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"I Lived on Canned Beans for Years" – The Best Life Hack When You're Broke

Szőke Angéla3 min read
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"I Lived on Canned Beans for Years" – The Best Life Hack When You're Broke — Lifestyle
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Living on the Outskirts

Living on the Outskirts
What helped me most was moving from the city center to the suburbs, where rent is way cheaper. I bought a used bike and now I cycle to work. I save hundreds of dollars each month and get my daily workout in too.

Gym Time

Gym Time
Right now, I’m saving up a deposit for a place, so I’m living out of my car for a few months. To make it bearable, I got a gym membership for $43. This lets me shower daily (and quickly wash my underwear), use the restroom with dignity, and enjoy free Wi-Fi while I’m there. Plus, the workouts help pass the time and keep me energized.

Child-Free Choice

Child-Free Choice
Don’t have kids if you can’t afford it. Your money, time, and energy will all be swallowed up. It’s tough but true: kids are a luxury nowadays. If you’re not financially ready, don’t put an innocent life through hardship.

Beans, Beans

Beans, Beans
In my twenties, my roommate and I had barely any money. We learned that beans are the most filling and affordable meal. We cooked on a small stove in the living room, which even warmed up the space.

Beat the Cold

Beat the Cold
You’d be surprised how much you can save on heating by wearing a hat and scarf indoors. Most body heat escapes through your head, so a knitted hat boosts your warmth big time. Under a synthetic duvet, it gets so cozy that setting the thermostat to 50°F (10°C) at night is enough. If you don’t need to be home, head to a mall or library—they have Wi-Fi and you won’t have to heat your place.

Pets

Pets
There were times I struggled to feed my dog and cat. I found people on Facebook giving away leftover pet food for free, and shelters also help if you’re in need. Knowing my pets weren’t hungry lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and let me spend my little money on my own food.

Plasma Donation

Plasma Donation
When I need quick cash, I donate plasma. Going five times a month earns me $200 (about $40 each time). For two years, this covered my food after rent left me with nothing.

The App Helped

The App Helped
I didn’t believe in it at first, but my friend convinced me to download a savings app. I picked the first free one I found, and after a month, I was shocked at how much I wasted on random takeout. Now I cook for myself or buy food more thoughtfully when I’m short on time.

Free Stuff

Free Stuff
When I need clothes or furniture, I first check Facebook Marketplace. I’ve never been disappointed. Many people give away perfectly good used items for free and are happy to declutter. Once, I added up the cost of my secondhand furniture if bought new—it would have been hundreds of dollars.

DIY Laundry Detergent

DIY Laundry Detergent
Don’t buy expensive detergent. Make your own! Baking soda is basically a scent-free cleaner and works great as detergent. Sometimes I grate cheap laundry soap and mix it with borax for a perfect homemade detergent.
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