Surviving in Style: How I Thrived on a Shoestring Budget in LA
When I made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles to complete my college education, I knew I had to adopt a radical approach to saving money. With two part-time jobs and a modest writing gig, I was determined to avoid piling up debt. By embracing extreme frugality, I managed to keep my basic living costs under $14,000 per year – a feat that allowed me to stay in school without taking on additional debt.
The Power of Sacrifice
To tackle LA’s exorbitant rent prices, I opted for a housing hack that wasn’t exactly luxurious, but effective. I found a $1,800 one-bedroom apartment and split the rent with two roommates, each paying $600 plus $50 for utilities. This meant sacrificing personal space, but it was a small price to pay for financial freedom.
Food for Thought
To keep my food costs low, I started each day with a backpack full of essentials: PB&Js, energy bars, apples, and a reusable water bottle. For dinner, I cooked simple meals like pasta or tacos at home, and took advantage of free meals on campus or at work. This thrifty approach allowed me to spend around $200 per month on food and household items.
Getting Around on a Shoestring
When my car broke down soon after moving to LA, I saw it as an opportunity to cut costs. I downgraded my auto insurance to the bare minimum ($60 per month) and relied on public transportation, walking, and ride-sharing to get around. Eventually, I sold my car for $700 and continued to use alternative modes of transport.
The Art of Frugality
To keep “extras” to a minimum, I rarely bought new clothes, only replacing shoes when necessary. I allocated around $200 per month for miscellaneous expenses like textbooks, toiletries, gifts, and entertainment. Whenever possible, I sought out free activities, like attending house parties and signing up for free movie premiere tickets.
Flexing My Frugal Muscle
Surviving on $1,160 per month in an expensive city was a challenge, but it taught me valuable lessons about the importance of frugality. Over time, I grew stronger in my ability to resist lifestyle inflation and focus on what truly brings me happiness. Today, as a full-time worker, I still prioritize saving and spend less than $20,000 per year. My years of extreme frugality have given me a unique perspective on what’s truly important – and what’s not.
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