Being young and reckless is always fun. Having no responsibilities makes us cringe with excitement. But what happens when suddenly you’re accountable for yourself and your own expenses? Somethings have to change! I was kind of faced with that in my late 17’s when I moved away from my hometown to study in Lisbon. I had an allowance and that had to do for pretty much the whole month. Of course it wasn’t as rigid and if I had an emergency I could call for my parent’s help. Even though me and M are still a little bit nested – always with some back security – we try to be as independent as possible. So far, it has worked every time we live in a foreign country! Here’s our list of tricks to keep up with what we spend:
I learned this from my brother. Create an excel sheet, a word document or whatever fits you best, but take note of your expenses. It helps you know where, when and how you are spending your money and, when you reach the end of the month, it’s easier to know where you can cut back from.
Different supermarkets have different price ranges, more often than not, even in the same items. We normally buy different things at different supermarkets. The same yogurt can have different prices depending on where you buy them. Take note because the drive will be worth it.
Given that we are on a budget and trying to settle and establish ourselves in a new country, our budget does not allow us to eat out that often. Of course we love it, but in the beginning and in our twenties, we have to know how to compromise. We choose to cook most of the days – besides being cheaper, it’s also healthier.
I’m a social girl. I love a good night out for drinks, dancing and talking – not necessarily in that order. But in Manhattan everything is beyond expensive and we have to constrain ourselves and only go out now and then.
I know so many people that don’t use their leftovers. Either because they are not used to doing that or just don’t know how to re-use them. In this case you have to be creative and ecological. Don’t throw out food if it’s still good, leave it for the next meal and get cookin’.
Another trick we are always using is checking our account to see how much we’ve been spending. It’s not ideal to be obsessing over it but just, occasionally, make yourself a deal and check it. It will relax you to know you’re keeping within budget or make you stop unnecessary spending.
For me, this is one of the things I dread the most: paying for a taxi. Sure, if it starts raining, you’re late or it’s 50 blocks down, I can understand that – I’ve done it myself – but if you have an umbrella, time or don’t mind going on the subway, it’s easier, cheaper and you always get to see an interesting fauna.