Living Well. 6 Ways You Can Live a Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

Have you ever dreamed of sipping Cristal while your bank account screams beer? I hear ya’.. Who doesn't want to sink into plush velvet sofas and designer threads and jet off to exotic locales?

Here's the deal. Society often indicates living well is reserved for the elite few with thick wallets and thicker trust funds. But you know what?

That can be you, too! No need to daydream about winning the lottery or becoming a trust fund baby. All it takes is creativity, a dash of resourcefulness, and the willingness to think outside the

box.

So, are you ready to turn those envious sighs into reality and start living the good life? Excellent! Let's dive in.

What does living well mean to you?

First of all, living well is a state of mind. What defines living well? Eating well? Enjoying friends in social settings? Travel? Clothing?

If you recall the Monty Python skit about Luxury, you probably have a different idea in mind of what living well is. Enjoy the skit, but come back to read how you can have a luxury life on a budget!

1. Savvy Shopping: The Art of Never Paying Full Price

One of the greatest secrets to living a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget is to master the art of never paying full price. Yes, you heard that right. Living well without shelling out the maximum retail price for your needs and wants is possible.

● Start with this simple mindset shift: Be patient. The flash of a sale sign or the urgency of a "limited-time offer" can lead to impulse purchases. These ‘time-limited offers are designed to separate you from your money.

● If you hold off on buying a handbag or tech gadget until it's on sale, you'll save hundreds in the long run. Tech gadgets have a short life at the top. Instead, buy a refurbished or previous version of your desired tech gadget.

● Next, get familiar with discount retailers, physical stores and online platforms. Stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls or online outlets like Overstock offer brand-name goods at deeply discounted prices. Also, check out sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark for second-hand items in excellent condition.

● Remember coupon and cashback websites like Rakuten or Honey. These platforms provide promo codes or a percentage of cash back on your purchases, so you save money even as you spend.

● Learn to negotiate where appropriate. In some situations, such as buying a car or furniture or contracting home improvements, the sticker price is often just a starting point for negotiations. Don't be afraid to haggle - it could save you a lot of money.

● There are also sites like Freecycle, where people give away things they no longer need. I furnished my son’s first house with free furniture from Freecycle. An eagle eye and patience will get you all kinds of amazing things, from appliances to barely used beds.

● Lastly, make a habit of buying items out of season. Retailers often slash prices to clear out stock for the new season's goods. Winter coats in spring, barbeque grills in fall, holiday decor after the holidays - you'll get the best deals when demand is low.

Remember, every dollar saved is a dollar that can go towards funding your champagne lifestyle. Armed with patience, a keen eye for deals, and the knowledge of when and where to shop, you'll be amazed at how much you can save without compromising your quality of life.

2. Home - Party like it’s 1999

Living a champagne lifestyle doesn't mean you dine out every night. Instead, you can create gourmet meals right at home!

Dining in

● Start by shopping at farmer's markets where fresh, local produce can often be found at lower prices than in supermarkets. In addition, these markets can provide the quality ingredients necessary to elevate your home-cooked meals.

● Take a gourmet cooking class or two (or use YouTube). Not only will you learn new culinary skills, but you'll also discover how to recreate your favourite restaurant dishes at home.

● A key to saving money is to plan your meals better and waste less. Buying only what you need and using it wisely means more money in your pocket.

● Explore an ingredients delivery service for a few meals. Sites like Marley Spoon and HelloFresh provide ingredients for tasty meals you cook at home. The recipes will differ from what you usually cook, and all the elements will be delivered.

Dining out

● If you enjoy dining out, consider splurging on lunch rather than dinner. Many upscale restaurants offer lunch specials that provide the same gourmet experience at a fraction of the dinner price. In addition, you don’t have to stress (as much) about the dress code, and getting a reservation is often easier.

Entertainment at Home

You don't need to go out to have a good time. Back in the day, having dinner parties at home and trying new things was all the rage.

● Hosting potluck dinner parties is a great way to enjoy diverse dishes and good company without bearing the entire cost. Especially ensure you tell people that drinks are BYO. You want to avoid getting stuck providing alcohol to your guests.

● Have a movie night with a good film and homemade popcorn.

● Invest in a quality coffee maker instead of frequenting expensive cafes.

3. Travel - Go, Go, Go

Travel is where we envision our most fabulous selves! But it can become costly to get out there.

