If you’ve followed my journey for a while now, you might already know I’m big on frugal living!
I’m that person who will always look for alternatives that help me save a few extra coins, and in this month’s blog post, I want to share with you some of the things I’m no longer using money for (or little, if any) in 2024, as well as alternatives I’m exploring that work just as fine, or even better.
Anyone, who loves movies here? I’ll be sharing some alternative sites you can explore for movies that work better than Netflix. That said, here we go!
1. Junk Food and Takeout
The fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but the fastest way to Sarafina’s heart is fries, and books, in that order. 😄 Anyone who knows me from a personal level knows that my battle with avoiding fries has been daunting. I only need to smell fries, and that’s it … you can have all my money! 😄 It also didn’t help that I was put on braces last year and had to live on soft foods that were easy to chew. At some point last year, it got to a point where I was eating fries 5/ 7 days a week. If I couldn’t get them nearby, Glovo was a good friend. I realized I was spiralling on a negative and had to stop this toxic habit.
At the beginning of 2024, however, I worked with a nutritionist and some brands that I’ll reveal in a later post, to balance my hormones and curb the cravings. Four months down the line, and by cultivating habits such as uninstalling food delivery apps from my phone, and cooking healthy meals at home, I am able to save atleast Kshs 2,000 monthly. I preplan all my meals prior, use the weekends to cook, and put everything in the freezer, only to defrost and eat within the week.
2. New Outfits for Events
Being an Events and Travel Girlie, I always felt this immense pressure of always having to buy new outfits for upcoming events. In a month, I can do as much as 4 in-person events, which means 4 new outfits. My outfits range from Kshs 2,000 – Kshs 3,000, meaning for 4 events, that would probably amount to approximately Kshs 8,000 – Kshs 12,000 monthly.
The hustle, however, is that after wearing an outfit, I would then wonder what to do with it, as “its task had been completed.” This was pretty much me, last year.
In 2024, I have stopped this habit and will actually show up with outfits that I have in my closet, so long as they serve their purpose which is to cover me decently and ensure I look presentable. I am repurposing outfits unapologetically because this feels very suistainable to me, and helps me save Kshs 10,000 that would otherwise have been spent on outfits monthly.
3. Makeup and Beauty Products I don’t use.
If I were to count just how much I use on beauty products that end up either being completely unused before I realize they long expired, or being used for a short while then completely being forgotten …. no, let’s not even count.
I’m not a regular everyday makeup kind of girlie. I love makeup, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a 50/50 bet that I will show up in makeup in person. However, that hasn’t stopped me from buying a lipstick shade that I thought was really nice, only to end up getting home and never even using it.
Impulse buying is a real enemy. I know it has been for me, especially with makeup products. Since I don’t have a set budget for makeup, I’m unable to give an exact figure of how much relief this has awarded my finances monthly, but I most definitely know that learning to turn a blind eye on makeup products I rarely use (or will use) has definitely impacted my savings positively.
4. Notebooks!
I’m a writer, of course I love my notebooks in hardcopy!
I’m a writer, of course, I have countless notebooks lying around my house, some bought years ago but never used!
This deserves no explanation honestly … it’s those things that you either get, or you don’t.😄
Notebook lovers can definitely relate to this one!
5. Impulse Spends!
I was having a chat with the lady who repairs my locks during one of my recent appointments, and in the spirit of conversation, she shared with me that one of the things she really struggles with is impulse buying. And I get it because this is something lots of us really struggle with, myself included.
I’m getting better at never buying things on impulse by using a method of budgeting called Zero – Sum. You can learn more about it here.
Identifying the triggers that lead to impulse buying, such as stress, boredom, or peer pressure can also help you in regards to this. Once you recognize these triggers, you can develop strategies to address them without resorting to retail therapy. Before making a purchase, take a moment to pause and ask yourself if you truly need the item or if it’s just a want. Consider whether the purchase aligns with your financial goals and values. Practicing mindfulness can help you make more intentional spending decisions.
6. Unnecessary Devices and Appliances!
I work in socials, of course that extra tripod stand is really going to help me shoot better content!
I work in socials, of course if I just had that camera, my content would look so much better!
In my 3 years of working in socials, hear it from me… unless your business is really doing well and you desire to scale up faster, an extra device will not make you happier.
Learn to work with and exhaust what you have, before considering buying new appliances, or upgrading your devices.
7. Artificial (Stick On) Nails!
In as much as having artificial nails can be a thrill because they are long and super attractive as compared to natural nails, my experience with artificial nails hasn’t been as nice since my natural nails are a stand-out without any additions.
Usually, I’d pay Kshs 2,000 monthly for artificial nails and over time, my natural nails became so weak I had to stop and give them a year to regain their strength and beauty. Fear Nairobi Nail Techs because whatever it is they do to the nails before layering the stick-ons! 🙌🏽
For monthly maintenance and polish for my natural nails, I use Kshs 500 monthly.
8. Airtime!
This requires no explanation.. because why should I buy Airtime, if I have Wi-Fi and can communicate through WhatsApp Audio, Video Calls or Voice Notes?
Since I stopped buying airtime, I’m able to save about Kshs 2,500 monthly that would otherwise have gone to airtime.
I rarely buy airtime, hence, if I do, it has to be for a very important reason!
9. Too much on Hair!
Let’s be honest, hair can be quite the hustle to maintain.
Especially if you have thick, coarse, shapely and long hair like mine is.
The visits at the salon can go anywhere between 8 – 12 hours in one day, monthly!
Just towards the end of last year, I decided to lock my hair.
Results?
Previously, I’d use about Kshs 4000 on hair monthly. With the biweekly treatment sessions for my locks, I use Kshs 1600 monthly. Saving upto Kshs 2400.
In addition, I only stay at the salon for a maximum 3 hours, hence, not only helping me to save on money, but also on time.
10. Movie Subscriptions!
Anything you can get on Netflix, you can get on F Movies … for free!
Grab your popcorn and thank me later!
In a nutshell, here’s how I’m able to save approximately Kshs 20,000 monthly, just by implementing healthy financial habits into my routine. Which of these tips resonated with you the most?
Let me know in the comments section below!
Feel free to absolutely connect with me on my socials via the social links below:
SERA INSPIRE 