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Luxury is always marketed as something expensive so that people will part with huge chunks of their money for it. However, it doesn’t have to be something pricey, as even small, budget-friendly things can also bring a “rich” twist to your mundane life.
Even Reddit user cerezza__ thinks that way, so she asked online, “What’s a cheap habit that makes you feel way richer than you actually are?” Her question went viral as netizens gushed over numerous such “cheap thrills.” You might even be able to relate to a few of them, so just scroll down to check them out!
More info: Reddit
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#1
Vinyls playing jazz at home. Most any music older than 1980 is a whole other vibe. It doesn’t feel the same when I play my Taylor Swift albums that I also have on Spotify.
Never underestimate the power of types of music for your mood. It’s like decorating the air.
LillieMean 8 months ago
Good music works like a scented candle. It creates the right atmosphere that floats in the air and hits just the right note. For me, jazz is not background music because at its best, each player tells the lyrics with their instrument and it hits straight to the heart and soul.
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#2
Buying high quality second-hand clothes. Wearing clothes made of natural fibers makes me feel rich.
Upstaged75 8 months ago
I discovered bamboo based clothing and it changed my life! I get hot flashes and it's designed to keep you cool. I have both pajamas and regular clothes and it's super comfortable. My favorite brand is Latuza and you can get it on Amazon. It's more expensive than cotton, but it's not hugely pricey.
marcelo D. 8 months ago
I remember when we used to call "bamboo" clothing what they actually are, which is Rayon.
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LillieMean 8 months ago
This is really true. I have found so many good clothes second hand. Well-known brands, quality materials. My best finds include a 60s dress and quality linen clothes, one of which I bought from a place where clothes are bought by weight. And my favorite hoodie cost 15€ instead of 150€. It's a shame that many places these days overprice products and flea markets where you rent a table sell dirty and holey clothes and you have to sift through all the temusheintrash.
#3
Learning to cook makes me feel rich because we eat like kings and queens. For example, I love steak but only rib eye. I buy rib eye every time I see it on sale. $8 for a rib eye cooked at home beats $50 for a rib eye at a restaurant.
R Dennis 8 months ago
Before we were middle-class, I would buy a lot of fancy things whenever they were on sale. When money was tight for a couple weeks and we couldn't shop for a couple paychecks, we ate steak, lobster, and crablegs from the freezer!
CatD 8 months ago
I buy snow crab legs when they're on sale, spend an hour cracking it and put enough in each ziplock for a crab Alfredo meal.
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Richard Iachetta 8 months ago
Not only does it make you feel rich but, it's going to taste better because it is cooked and seasoned the way you like it, not the way some egomaniacal chef tells you to eat it
Phred 8 months ago
Agreed, but there's also the pleasure of eating something that you didn't cook. Yes, I can cook, and I'm pretty good at it (according to my wife), but still, it's nice to be pampered sometimes.
Load More Replies...The thing is, "feeling rich" and "luxury" are very subjective things, as they differ according to how each individual perceives them. For instance, you can see in the list that some people think buying something makes their life luxurious, while others say that eating the vegetables that they planted themselves is what truly makes them feel "rich."
What we are trying to say is that not everything comes down to money, assets, or estate, as in the end, it's all about things that make you happy and give you the satisfaction that you need. No matter how much wealth you accumulate, it won't really make your life "rich" if you are miserable about the important things.
#4
Having fresh herbs to use in cooking. I either start from seed or buy small plants and keep them on the balcony. Having green growing things makes me happy and always having fresh herbs (right now there is rosemary, chives, oregano, thyme, dill, and I have basil seeds started)to cook with makes me enjoy cooking at home more.
Sue User 8 months ago (edited)
My herbs all die. Sad. ETA i have trees 40 ft that i grew from seed , but herb growing eludes me.
K Barnes 8 months ago
I have a basil plant that's still alive from last summer! It's looking pretty rough after the nearly sunless Canadian winter and not producing new leaves. Every year I say I'll try a grow light but never get around to setting it up.
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Roester 8 months ago
Plant a pot of cat grass, grows quickly and the cats love it. We have a pot of that and catnip, they leave everything else alone, including herbs. And it's fun to watch them on catnip.
Load More Replies... #5
Keep inside of car clean and smelling good.
Lila Allen 8 months ago
Neighbor's teenager details cars inside and out for $35. They just announced they are moving. I almost cried. Now I have to clean my car myself
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BrownEyedPanda 8 months ago
Ah, the aroma of freshly-cleaned vinyl and leather. That's what I call riding in style.
#6
I bought one place setting of a super fancy tea set when it was on clearance. It is a teacup, saucer, and desert/salad plate.
Sometimes when I need a pick me up, I’ll make tea and a snack with them and it makes me feel fancy and happy.
