Save what you want to spend when you want
Don't buy that CD, DVD, book or latest phone. Instead consider subscribing to a download site for your music and films, or even join the library! Make do with a phone that's not so up-to-date. Instead, save money in one area to splurge on your guilty pleasure, be that clothes, travel, dining out in expensive restaurants, or luxury cars.
Loyalty pays
There are many loyalty schemes that can help you save money. If you are a fan of Virgin Atlantic or British Airways, both companies have credit cards which will give you air miles towards reduced and free flights. We've managed to use our Virgin Airmiles to upgrade our flights to upper class twice now and it's certainly the way to travel in style, and who can say no to complimentary champagne! Sites such as hotels.com and Expedia have loyalty schemes which can give you a free hotel stay and if you are a beauty lover, Boots, Superdrug and Debenhams have loyalty cards, where you can earn points on money spent to go towards free products.
Pick dates wisely
When choosing your next holiday pick your dates wisely. Go off season, late or super early to make the most of your budget. Popular weekend break destinations are often cheaper midweek too. We stayed at the 5 star Venetian hotel in Vegas mid-week in July and got a room for little over £100. When there is a boxing match on, at a weekend, it can easily be three times that mutch.
When you get to a large city, if there is a few of you, consider a chauffeured tour. There is nothing like being shown around a city in a Mercedes S class, and when you split the cost of it between four of you, it can be a surprisingly cost-effective. When you consider the alternative of the cost of taxis and tour guides I know what I would rather do!
Sign up for housesitting
It's a way to travel the world with free accommodation in exchange for looking after someones home and pets. There are a number of sites that allow you to join for a small fee. We recently signed up to Trusted Housesitters, which is one of the biggest sites worldwide, and had a fabulous time house sitting in the Cotswolds in an amazing grade 1 listed house. If you sign up with my link you get 20% off your membership price and I get two months free. Bargain!
Luxury dining at bargain prices
If you enjoy eating out at top-notch restaurants, there are ways to do it cheaply. Sites such Open Table have 50% off deals and you will be surprised how many restaurants in the Michelin guide are on Groupon. Lunchtime offers are often cheaper at expensive restaurants too, we went to a Michelin star restaurant in New York at lunchtime and saved a fortune.
Don't make a fashion faux-pas
So here are my tips on how to have a luxury lifestyle on a budget. Do you have any tips?
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I do love loyalty schemes and budgeting where I can - I cannot even recall the last time I bought a CD, they seem so redundant these days. I've had to cut back a lot over the years but it means we can fully enjoy our treats! Sim x
ReplyDeleteGreat tips and that's an amazing price for the Venetian hotel! I need to be better at being loyal to an airline and building up points.
ReplyDeleteI do like to download apps of where I am visiting as often they offer a discount or something free. Great tips
ReplyDeleteI think house keeping is such an interesting idea, I love the idea of taking care of someones home for them and getting to explore a new place.
ReplyDeleteI think is some very good sites as you say to save money and download music, I do it and can save some good money this way.
ReplyDeleteThose are great tips! You don't have to spend too much to enjoy life's pleasures. You can simply be smart about the way you buy or plan things!
ReplyDeleteI am massively with you when it comes to off season bookings. We stayed in a 5 star luxury hotel in Venice during the first week of November and it was about a third of the price compared to the same time in the summer x
ReplyDeleteAmazing tips!! I love life's luxuries but we are always on a limited budget. Now I think we can have a little more for our money!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't call me luxurious but I do know how to budget and spend my money wisely. My mom was an amazing teacher when it comes to finances. I think these are awesome tips!
ReplyDeleteWe all love to save some money and these are all fabulous tips on how we area able to do just that and enjoy a fabulous life without breaking the bank.
ReplyDeleteOoh I will have to explore Open Table - sounds like a great way to save on eating out when traveling
ReplyDeleteI agree that choosing the right dates to go on holiday can be the difference between blowing all your life savings and staying in a nice place for a bargain price. And who doesn't love loyalty shemes?
ReplyDeleteI would definitely agree on going to places off peak season. You will save a lot while enjoying the same place.
ReplyDeleteI love these tips, they’ll come in handy for so many people which is great .. who doesn’t love spending little money for a lot reward ..?
ReplyDeleteI love loyalty schemes - in fact I'm a sucker for them if I know I'm going to use them. But even the small purchases add up in the long run. We're a bit stuck when it comes to picking dates for a holiday as we have to travel during the school holidays but by saving money elsewhere we've managed to get a holiday in August last year and a holiday for this August too. :)
ReplyDeletePerfect tips on living that high life but cheaply. I often book restaurants via Open Table to save money!
ReplyDeleteAnother suggestion when you chauffeur hire London to be to find out as much about the vehicle hire firm as possible. You wish to identify their standing and make specific the organization that you select will offer you the very best service and service, providing you with the very best car hire experience you
ReplyDeletemay wish to use again and again in the long run.