How to Live Like You're Rich (Part 1)... Even If You Don't Have the Budget for It

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Being rich isn't just about having a large bank balance, rental real estate, or substantial investments.  You don't have to chase any of those status symbols if you pay attention to what really makes you feel happy.  Stop following the billionaires and the influencers and listen to your inner voice.


the luxury of space, focus, and quality



30 ways to live a luxe life as a minimalist (Part 1)


1.  Remember who you were when you were 10.

What did you enjoy when you were 10 years old?  Learning?  Adventure?  Being with good friends?  Or something else?


Recalling your values and desires at age 10 might help you figure out your priorities today.  Maybe you'd rather emphasize new experiences and close relationships over material possessions.  You might value personal growth more than a large financial portfolio.  Your hobbies or simple pleasures such as a picnic, a pet, or a day at the beach might bring more joy than a fancy watch or designer shoes.


Tuning in and achieving what really matters to you will make you feel wealthy and blessed.


2.  Develop some enjoyable, no-spend rituals.

Treat yourself to an elevated existence by savoring a good cup of coffee or tea near a window or on a porch or patio each morning.  Put away your phone and your work while you eat a meal; prepare an attractive plate and eat small mouthfuls, enjoying the flavor of your food even if it's simple.  Take a leisurely walk in the sun or in the rain.  Visit a public garden and enjoy the lovely landscaping.  Turn off the TV and read a book.  Listen to classical music on the radio, or stream it with an app.


I can think of dozens of uplifting rituals, and I bet you can too.


3.  Live on less than you earn.

If you regularly outspend your income, you'll always feel stressed about money and uncertain about your future.  Being wealthy means having financial peace, and the solution is simple – live below your means and build an emergency fund.


4.  Remember what being rich really is.

It's not about having the latest gadget, designer handbag, or luxury car.  You could have all of that yet have a very low net worth.  Being rich is about having an emergency fund, a retirement plan, and no debt.


5.  Recognize that free time is a luxury.

Most people are "crazy busy" and running from one appointment to the next all day.  Make white space on your calendar, and you'll have the luxury of leisure that others long for.


6.  Live well.

They say that "living well is the best revenge."  Live so that you feel positive and full of energy.  Sleep, hydrate, and add a fruit and vegetable to every meal.  Watch your posture, and get up and move around every hour instead of just sitting.  Use superb manners, treat others with kindness, and stop complaining.


7.  Style your home as if it's a high-end Airbnb.

This is perfect for a minimalist, an enjoyable way to live, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money.  To begin, declutter and keep only the necessities, plus a few beautiful extras.  Make your rooms spacious by removing any furniture you don't use regularly.  Get rid of extraneous kitchen items so you can keep counters clear and sparkling clean, and do the same in the bathroom.  Make sure bedrooms are for relaxing and connecting – not for working, snacking, laundry, kids' toys, or pet paraphernalia.

  • If you're planning to paint, choose a neutral, cohesive palette.  This ties rooms together and makes the space feel larger and more tranquil.
  • Make sure your LED bulbs are warm-toned.  You don't want lamps to cast a clinical, bluish light.
  • Choose one or two special pieces of wall art for each room.  One beautifully framed family photo can replace a dozen scattered, inferior shots.
  • Curate your bookshelves, keeping only volumes you love and will read again.  Fill in with a healthy plant or two and a few pieces of your favorite collection.
  • Keep tables clear and ready for use, except for a few interesting books or magazines or a scented candle.*
  • Invest in a nice tray you can use to transport drinks and snacks from the kitchen.  Prevent spills and make it easier to tidy up.
  • Upgrade your couch with new, neutral-toned toss cushions, but not so many that you can't sit without moving them.
  • Add a bowl of fresh ripe fruit to your kitchen counter or table.
  • Use the "good" towels you've been saving, and get rid of the raggedy, mismatched junk.  Make sure there are enough hooks so towels don't end up on the floor.
  • Make your bed every morning.  It's a smooth, inviting focal point, and sets the tone for the entire room.
  • If you can, use white or light-colored sheets with at least a 400 hundred thread count, a 100% cotton coverlet, and new fluffy pillows.  Upgrade your closet with matching hangers.
  • Create an outdoor room, even if you can only fit a tiny table and a couple of chairs.  If you have more space, cushioned patio furniture, a fire pit, a gas grill, or a water fountain would be lovely amenities.  Keep your yard trimmed and pleasant to look at, and add fairy lights or solar lanterns for the evenings.


* This blog is supported by my readers.  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.


8.  Polish your look.

True style is not about luxury brands.  Become conscious of quality and fit, and you won't need to go to a bespoke tailor to dress well (although professional tailoring of a consignment piece needn't be expensive).


Don't just walk around in yoga pants and a hoody.  If you wear jeans or leggings, make sure they flatter your body type.  Add a pretty top or jacket, wear shoes that look neat and tasteful, consider simple earrings or a necklace.  Nothing has to be expensive or brand new – just of a quality that looks like you made a bit of effort.


If you don't like fooling with your hair every day, either get a short, easy-care cut or learn to do a simple bun.  You don't need a lot of makeup, but a bit of moisturizing foundation with sun protection (sun exposure is the main cause of facial aging), a touch of mascara, and a dab of lipstick or tinted lip balm will add some color and energy to your features.  None of this takes a lot of time, but you'll feel more confident and pulled-together, and that will make you walk taller and with a spring in your step.


9.  "Shop" the library.

The public library is a rich resource that too many of us rarely access.  I can check the shelves where new books are displayed and browse to my heart's content.  There are older and classic novels too; even expensive travel and decorating books.  I can also request things through interlibrary loan.  I go online, put my choices in the cart, and receive an email when they arrive.  It feels like something that should be expensive, but it's free!  And when I finish with a book, I return it for someone else to use, instead of cluttering up my bookshelves.


10.  Be a tourist where you live.

I live about 125 miles from San Francisco, Muir Woods, and the Napa Valley.  People travel from all over the world to visit those places!  The same is true for Yosemite National Park and the Monterey/Carmel area, just a bit further away from my home.  I don't need to get a passport, take an expensive flight, or plan my trip for months in advance.  Yet I only go to those places once a year or less.


There are also several museums in Sacramento (only 40 miles away) that I haven't visited in quite a while.  Sacramento also has theater, ballet, opera, and the symphony.  There's pro basketball and AAA baseball.  In my own small town, there's a pops orchestra, art shows, several museums, and multiple cultural festivals throughout the year.  Many of them are free.  Do I attend all of them?  No.  All of these riches are right on my doorstep, and I don't take advantage of them.


I could make my life richer by enjoying these things that others travel from afar to experience.





True riches


None of this is about actually having a high income.  It's about making the most of what you have, being creative, and enjoying every day.  That's how to live like you're rich.


Coming Thursday:  Part 2


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