Lazy Panda 2 8 months ago
Making a pot of tea, putting milk into a little jug, and plating some biscuits. For some reason pouring that tea and milk into a nice mug just feels so good. Then slowly dunking the biscuits and eating them. Oh my.
PunchinelloTX 8 months ago
It really does make a difference mentally. Everybody has a different idea of luxury and what’s fancy or what’s a treat. Whatever it is… do that for yourself from time to time. Have that ritual. You won’t feel let down or deprived if you’re giving yourself something you consider special.
With "frugal living" turning into a trend, it has garnered a lot of negative attention as people always associate it with being cheap. However, it has been observed that frugality is not about miserly money-saving behavior; it is about lifestyle choices and values. It is about removing the obsession with materialism and competitiveness and focusing on what matters to you.
As we said, it's all about the little things in life that bring you true happiness. Research also suggests that frugal habits offer numerous hidden benefits beyond saving money, as frugal individuals often experience lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to their more materialistic counterparts.
#7
My towels are bath sheets. They're massive, stretching from armpit to knee. They could make a rather modest dress with very little effort. I feel much more warm after stepping out of a hot shower with my big towels and prefer never to use any other- I'll even bring mine when I'm traveling to avoid tiny hotel options.
Regina Holt 8 months ago
Mine are beach towels. They reach way longer than yours. I grew up using "regular" bath towels, and they were cheap also. I bought some beach towels at Costco years ago, and will never use small cheap ones again.
CatD 8 months ago
Plus you can get them cheaper at the end of the season.
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BrownEyedPanda 8 months ago
For me, bath sheets cover a multitude of sins (Snickers, Sara Lee, Hostess...) They're also more effective at drying than those loincloths called bath towels.
#8
I finally got myself a library card so I can download audiobooks for free on Libby. After using audible for so long it feels like cheating.
Science Nerd 8 months ago
And the latest Trump cut is a $3M program intended for library programs in underserved areas. 😢
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#9
Having a thrifted wardrobe full of Ralph Lauren,
Levi’s, Lululemon, Patagonia & other higher-end brands at a fraction of the original prices. But mostly it is wearing $1 secondhand silk pants and a $3 secondhand short-sleeve cashmere sweater as pajamas. Makes me feel like a QUEEN. 👸 💅.
CatD 8 months ago
Isn't that a lot of dry cleaning for pajamas? DC isn't good for the environment.
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ManuelQue 8 months ago
If it's vintage then it might be the original Lululemon stuff which, IIRC, was.pretty good.
Load More Replies...According to studies, 55% of people said that financial stress impacted their mental health, while 44% said that it impacted their physical health. However, it has been noted that those living frugally experience improved physical and mental health.
Other research implies that frugal lifestyle choices like avoiding fast food, for instance, can cut back on unnecessary expenses while avoiding excessive weight gain and improving your nutritional profile. Saving efficiently may also increase consumers’ likelihood of seeking preventative health treatment, enhancing longevity.
#10
Buying nicer outerwear. I grew up wearing tennis shoes with Walmart bags inside during snow days while my richer friends had snow pants, boots, mittens... I never had a pair of rainboots. My parents bought us nice coats and things but not until we were old enough to not grow out of things quickly. Now I have rain boots, rain jacket, light jackets, heavy coats, etc. Good outerwear makes me feel rich.
Regina Holt 8 months ago
I also now have really good outerwear. I've bought them on clearance, and they are just so much better than what I had bought in the past.
LillieMean 8 months ago
I almost always buy mine from outlet stores. You can find real bargains when the season changes.
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Julie Patel 8 months ago
I really wish I could find a good pair of rain boots that I wouldn't feel like I was flooding in. I have small feet and finding the right size is hard.
#11
Reading a book outside.
#12
After finishing a jar of pickles, I throw random veggies in the jar and put it back in the fridge. Extending that sweet sweet brine elevates a lot of meals!
Firstname Lastname 8 months ago
I've done it with radishes and onions. Currently have a jar of just brine in the fridge waiting for me to find quality veggies to pickle.
Lila Allen 8 months ago
Try green beans. Seriously it is amazing. Also okra.
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PunchinelloTX 8 months ago
Yes! I am a pickle enthusiast and it’s such a nice little extra boost.
Harvard conducted a long-running study, since 1938, that followed 724 teenagers from their youth to their retirement. The happiest among those who were retired had similar traits when it came to their mindset, not their bank account.
This just goes to show that the number of zeros in your bank balance is not the harbinger of happiness; it's how satisfied you feel with your life in the end that matters. No wonder there are so many unhappy millionaires out there who have all the finances they need but no satisfaction.
