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iSAVvy: Live Not Within But Below Your Means

Too bad I don't have a license and there is no such van here. Image from : https://unsplash.com/photos/xr-y6Ruw7K8?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink

Live below your means doesn't mean comprising your living standard but having a sustainable lifestyle with what you have. Is a simple way of life people desire. 
—— Dickson Idlier

Live below your means is spending less money than you earn (budget management) but to me, it is living with bare essentials. Similar to minimalism minus declutter your stuff to the minimum. Another aspect is be as debt-free as possible. 

Will I be like a cheapskate person if I live below my means? Yes in a certain sense but you are smiling with a fat bank account while others slogging their lives over money. Different people perceive differently what are bare essentials. Below is an idea of living with my bare essentials:
  • Food. We need to eat to live. Try to buy fresh ingredients and cook more often compared to eating out is cheaper.『Sometimes I eat dumpster-dived expired food for free. 』
  • Shopping. Buy from discount stores or thrift shops. Some online stores offer great discounts on special events so buying stuff at these events is cheaper. 『I dumpster-dived lots of clothes and merchandise so practically what I use mostly is free. Only buy what I need. 』
  • House. Buy the cheapest house available. 『I got my cheapest house and fully paid my mortgage before I retire. 』
  • Transport. Take public transport instead of owning a car. If public transport is not an option, a second-hand car can be considered. 『I only take public transport as cars are too expensive and too much liability. 』
  • Entertainment. Consider a cheaper form of entertainment as much as possible. Like free streaming compared to Netflix. Reading books (library) and surfing the net is very affordable. 『I prefer free entertainment like reading manga, watching anime and drama, and surfing the net. 』
  • Exercise. There are many types of YouTube workouts freely available to do at home rather than going gym. Or do outdoor exercises like walking, running or cycling. 『I do my routine exercises at home and most of my sporting gears are dumpster-dived. 』
  • Cheap or free hobbies. Stay away from collection hobbies. Try blogging, listen to YouTube music, reading and walking. 『I do blogging, dumpster diving and those in the entertainment section. 』
  • Expenses. Eliminate or reduce as much as you can live with. Not all expenses are the same but a little reduction here and there makes a big difference. Only by knowing what you spend can you identify what you can reduce. 『I prefer not to spend if possible or will get the most worthy one, or cheapest. 』
Live below your means forces you to understand what is essential to you and you only need so little to live with. This mentality leads to financial freedom and forces you to evaluate what is important to you and whatnot. I truly advise anyone to try to understand that life can be carefree as you want it to be. Like me. 

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