5 Ways to Live on Less During Hard Times

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Rethink Your Living Situation

When money gets tight, your home is usually your biggest expense.

So ask yourself. Are you paying for more space than you really need?

You can:

• Downsize to a smaller place and save hundreds every month.
  
• Rent out a spare room to cover part of your rent or mortgage.
  
• Move closer to work to save on gas or public transportation.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Make a list of cheaper housing options or rental rooms nearby and compare your current costs.

Make It Easy: Pick up a moving box label kit to stay organized when sorting or packing your things.

2. Cut the Biggest Expenses First

You can cut all the coupons in the world, but if your biggest bills stay high, it won’t matter.

Focus on the top three: housing, transportation, and food.

Start with these:

• Negotiate bills like phone, internet, and insurance. They’re flexible, FYI.
  
• Use public transportation or carpool to save on gas and parking.
  
• Cook more at home instead of eating out every week.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Go through your bank statement and highlight your three highest recurring expenses to target first.

Make It Easy: Try Rocket Money to automatically identify and cancel unwanted subscriptions or negotiate lower bills.

3. Skip Takeout and Online Shopping

This one hurts, but it’s a money vampire in disguise.

One “treat yourself” meal or impulse Amazon buy adds up fast.

Instead:

• Plan your meals for the week, so you avoid “I’ll just grab something” moments.
  
• Uninstall shopping apps from your phone to remove temptation.
  
• Use cash when buying food or essentials to see your limits clearly.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Challenge yourself to one “no takeout” week and cook everything with what’s already in your fridge.

Make It Easy: Consider getting a meal prep container set to keep weekly meals organized and ready to go.

4. Find Free or Low-Cost Ways to Have Fun

You don’t need to spend money to feel good. Seriously.

Free fun still counts as fun (and your wallet will agree).

Here’s how:

• Host a potluck night with friends instead of dining out.
  
• Go for walks at the park or the beach. Totally free therapy.
  
• Check out community events that are free or donation-based.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Write down 3 free things you enjoy and schedule one for this week.

Make It Easy: Consider grabbing a portable Bluetooth speaker for outdoor hangouts and picnics.

5. Buy Secondhand Instead of New

There’s zero shame in secondhand. It’s smart and sustainable.

Half the time, you’ll get the same thing for 70% less.

Try this:

• Shop thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace for clothes and furniture.
  
• Buy refurbished electronics that work like new for less.
  
• Swap items with friends or community groups instead of buying new.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pick one category (like clothes or kitchen items) and commit to buying used for 30 days.

Make It Easy: Look for a foldable shopping tote to carry thrift finds when shopping around town.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