#13
Keeping my apartment spotless. And my pets happy and healthy.
Upstaged75 8 months ago
I currently have 2 kittens and spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning my home. But I love going to bed with everything clean and neat. And then I wake up to a huge mess they made while I was sleeping. :)
Richard Iachetta 8 months ago
Cleaning up after yourself, drudgery. Cleaning up after your pets, a labor of love.
#14
I declutterred and keep it up. We moved a number of times over the last 10 or so years and every time I got rid of more stuff. We kept the good stuff, the antiques, the art, the quality clothing and so on. Having less stuff is literally freeing and makes me feel richer.
If something is broken, we get it fixed or dispose of it. I spent so much of my life “making do” even when we could have afforded the update or we got the update and keep the older one “just in case”. No more. Even if it cannot be replaced or fixed, the old, broken one goes away.
My home feels light and airy, peaceful and calm. Every morning I open curtains to the sunshine/light to start my day. I am rich in the things that matter.
#15
Perfume. I buy only travel size or sample sizes spread out over time so that I have several to choose from by now and whenever I get ready it feels so wonderfully luxurious.
With this quote by Claire Luce, we conclude our thoughts: "Money can't buy happiness, but it can make you awfully comfortable while you're being miserable." Now we want to hear about your frugal things or habits that make you feel truly rich. Don't hesitate to share them in the comments below. Also, if you are able to relate to any of the things mentioned in this list, don't forget to upvote them!
#16
I love plating my food for myself and friends as if we are eating out, because we eat with our eyes and food is edible art ❤ A few times a week, I get to bring some beauty in the world with some small choices, and the investment of time. Can't afford to eat out much but don't feel like I'm missing out.
#17
Kerrygold butter. I only buy it for vacations & guests & for good bread. Makes them so much more luxurious.
BookFanatic 8 months ago
That, and pure maple syrup, are my only two luxuries. Worth every penny.
Jenn Smith 8 months ago
I've been meaning to try this butter. Now I sure will next time I can grocery shop!
Patti Bulldog 8 months ago
We've switched to this exclusively. I only use margarine to cook grilled cheese because the butter burns too quick.
ManuelQue 8 months ago
I started making grilled cheese sandwiches again a couple of months ago. I have non-stick pans and tried making them without butter or margarine. They turn out just fine.
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Lazy Panda 2 8 months ago
Good butter is lovely. Kerrygold is not the top butter(imho) but if it's making this person happy then I'm glad! Coz it's a million times better than miserable margarine.
#18
A long bath with cheap plain Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oils with a spa playlist on. .
#19
I clip coupons and save a ton of money on groceries (and grow some of my own food typically every year.)
I use some of those savings to buy myself flowers at the grocery store and make an arrangement at home after everything is put away.
K Barnes 8 months ago
Honest question, are grocery coupons still a thing where others live? They are really quite rare where I live and don't come in the mail/newspapers anymore. I know a few stores do online coupons but none of the grocers where I live. Some grocery stores do have apps with discounts but not most. I used to coupon heavily for groceries but it's no longer an option.
CatD 8 months ago
I live in Texas and HEB has an app with TONS of coupons.
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#20
Yard sales. Only way I get nice things, like a robot vacuum for cheap or a portable dishwasher. I feel like the jetsons and those two things combined costed me like $100. This summer I’m going to try to build my dvd collection so I can justify getting rid of my streaming services. Buy a 500 dvd binder and own my movies. One of these days I’ll build a server setup. But I digress.
Brian Droste 8 months ago
OP, what type of movies do you like. I got bunch of movies I would like to get rid of. I know I won't get a answer.
#21
I put a wet rag in the microwave for 30 seconds and it becomes a spa hot towel.
#22
I don't understand why but a glass straw.
Bec 8 months ago
Sorry but just thinking of a glass or metal straw makes me imagine a horrific catastrophic injury
Brian Droste 8 months ago (edited)
I bought a metal straw. Used it a few times. I could taste a metallic taste from it. Haven't used it since.
Load More Replies... Kit Black 8 months ago
The glass sits in sure, but the straw doesn't make that much difference.Other than annoy the hell out of your teeth.
Load More Replies... #23
Getting that boring ol’ homemade black coffee and putting cocoa, vanilla flavoring, whipped topping, and fun sprinkles in/on it. Or just making food look nice, in general.
Cerridwn d'Wyse 8 months ago
Don't use vanilla flavoring please use real vanilla. Sometimes when the beans are getting a little old, I add a little bit of ground vanilla to it while it's being brewed and it perks the coffee right back up.
#24
Going to bed every night in clean sheets and a made bed that looks like a hotel stay. Even when the rest of the house is chaos, it feels so nice to pull back the sheets and go to sleep.
