We all want to look good, but when the economy isn’t doing well and we know we should be saving for a rainy day, it can feel like we need to choose between either looking our best or being financially responsible.
However it is possible to look good without it costing you an arm and a leg, so if you’re planning to knuckle down and save for that car, vacation, house, or another big purchase, here are some ways you can look good while still saving money:
Exercise
Working out give us endorphins which naturally make us feel better about ourselves, but it also increases blood flow to the skin, making us look younger, wide awake, and giving us a glow. When we’re exercising regularly, we’re toning our bodies and ensuring we’ll fit our clothes, improving our posture and often losing weight as well.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive gyms or health clubs, and you can find a number of ways to get an excellent workout without breaking the bank.
Head to the local park and go for a run (you may even want to set yourself a goal of running a 5km or 10km eventually), grab that old bike and go cycling, grab a friend for a hike, or get online and see the plethora of yoga, pilates and HIT training videos you can choose from on YouTube (many of them free).
Take the Deals
We all need to buy clothes and makeup eventually, and instead of feeling guilty that you’re going to be spending money on “frivolous items”, use Groupon Coupons at your favourite stores to save plenty of cash. There are many different stores that have these coupons available, and since you’re shopping online you won’t feel tempted by all the cute little items you often see at the checkout.
You can shop at stores like Sephora, Victoria’s Secret and Bare Necessities, all while saving some serious cash. Now that’s a win/win.
Eat Well
When you’re trying to save money, eating out is naturally going to ruin your budgeting, although grabbing take-out or getting delivery is tempting when you’ve had a long day and don’t feel like cooking, this is one of the key reasons why people end up putting on weight. Instead, go shopping on the weekend and commit to some serious meal prep.
Put on some fun music and spend a few hours cooking, and you’ll have healthy, filling meals to come home to every night (you can even do lunches as well). Make sure you have plenty of protein and vegetables and your skin will be clear, you’ll have more energy, and you’re likely to sleep better as well.
Do it yourself
Need a facial? There are so many recipes online that will give you great skin with ingredients you’re likely to have in your fridge- whatever your skin type. Hair a bit dry? Some coconut oil, honey and a couple of egg yolks will have it shiny in no time. Spend some time on Pinterest and you’ll find a variety of ways to save cash while still looking cute.