You know those people that like lavish things? The people that love a fur coat, caviar, and maybe a small country to rule over. I am one of those people. The problem?
I'm broke.
So what do I do? I ball on a budget. I get really thrifty. No really, I have some fabulous finds from the thrift store in my closet. I have this saying: "Act your wage". It saves me from doing something stupid like buying a $400 coat with a $400 a month credit limit. Also, I do things like SET MY CREDIT CARD BILL TO A FIXED AMOUNT. This is key. As a millennial, you're going to need a credit card. However, I act my wage and remember I can't afford having a crazy high limit. And by crazy high I mean $1,000. Do YOU have a grand you can just throw away on happy hour and H&M?
Acting your wage means you learn the art of the pregame. In college, a pregame was an epic party before you go out. Now, my pregame entails maybe a cocktail while ironing my clothes at Will's. Happy Hour becomes your dearest and greatest ally in this cruel world. Millennials can't afford food and drink at regular prices. Who the hell do you think we are? The Kardashians?
The biggest lesson of act your wage is to live within your means FABULOUSLY. Everyone always says you shouldn't live outside your means, and they are correct. Champagne on a beer budget just doesn't work. Unless the champagne is La Marca Prosecco for $14. When you act your wage, it means that the suit that is used for working catering events can be easily dry cleaned and worn to a wedding. Oh yes. I can look like I stepped off the runway for under $100.
Just depends on the runway.
So take this mantra with you. Go out and shout it from the mountain tops to all your friends. You can live this life fiercely, and still be fiercely broke. It's possible.
“Act your wage. ”