6 Life Hacks To Feel Like Money While You Save It
Just admit it, it's hard to be Bad and Boujee when your credit score is just bad. After the hair and nail appointments, frequent travel trips, and falling for yet another dinner invite, saving money can seem like a slow death impossible.
When I decided to tackle my debt in 2016, I went cold turkey and gave up everything. I wanted to keep some "boujee" activities from my lifestyle but I was terrified that it would lead me back into the stress of missed payments and paycheck to paycheck living. So, in order to get the bag and keep it, I closed up shop. I knew that this decision would change my future life and my one-day family. It felt worth it.
Although I began to work tirelessly on paying down my massive student loan debt, I started to miss being able to have fun.
I didn't want anything to get in the way of my goal yet what I found was that there were plenty of ways to still live life in your 20s while saving money. It may take some creativity, but keeping coins is a powerful step toward defining your wealth.
They key is loving the journey along the way. So here are six ways to still walk it like you talk it and flex on 'em right now:
Nail DIY: Press-Ons
Please don't sleep on the press-ons. The average costs of a basic manicure ranges at about $20-$35 and that doesn't include pedicures, acrylics, and design fees. Lately, I've found a way around that with press-on nails. These little heaven-sents can last for up to two weeks without the damaging effects of gel or acrylic on your nail bed. Most sets can be found at stores like Target and Walmart and can start at $7. It's a good way to still look put together without dropping hundreds each month on a touch up.
Live the VIP Club Life
I live in Las Vegas and I always see thousands of people drop money on clubs to experience the nightlife. One hack I learned is to find a party promoter and get on their guest list (this can work no matter where you are). It can easily be done by going on Instagram and hashtagging the club. For example, if you want to attend Drais in Las Vegas, hashtag #draislv. If you look through the hashtag, there are hundreds of promoters that list flyers and contact numbers for guest lists. Just make sure that your crew consists of mostly girls and you are in that thang for free.
Small Plates Only, Please
There are so many amazing restaurants around, but they are often way out of what we can afford. To not miss out on the experience, try going to a nice restaurant and sampling appetizers or desserts with friends. If you split the bill, this will cost way less than spending money on a dinner on your own and you get to try a variety of dishes.
Shop Til You Drop...On Holidays
Stores are always having holiday sales and luckily, they come every few months. If there is a big event coming up or you just need a new outfit, wait it out until a holiday and then shop. Stores (especially online) have so many great holiday deals and it's a good way to stack up on cute items without blowing the bank on a daily.
Makeup Samples
Makeup is my weakness and if you're like me, YouTube beauty tutorials constantly leave me itching to try products. I noticed that makeup stores like Sephora or ULTA have sample sizes of very popular yet expensive makeup lines such as Smashbox. Try buying the samples instead of paying full price, which is usually a large difference. It allows you to try the product to see if you like it and if you don't wear makeup all the time, it will usually last you a long time.
Boujee on a budget is possible. Try some of these tips and you will still feel like a baddie while securing the bag!
Featured image by Giphy
Alaina is a Las Vegas freelance writer and founder of the website GlowSZN, a post-grad survival blog for the lit and educated. Embracing the raggedy moments of adulthood, she is always looking to push the narrative of growth in God, becoming financially free and owning your truth in your 20's. You can follow her on Instagram or Twitter at @hotlaina_.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
