someone posts a pic of their new car or Bali vacation, you feel the need to throw your wallet at something shiny.

Here’s your permission slip to opt out of the “who’s got the fanciest stuff” game. Spoiler alert: the people posting the most often are probably financing that lifestyle with debt and stress-eating pizza in secret.

Instead—brace yourself for this radical idea—do you. Buy what you need. Spend on what truly makes you happy (and no, retail therapy doesn’t count if you’re just gonna feel the regret faster than Amazon Prime shipping).

2. Create a Budget (Yes, Like an Adult)

I get it, the word “budget” brings up images of spreadsheets, calculators, and existential dread. But creating a budget is the grown-up version of using a map instead of wandering around the financial wilderness hoping for a miracle.

You don’t have to color-code it or make it look like a Pinterest project—just track what you earn, what you spend, and what you can cut back.

Apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or even plain ol’ Google Sheets can help. Think of it like a diet, but instead of cutting carbs, you’re cutting random Amazon orders at 2 a.m.

3. Embrace the Magic of “Just Because it’s There, Doesn’t Mean You Need It”

Sales are like bad exes. They lure you in with promises of happiness, but leave you wondering why you made that decision in the first place.

You don’t need to buy a 75-pack of paper towels just because it’s 10% off. Unless you’re planning on cleaning up an oil spill at home. (In which case, by all means, proceed.)

Train yourself to ask: “Do I really need this? Or am I just bored/hungry/emotionally attached to the idea of having more stuff?” If the answer is anything other than “this will prevent a personal crisis,” maybe skip it.

4. Cook at Home (Yes, It’s Cheaper Than Postmates)

Eating out is fun, don’t get me wrong. But when your bank account is crying and your fridge is full of expired spinach, we’ve got a problem. Cooking at home not only saves money, but also gives you full control over salt, sugar, and questionable mystery sauces.

If you’re not exactly the next MasterChef, no worries. There are meal kits, YouTube tutorials, and even Instagram reels that show you how to whip up budget-friendly meals that won’t taste like sadness.

Bonus points: leftovers. Aka tomorrow’s lunch without swiping your card.

5. Automate Your Savings (So You Don’t Accidentally Spend What You Wanted to Save)

Out of sight, out of mind—but in a good way. Set up an automatic transfer from your checking to your savings account every payday. It's like paying your future self first, which is adorable and responsible.

Treat savings like a bill you can’t ignore. Because let’s be real—if the money’s just sitting in checking, there’s a 90% chance it’s gonna wander off and buy something dumb.

6. Cut the Cord (Yes, Cable Is Still a Thing… Somehow)

You’re paying how much for 700 channels you don’t watch? And still subscribing to three different streaming services?

It might be time to trim that digital fat. Pick one or two services you actually use and cancel the rest. Your wallet will thank you, and your screen time might actually go down for once.

Also, libraries still exist. With FREE movies and ebooks. I know, wild.

7. Declutter and Cash In

Look around your house and tell me honestly—how much stuff do you own that you’ve forgotten you even have? Is that exercise bike doubling as a laundry rack? (Guilty.)

Sell it. Sell all of it. Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Craigslist—whatever works. Not only will you get some extra cash, but you’ll also feel oddly zen when your home isn’t overflowing with Things You Swore You’d Use.

8. Ditch the Fancy Coffee… Sometimes

I’m not that monster who tells you to cut all caffeine and live in darkness. But maybe you don’t need the Venti Limited Edition Unicorn Dreamcloud Latte every day?

Invest in a good coffee maker. Make your own dang frothy oat milk magic at home. Then, when you do treat yourself to a barista-made cup, it actually feels like a treat again.

9. Practice the Art of Saying “Nope”

Oh, the social pressure. Friends going out for the third bottomless brunch this week? That co-worker trying to rope you into a group gift for someone you’ve never met? It’s okay to say no.

Seriously. Your finances are your business. Be polite, be honest, and then be busy “washing your hair” (aka watching Netflix in your budget-friendly PJs). Boundaries = saved dollars.

10. Adopt the 24-Hour Rule

Impulse buys are like eating an entire cheesecake because you “just had a bad day.” Fun in the moment, but filled with regret later.

Next time you feel the urge to buy something unplanned, wait 24 hours. If you still want it the next day, and it won’t blow up your budget, then fine. But 9 times out of 10, you’ll realize you don’t actually need that fifth pair of sneakers. (Your closet agrees.)

11. Use Credit Cards—Wisely

Credit cards aren’t evil. But they’re also not magic money, despite how it feels when you swipe and forget about it.

Use them for things you were already going to pay for—groceries, gas, bills—and pay off the balance every month. This way, you can rack up rewards without falling into the soul-sucking vortex of interest rates.

12. Set Financial Goals That Actually Excite You

Let’s be real, saving “just because” is boring. But saving for a trip to Italy, a new gaming laptop, or an emergency fund that lets you quit a job you hate? That’s motivating.

Give your money a purpose and suddenly, skipping a $6 smoothie doesn’t feel like deprivation—it feels like strategy.

13. Mind Your Subscriptions (The Sneakiest Budget Killers)

You signed up for that online yoga platform two years ago and haven’t done a single downward dog since. But guess what? It’s still quietly draining you $29/month.

Audit your subscriptions once a month. Check your bank statements. Find the vampires that are bleeding your money slowly, and stab them with the cancel button.

14. Find Free Fun (Yes, It Exists)

Fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Take a walk. Host a potluck. Visit free museums. Try a community event. Have a board game night like it’s 1999.

You don’t need to hemorrhage money to have a good time. Sometimes, the best memories come with a $0 price tag and a bunch of your weird but lovable friends.

15. Remember: It’s Not About Deprivation, It’s About Intention

Living below your means isn't about never spending money—it's about spending it better. It’s not about punishing yourself; it’s about making choices that make your present self content and your future self high-five you.

So go ahead—skip the overpriced brunch. Brew your own coffee. Sell that sad treadmill. And sock away some savings without becoming a joyless robot.

Your bank account, your peace of mind, and your future self will all thank you.

Wrap-Up: You Can Do This (No, Really)

Living below your means isn’t some mythical unicorn goal reserved for financial gurus and coupon queens. It’s totally doable—even if you have a weakness for takeout or funky socks.

Just take one baby step at a time. You don't have to overhaul your life overnight. Small shifts lead to huge changes over time. And the best part? You won’t feel like you’re missing out. Instead, you’ll start realizing how rich life can be when you’re not weighed down by money stress.

Now go make your wallet proud.