● Airfare can be a significant travel expense, but apps and websites that track flight prices can help you snag tickets at their cheapest. Try Rome to Rio or Skiplagged for inspiration.

● Instead of traditional hotel stays, explore accommodation alternatives like Airbnb, Stayz, or house swapping, which often offer unique places to stay at a fraction of the cost.

● Be flexible with your travel dates and locations. Travelling off-season often means less crowded destinations and significant discounts. In addition, going off the beaten track can lead to more authentic, enriching experiences that many tourists miss.

4. Dress to Impress

High fashion doesn't have to come with a high price tag, but it usually does!

● Focus on buying good-quality classics that will last and stay stylish for years. A classic jacket or blazer will take you anywhere.

● Shopping second-hand in classy neighbourhoods often means finding high-end, barely worn clothes at a fraction of the original cost. I do this for my business wardrobe. As a result, I’ve bought some great styles for a fraction of the new price, and there is no danger of running into someone at work wearing the same thing.

● The second-hand clothing business is HUGE and covers the whole range of funky to fabulous. For example, my daughter purchased a gorgeous wedding dress (worn once, still in its original box) for just $300.

● Consider renting for big special occasions instead of buying an outfit you'll only wear once. This was a lifesaver when I had to attend award ceremonies for my industry. Fabulous and (almost) free gowns that you would never wear again.

● Hosting a clothing swap with friends can be a fun and cost-effective way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime.

● Sometimes, just a couple of new accessories can completely change the look of an outfit. Try that instead of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Jooje it up!

5. Leisure: Here for a good time, not a long time

Get OUT there! We are social animals, and we need the contact.

● Look for local Meetups offering activities you're interested in. They're often free or low-cost and a great way to meet new people. For example, I’ve been bushwalking with ‘wild women’, learned plumbing with ‘women builders’ and joined a mass ‘ukulele playing group’ in my community. Go crazy. Have fun.

● Embrace the great outdoors by going for walks in nature, planning picnics, or even taking short camping trips. Use an app like Trails. These can be memorable, luxury experiences without the luxury price tag. If you don’t have camping gear, borrow it from friends. Campers are always keen to encourage a recruit.

● Side note: I’ve never understood buying a camping van or caravan unless you plan to live in it full-time. You will pay tens of thousands of dollars, require space to store it and pay to maintain and licence it when you use it for a few weeks a year. On the other hand, there are many hire companies or even services, like Camplify, where you can hire a vehicle from someone who owns one (but isn’t using it) for a fraction of the price of owning one.

● Another great low-cost holiday is returning hired vehicles to hire companies. I took a holiday in New Zealand, where the camper was free. I just had to get it from Christchurch on the south island, where someone else had paid to drop it off, to Auckland on the north island within a set period. You get free vehicle use but pay for the fuel and ferry costs. You don’t get to dawdle, but you can see a lot of the country for free if you like a road trip. Again, the time scale can be negotiated.

6. Transport - Luxury Rides

● If you dream of driving a luxury car, consider buying a used one. You'll get the comfort and prestige of a luxury vehicle without the steep depreciation of buying a new one.

There are traps with this suggestion, so take someone with you who knows cars and the market, especially if you are buying from an individual rather than a dealer.

● I know because I did this. As a 21-year-old, I bought a 1963 Mercedes-Benz 230SL. See photo. I paid thousands of dollars to make it roadworthy; in the end, I had to sell it to repay the loan.

● Rent a luxury car for a week or two. Get it out of your system.

● Treat yourself to a Uber Black occasionally. Why not? You deserve it.

Popping the Cork on Your New Lifestyle

It's easy to get caught in the thought that a life of luxury is only for the ultra-wealthy. You might think, "Sure, these tips sound great, but can I pull this off?" You can!

Embracing a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget isn't about trying to fake being rich or living beyond your means. Instead, it's about making savvy choices that add a touch of glamour and comfort to your everyday life without draining your wallet.

Think about it. You've just discovered how to whip up gourmet meals at home that'd make a chef nod in approval. You've learned how to travel smart, finding hidden gems without paying top dollar. You've found ways to dress to impress without breaking the bank and have various entertainment options that will fill your pockets.

But, most importantly, you've learned that luxury is a state of mind. It's about appreciating the finer things in life, sure, but it's also about knowing you can experience them without a hefty price tag. It's about understanding that you don't need to be a millionaire to feel like one.

Now, go out there and make it happen because you've got this!