There was a point in my mid-20s when I realized something: I was earning more than I’d ever earned before… yet somehow still feeling broke.
I was in a terrible relationship and I was covering all my partner’s bills, even the nonsensical ones. It forced me to start spending on myself so that I too could enjoy my earnings.
Every month felt like a race between my paycheck and my spending habits, and the numbers never seemed to match the lifestyle I thought I “deserved.”
By the time I hit my early 30s, I finally understood the truth, it wasn’t my income holding me back.
It was the tiny, invisible ways I was overspending without noticing.
The impulse purchases. The comfort buys.
The subscriptions I forgot to cancel.
The “I worked hard, I deserve this” moments.
Living below my means wasn’t something I did out of restriction or fear.
I started doing it because I wanted freedom, the kind of freedom that comes from having savings, choices, and a sense of control.
Choosing a more intentional lifestyle has made me feel wealthier, calmer, and more secure than mindless spending ever did.
If you’re a young woman or in your 30s and want to save more money without feeling deprived, here are the exact habits that helped me live below my means (and actually enjoy it).
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1. I Track My Spending (Not My Budget) Because Awareness Changes Everything
I use the Pocket Expense app. I have been using it for over 5 years now and I’ve talked about it in a few of my other posts.
Budgeting always felt restrictive to me, like telling myself what I couldn’t buy.
But tracking what I’m already spending?
That was a game-changer.
When you start writing down every purchase, patterns jump out:
– That “cheap” iced coffee you buy 4 times a week
– The random beauty products that add up
– The Uber rides you could’ve avoided
– The groceries that keep spoiling
If you’re a pen and paper person, try using this minimalist expense tracker — it helps you stay organized without overwhelming you.
Once you see where your money goes, you naturally start spending less. Awareness = power.
2. I Cook at Home More (But Make It Cozy, Easy, and Fun)
I’ve made cooking fun so I do it more. I justify cooking at home for multiple reasons, it helps keep me fit, mindful and save money!
Eating out is one of the fastest ways to drain your money.
But here’s the thing, cooking at home doesn’t have to be boring or stressful especially if you work full-time.
I started making it an aesthetic moment:
– Soft music
– A cute apron
– A simple recipe
– A warm drink while I cook
There are so many good 10-15 minute recipes on Youtube, write down 1 everyday, so you can cycle through those recipes.
Making meals at home now feels like self-care instead of a chore.
Plus, I save so much money by:
– Planning 3–4 simple meals per week
– Buying ingredients I can use in multiple dishes
– Keeping snacks and easy items ready
– Using my freezer instead of letting food go bad
If you want to make cooking feel fun, try this cute ceramic mug set (helps me drink my coffee at home) and this 10-minute 1 pan recipes to make cooking fast!
Cooking at home has saved me hundreds, without sacrificing comfort.
3. I Stopped Shopping for “New Outfits” and Started Building a Capsule Closet
Before, I used to shop emotionally. Stress? Shopping. Bored? Shopping. Feeling a bit ugly today? Shopping.
And every time, the clothes would lose their appeal after one or two wears.
Now I buy fewer things, but things that last.
My rule: I don’t buy anything unless it fits my style, my life, and at least 5 different outfits.
A capsule wardrobe changed everything:
– Neutral tops
– A good pair of jeans
– A simple dress
– A cardigan or jacket
– One pair of clean white sneakers
– Minimal gold jewelry
It’s easier, cheaper, and way more confidence-boosting.
Start with something simple like these gold hoop earrings or a basic tote bag — timeless pieces that elevate any outfit.
When your closet is intentional, your spending becomes intentional too.
4. I Cancelled Subscriptions I Forgot I Even Had
This one hurt at first.
I had:
– Streaming subscriptions
– Beauty box subscriptions
– Productivity apps
– Fitness apps
– Random annual fees
Half of them I didn’t even use.
Once I canceled everything unnecessary, my monthly expenses dropped immediately.
It felt like giving myself a raise.
Living below your means = knowing where your money goes.
5. I Romanticize Staying Home (So I’m Not Tempted to Overspend Outside)
Here’s a secret:
If your home feels cozy, welcoming, and peaceful, you won’t crave going out and spending money.
I invested in little things like:
– Soft blankets
– Warm lighting
– Cute mugs
– Fairy lights
– A comfy reading nook
Small investments → BIG savings long term.
Try these warm fairy lights or a cozy throw blanket to make your home feel inviting.
Now I genuinely want to stay in, cook at home, read, watch movies… and naturally spend less.
6. I Prioritize “Experiences Over Things” — But Only the Experiences That Matter
Instead of buying random items that lose their charm, I save for things that last in memory:
– A trip with my partner
– A spa day once in a while
– A class that teaches a new skill
– A weekend away with a friend
These give me more joy than impulse purchases ever did.
But I do it intentionally — I put money aside for them instead of letting them derail my budget.
Experiences = joy
Impulse shopping = regret
Choosing joy saves money.
7. I Plan My Purchases Instead of Buying Out of Emotion
A huge reason many women overspend?
Emotional spending.
- Bad day? Buy something.
- Feeling insecure? Buy something.
- Want a quick mood boost? Buy something.
Now, I do something different:
I make a Wish List With a 48-Hour Rule.
If I want something, I add it to a list.
I wait 48 hours.
If I still want it, AND it fits my budget, THEN I consider buying it. If it’s something big, I wait 30 days.
Most of the time? The urge disappears.
I’ve saved hundreds this way.
Living below your means isn’t about deprivation.
It’s about delaying impulses and choosing mindfully.
8. I Keep My Savings “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”
This one changed everything.
If money sits in your main account, your brain sees it as “spendable.”
But if it’s tucked away in a different place, you stop treating it like money you can touch.
I put a portion of every paycheck straight into savings before I even see it.
I treat savings like a bill, non-negotiable.
Even $25 a week adds up fast.
When saving becomes a habit, living below your means becomes effortless.
Final Thoughts
Living below your means is not about living a boring life.
It’s about living a peaceful one.
A life where you don’t worry about bills, surprises, or emergencies.
A life where you feel proud, intentional, stable, and calm.
Young women and women in their 30s often feel pressure to “keep up”, to buy the clothes, dine out, travel, upgrade, impress.
But the most impressive thing you can do is build a life where you feel safe, secure, and free.
