These days many major metropolitan areas are tough to afford, especially if you’re just starting out. But, as one man learned, life doesn’t have to break the bank every month. If you’re on a budget, chances are you’ve read a million lists designed to help you save money while also living in the big city. Make your own coffee! Avoid restaurants! Take public transportation! Absolutely, those are great ways to save money in a major metropolitan area, but they certainly aren’t the only ways. I’ve always been a cost-conscious guy, and when I first moved to Dar es salaam , I was happy to find a few unique ways to navigate my exciting life in the city while also preserving my sanity and my savings account. Let me clue you in.
Figure out your non-essentials
Everyone’s priorities are different, so it’s up to you to figure out what you can and cannot live without. I found that mapping out all my expenses was a great help this way, I had a full picture of where my money was going. From there, I was able to discern which items or experiences would bring me genuine happiness, and which ones were costing me money simply due to routine.
For example: if chatting with your favorite barista is the highlight of every morning, then don’t apologize for that cup of joy. But if you’re buying a daily coffee just because you never learned how to make it yourself, attempt to learn.
Be smart about your beauty and fitness routine
Beauty and fitness can often take a backseat when you’re trying to cut back on expenses. But it’s still important to feel good and treat yourself every once in a while. Take yourself to affordable hair salon, nails salon and gym. There’s nothing wrong with trying out making yourself look good but this should not be a daily routine, try your best to adjust and not do it every day in order to minimize costs
Pick up a side gig
Whether you find yourself falling behind on rent or just want some extra spending money, seek out opportunities that can help you bring in cash without requiring long-term commitment. You can easily use your hobbies and interests; photography, graphic design, Forex trading and blogging. There is nothing wrong with finding a part time job to help balancing your income.
Tip: If you have some extra time use it to make more money do not depend on you monthly salary.
Live below your means.
I’ve learned that just because you can swing that nicer apartment in a nicer neighborhood doesn’t necessarily mean you should. I don’t recommend living in a dangerous area or in a complete hole to save money. Cockroaches and rats are not worth it. But going a couple hundred dollars below your budget can really pad your savings account. Similarly, just because you have the money to splurge on something doesn’t mean you should. I think it’s important to treat yourself every once in a while, but really take the time to think about those purchases don’t make them impulsively.
Don’t Let Laundry and Dry Cleaning Shrink Your Budget
Avoid taking your cloth to dry cleaning or Laundry, wash your clothes and iron them yourself. Costs for these services in big cities like Dar es Salaam are too high, avoiding them will help boosting up your saving account.
Saving simply means spending less than what you earn, always before spend cash on anything ask yourself first; do you real need this?. Make your daily budget to control your cash flow in and out, this is the key responsibility to everyone who live in middle standard life. In whatever you earn make sure, to spend it respectful, and remember to save.
