If you make under $100k -share your tips and tricks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was a mystery shopper for luxury restaurants and hotels. My husband is a bit of a foodie so he looooooved that we could blow $200 on a dinner and get paid to write a review.

The level of detail they require on some of those reports can be painful, so I never did more than one every two weeks, but every once in a while it's nice to check out some of the fanciest restaurants in town.

This sounds really fun! Wish I'd known about it before I had kids, back when I had free time.

[Anonymous]

Haven't paid for personal travel in 5 years. I am a road warrior and supplement my points and miles with the credit card churn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Despite the high COL and responsibilities ( family, kids) share your tips and tricks on how to still have a fun adventurous lifestyle, traveling and going out etc Just overall how you are making your income work for you!

I'll start. For my birthday or a special occasion or a romantic getaway, I celebrate by staying at an ultra luxurious hotel. I invite my friends. I usually refer to the list of AAA 4 and 5 diamond hotels and then look up the hotels that offer package deals. I reserve in advance for one or two nights. I actually get more for my money than just a standard reservation.

Share yours

That's one of the dumbest things to blow money on. Here is a tip for you: don't crave luxury, it has nothing to do with being adventurous or having a fun life. You can't take that marble lobby with you and it doesn't matter the day after. Unless you're one of those people who derive happiness from one-upping your friends on Instagram.

My tricks: Stay at clean, safe mid-range hotels in exciting destinations and spend money on experiences - learn sailing or scuba or go on a safari.

Agree with the above poster.

For starters, we (as a family of 6 living in the Va 'burbs - money saved right there) don't spend that type of money of birthdays or even take romantic getaways. And 4/5 star hotels? Um, I guess I dare not suggest Holiday Inn Express where you get free buffet breakfast in the morning.

Even better, don't have 4 kids. That saves a boatload of money right there!

[Anonymous]

We drive for our trips and stay with relatives. We shop for groceries and don't eat out on these vacations. Still broke!

[Anonymous]

The only trips we take anymore are to go camping. We just can't afford to do much else. We go about twice a month. It's cheap and we've made some great memories.

[Anonymous]

I have a really low mortgage, travel for work and score lots of points and miles, and live in an area where I'm doing as well or better than most. I eat out often, and DC attends a private without FA. I save what I can and don't worry about the rest.

The key is balance. I save and spend and generally enjoy life. No worries.