10 Creative Ways to Cut Living Expenses

Budget-Friendly Solutions to Living a Good Life on a Teacher’s Budget

So, here I am, reflecting on the whirlwind journey from being a stay-at-home mom for ten years to my current life as a teacher.

For the first 6 years of my son’s life, I pulled off what seemed like the impossible. I was able to find work that allowed me to stay home, while supporting our family of two. I achieved the unachievable single mother’s dream. Heck, I achieved the dream a lot of mothers with partners wish that they could have. I did. Until I didn’t.

In 2017, things got hard and they kept getting harder, until I decided to go back into teaching, last year.

When Living the Dream Falls Apart

I wanted to continue to be a stay at home mom, homeschool my child, and pursue my dreams. I decided that I no longer wanted to just survive. I wanted to thrive and do things that made me feel joy. I wanted to create a life that I loved. So I let go of everything that I had built and tried to start over.

Things fell apart, when I tried to detach from things that were no longer working for me so that I could move towards my passion and purpose

It didn’t take long to realize that my new business was not as easy to market and the online sphere wasn’t as easy to navigate as I had imagined.

Between huge life transitions, devastating relationship endings, and rebuilding following trauma, I just didn’t work the same way anymore. And I couldn’t support my family…well, not in the typical sense. I was able to find ways to lower my expenses, so that I would have the space to pursue my dreams.  Supporting my family became a puzzle, one where I had to get creative about slashing expenses while still keeping my dreams in sight.

Are you trying to live the dream? Do you have dreams of staying home with your kids or quitting your job to pursue your creative dreams?

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Besides having a support system that I was able to lean on, I was able to find ways to lower my expenses, to give me a little more breathing room.

Tips and Tricks for Living Your Dream on a Budget

How can you Rethink Your Expenses?

Rent would be first. This is typically our biggest expense. Find a roommate or find an alternative living situation like renovating a camper into a Tiny Home. Believe it or not, that was the choice I made and I have no regrets. Would I do it, again? Probably not, but at the time, it was a great solution.

It’s not easy to find one that you can purchase without having credit to finance or without the full amount in cash, but if you want it badly enough, eventually it will happen. I have been gifted 2 campers.

There are also ways to finance and keep your monthly cost under $200.

For a lot fee, you can find a campground or find a friend who would let you park on their land. It’s much cheaper and like a small version of an intentional community.

If the idea of living in a camper seems daunting, consider exploring alternatives like bartering a space, finding a roommate to share expenses with, or renovating a tiny living space creatively. You can live tiny in a studio or a one-bedroom to save on money. There are so many creative ways to make small spaces work for you.

I have done all of them, in order to stay home with my son.

I was a live-in caregiver for an elderly woman, a live-in houseparent for homeless teen moms, and rented a house that doubled as an in-home childcare business. We currently live in a one-bedroom apartment. My son has the bedroom and the living doubles as my bedroom/art studio space.

What are some other ways to lower your cost of living?

Here are some strategies that I’ve used in the past and some that I currently use:

• Strategic Road Trips: Wanna save on gas? Plan your drives strategically. When we were living in the countryside, I had my city trips down to three out of seven days, and it’s worked for us.
• Frugal Meal Planning: Limiting dining out and embracing meal planning with affordable options like The Fresh 20, Misfit’s Market, or Dinnerly has been a game-changer. Planning meals ahead of time can help you stick to your grocery budget. If you have a small family, finding creative ways to only spend $50-100 a week, in groceries, can be a fun way to gamify saving money. Purchase non-perishable items in bulk to take advantage of discounts. You can also supplement your grocery budget with fresh produce, meat, and pantry items from the food pantry or explore farmer’s markets for extra savings if you have access to food stamps.
• Budget-Friendly Fun: Lower entertainment costs by tapping into free resources like parks or creating family rituals at home. Explore creating rituals, like Field Trip Friday or Family Fun Friday, depending on our budget – sometimes it’s an adventure, other times it’s a cozy movie night at home. These activities provide moments of joy without straining your budget. Take advantage of community resources and programs. Many communities offer free or low-cost events, workshops, and services. Whether it’s free fitness classes, community libraries, or local festivals, these resources can add value without straining your budget. There’s always a way to trim the fat from your expenses and live the life you’re craving.
• Bartering Services: Embrace the age-old concept of bartering. If you have a skill or service, see if you can exchange it for something you need. For example, you could offer tutoring services in exchange for home repairs or childcare assistance.
• Second-Hand Shopping: Opt for second-hand or thrift shopping for clothes, furniture, and household items. You’d be surprised at the quality items you can find at a fraction of the cost. It’s not only budget-friendly but also environmentally conscious. Thrifted or gifted is how I have furnished my entire home. It’s also how I find all of my cute outfits for my teaching wardrobe.
• DIY Repairs and Maintenance: Learn basic repair and maintenance skills for your home and car. Fixing things yourself can save a significant amount of money in the long run. There are plenty of online tutorials and community workshops to help you acquire these skills. Youtube is your friend! Or in this case, your handy-man!
• Subscription Auditing: Review all your subscriptions – streaming services, magazines, online tools, etc. Identify the ones you can live without and cancel them. It’s an easy way to free up some extra cash without sacrificing much.
• Carpooling or Ride-Sharing: If you are in a commuter friendly city, public transportation, instead of having your own car, is an option. If this isn’t convenient, consider carpooling with coworkers or neighbors. You can also explore ride-sharing options to split commuting costs. This not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint.
• Minimalist Lifestyle: Embrace a minimalist lifestyle by decluttering and simplifying your possessions. Not only does this make your living space more manageable, but it also curbs the desire for unnecessary purchases, leading to significant savings over time.
• Freelance or Gig Economy Work: Explore opportunities for freelance or gig economy work in your spare time. Websites and apps connect freelancers with clients looking for specific skills. This extra income can be directed towards savings or offsetting certain expenses.

Remember, the key is to assess your lifestyle and find areas where small changes can lead to significant savings over time. Every little adjustment adds up, and with a bit of creativity, you can create a more budget-friendly and fulfilling life that brings you freedom.

In conclusion, the journey of living the dream evolves with time. While challenges may arise, the ability to adapt, innovate, and find unconventional solutions can pave the way for a fulfilling and meaningful life. My current lifestyle, teaching in the city just minutes from home, is a testament to the transformative power of navigating change while staying true to one’s aspirations. I realized when it was time to shift and still kept my dreams intact. I realized that I can work outside the home, still be present with my child, and pursue my creative dreams. Freedom looks different for everyone.