You work hard and you budget your money carefully. It would be nice to be able to live it up, but you know your financial limits and you live accordingly. However, there are ways you can live the good life and still not bust your budget.

Cars

A nicer car costs more than a so-called “beater,” but in the long run, a reliable vehicle can save you money on repairs, which leads to lost hours at work. That doesn’t mean you should run out and pick up a BMW, but there is a budget-friendly way to find a comfortable and reliable car: buy used. Just a short time spent on a computer can get you a short list of quality used cars. Yes, you can buy luxury cars used, but keep in mind that those vehicles cost more to keep up. Often there’s no difference in quality between a carmaker’s higher-end models and that of its more affordable products. The Lexus ES for example, is built on the Toyota Camry’s platform.^[1] Only the fancier (and pricier) options distinguish them.

Food

After a long day at work, who wants to cook? Restaurants can kill your budget though.   Stretch your dollar by using a two-for-one dining website. There are several out there, and they can be found simply by Googling “two for one dining” and the name of your city. Of course eating in is still your most economical option, yet there’s no reason for it to be mundane. Try a new recipe, use the good dishes, and dress up for dinner.  Get the whole family involved and experience a new found closeness that’s more valuable than a meal at a five-star restaurant.

Travel

The world of travel yields plenty of bargains.  It may take some digging, but you can save on everything from airfare to lodgings. You can save big money going to popular vacation destinations off-season. Florida in October, Las Vegas in December––all the fun you’d have during the peak season, for much less money. Too far to drive? Try a discount airline that flies from an alternate airport.^[2] These lesser-used airfields may be a little further away, but they are preferred by discount carriers and the savings can be significant. Many major tourist destinations are served by these carriers, and like hotels, lower their prices during off-peak travel times. You might also want to consider a day trip by car to a neighboring region and see the sites there. Pack snacks, leave early, and save on food and lodging. Better still, take a “staycation” and spend time visiting all of the unique attractions in your community.

Electronics

Be kind to your budget and make it a stay-at-home movie night. Viewing on a nice high-definition TV makes the experience even better. But again, it can be budget-prohibitive to purchase a new flat screen. Many stores, both online and so-called brick-and-mortar establishments, offer refurbished electronics at a reasonable discount. You can also buy these rebuilt products directly from the manufacturer. Aside from TVs, you’ll also find used computers, DVD players, printers, and more. In the end, other people’s desire to have the latest and greatest can save you serious money. Savings can vary, but if you’re willing to settle for a slightly older model of a particular item, you can save between 33-50%. Although some   items originally may have been sent back due to malfunction, it is estimated that only about 5% of returned electronics are truly defective.^[3]

Shop around

Outlet malls are a great place to find bargains on luxury items, although many retailers with such shops know this and no longer discount items as steeply as they once did.^[4] Like their counterparts, these locations run sales and offer coupons online and in newspaper circulars.^[4] That being said, regular locations of many retailers can be a treasure trove of bargains, especially if you you’re a savvy shopper. Department stores regularly unload older merchandise at a discount–anywhere between 25-90%. Many websites offer discontinued merchandise at bargain prices as well, but make sure you’re dealing with a reputable site. Many upscale consignment shops offer luxury items without the high-end price tag too.

Figure out what’s important

Living it up is nice, but at the end of the day you may find that real luxury lies within the simple intangibles. Spending time with family, sleeping in on the weekend, and curling up on the sofa to watch your favorite movie are likely far more enjoyable than a jewelry box full of bling or a sleek sports car. Perhaps you’d just like one or two high-end items to make life a little nicer. Shop wisely, and you can have some of the better things is life. Remember, the best way to experience the good life is to live within your means.

About the Author: Check ‘n Go, the fourth largest consumer financial service institution in the United States, offers online payday loans, check cashing, and cash advance loans as part of their commitment to ethical and responsible lending. Check ‘n Go has consistently set high standards for their payday loan and installment loan services to make sure that their customers continue to have options available for whatever financial circumstances come their way.

References:

[1] “Toyota Camry.” Wikipedia.com Web. 19 March 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camry

[2] “Get cheaper flights by flying to alternate airports.” CheapFlights.com. Web. 19 March 2012

http://www.cheapflights.com/travel-tips/alternate-airports/

[3] “Refurbished electronics: A bargain shopper’s guide.” ConsumerReports.com. Web. 19 March 2012

http://news.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/08/refurbished-e-1.html

[4] Weisbaum, Herb. “Do Outlet Malls Really Offer Good Deals?” KOMONews.com. Web. 19 March 2012

http://www.komonews.com/news/archive/4185896.html

Author: Ryan O’ Connor