DeoManus Argentem 8 months ago
I don't replace my sheets every day, but do make my bed - hard to beat slipping into a well-made bed!
Upstaged75 8 months ago
Is there anyone who changes their sheets every day? That's a lot of work! Maybe they have a maid or housekeeper? I make my bed every day to keep the cats out of the inside of it. :) They're allowed on top of the bedspread but I try to keep them off my pillows and sheets. Note that I said "try", LOL!
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#25
I keep a $100 bill in my wallet. I don’t spend it but I like knowing I have it. My accountant shared that one with me.
Michael Largey 8 months ago (edited)
People who don’t have a hundred dollars to spare usually don’t have accountants
Load More Replies... BookFanatic 8 months ago
I've got one in the glovebox of my car. Learned that the hard way after getting a flat in the pouring rain and the tow guy didn't take credit or debit.
Upstaged75 8 months ago
My dad gives me a $100 bill for Xmas every year even though I ask him not to. I don't keep it in my wallet but I put it away to save for something special.
Cerridwn d'Wyse 8 months ago
Depending on where you live even a $20 bill is a plus. Sometimes you end up somewhere that doesn't want to take that credit that you have or is going to charge you to use your credit card. And it's something that you need not that you want. I actually keep cash to use the Farmers Market because they get charged quite a bit every time you use a card and I'm there as much to support them as I am too feed myself
#26
Having a luxurious shower. After a long day and getting in a hot shower and lathering on my shampoo that I use as a body wash and just relaxing in the shower makes me feel so happy.
Lyoness 8 months ago (edited)
If you use a fancy (ish) body wash with a new loofah it's even better. Edit to add I don't mean spending a ton but a Bath and Bodyworks one doesn't cost much and lasts forever.
Brian Droste 8 months ago
Isn't Bath and Bodyworks closed up or are closing? I thought I seen this on the news a while back.
Load More Replies... #27
I switched from keurig to French press. Omg it’s a great upgrade. I can batch make cold brew concentrate too!!
#28
Flossing. Secret trick to no morning breath ever!
BookFanatic 8 months ago
Lucky. I floss every night and my morning breath could wake the dead (or at least make the cats do their "stinky face" scrunch and hop off the bed in disgust).
Aussi Panda 8 months ago
I brush teeth, floss, use mouthwash & still wake up with bad breath, I don’t think it’s avoidable 🤪
Load More Replies... CatD 8 months ago
Actually, a lot of it comes from the stomach. Mint, Basil and Parsley help.
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#29
Swimming at the community center. There are gyms near me that charge $250/month and don’t have a pool, but I get free fitness classes and a pool.
#30
I do so by keeping my home exceptionally clean and orderly. My wife and I live better than our friends that inherited millions. They have a big house but it is disgustingly dirty because they don't bother to look after it.
Brian Droste 8 months ago
If they inherited millions, couldn't they have a maid or a service come in the most once a week or the least once a month? If I came in millions which is never going to happened, I would hire someone to come in and clean for me.
Julie Patel 8 months ago
Are you serious or just lying? I'm sure if your friends inherited millions, they'd hire a cleaning service or a maid to clean their house. If they aren't, they're not spending their money effectively.
#31
Mini chocolate chips or grated chocolate bar in my instant cocoa. Levels that right up.
Also I found a place that sells discounted Pepperidge Farm breads near their best-by date for $1.60 a loaf and that makes even a PBJ feel special.
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What do you think ?
Lyoness 8 months ago
I don't know if they have it in other countries but in Canada there's an app called Too Good To Go that you can use to find stores offering end of day or close to expired food for next to nothing. The last time we used it we got a huge bag full of perfectly good produce and a loaf of day old Ace (super fancy) bread for $5.
bElLa sTairZz 8 months ago
this is so usefull what? australia better have it
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R Dennis 8 months ago
I saw a story where a person said they didn't have China sets in cupboards in France, they used their nice dishes every day! I don't know if it's true, but I won an auction (less than $50 USD) for a 12 place China set and they are our daily dishes. (Found a similar set online that sold for $2500!)
Lyoness 8 months ago
I don't know if they have it in other countries but in Canada there's an app called Too Good To Go that you can use to find stores offering end of day or close to expired food for next to nothing. The last time we used it we got a huge bag full of perfectly good produce and a loaf of day old Ace (super fancy) bread for $5.
bElLa sTairZz 8 months ago
this is so usefull what? australia better have it
Load More Replies... R Dennis 8 months ago
I saw a story where a person said they didn't have China sets in cupboards in France, they used their nice dishes every day! I don't know if it's true, but I won an auction (less than $50 USD) for a 12 place China set and they are our daily dishes. (Found a similar set online that sold for $2500!)
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