Hello!
I am into saving money these days. Actually, I have been for a while. I like to find ways to go around spending money on things and rather make or grow them on my own. I am by far not an expert in saving money but I do the best I can. One thing I believe is that less is more! And that I learn something new every day and this makes me happy. I would like to share some of my rules my son and I live by.
I believe that to save money it is okay to invest in expensive things sometimes. To buy something better in quality – clothing, furniture, you name it, than getting the cheaper versions worked for me so far. As far as clothing, buy timeless items. I rather have quality over quantity here. I really do not own that many clothes but the ones I do have I wear over and over. Some of them were pretty expensive but just touching the material, I know they will last for a long time. Here is one item I wear all the time, is timeless, goes with everything and is my favorite coat ever:
Guys, this coat is just awesome. I think it is important to invest in some classic pieces. The same goes for shoes. Many times my friends and family wondered that I still wear this particular pair of shoes my mom bought me years ago. But guess what, yep, I do! I also love to go to thrift stores to buy things second-hand. Thrifting is great because I usually find some nice vintage toys and clothing for my son or beautiful furniture. My son grows so so fast and just thinking about constantly purchasing new clothes for this little guy – hell no!
I received some emails (readers still don’t want to use the comment box below the articles) regarding credit cards and that they can pay it back the end of the month and they love to use them. Well, as the bank always tells you: Credit cards are good to build your credit history; however, keep in mind that they are not free. Of course you pay the money back at the end of the month, because you have to. PLUS, you pay interest! I still think and believe that saving for something you really want is the key. Once you have the money you buy it. This money is not yours, so don’t spend it. You know what I tried the other day? To not spend any money for two days. It is pretty difficult. Just try ONE day.
My motto is Back to Nature. I love to live with nature – not against it. So I do make a lot of stuff on my own. From beauty products to fixing things in the house. But instead of having a company come to do it, try it on your own first. Buy artwork to hang on your walls? Why not be creative and try so make something yourself. Make your own food instead of ordering in or eating out. This saves you money! And I love to sit in my kitchen with my family to share a nice meal. Restaurants are great too – for a treat on a Friday night! Learn how to make pizza dough, pasta, different sauces and bread! I will share many recipes on my website too because I think it is just important to know these things. I hope you know by now that processed food is bad for you. Meat is also very expensive and well… full of hormones. Try to limit your intake to once a week or not at all. I am a vegetarian for years now but I do have sushi or meat occasionally. And learn how to make your own muffins instead of buying them at Starbucks. Take some for your colleagues at work too 😉 One more thing about food. What do you drink when you are thirsty? Drink more water and skip the sugary stuff.
I think it is important to love your home. This house we are living in is not my dream house but we are in some sort of transition. If this would be my house I have many ideas of making it really nice! It is just old and needs major renovation. The key is, to love your house – even if it is small or old. Spend time there and grow there. Treat it as your base. My home base will always be at my parent’s house in Germany but I made this house here in the US nice and comfortable. We cook, we eat, we laugh, read and connect here. I love to be home with my family simply doing nothing. Just being! This brings me to another important point to save money. For my husband and I it is important to own a house so we are in the process of doing so. Think about the money you pay for rent every month. I think if you found a house that you truly love and see yourself living there, buy it. Save up the money and make this important step. House and land are great investments to have.
My biggest dream is to have my garden. Like my parents do. So so awesome! My mom can literally go outside and harvest fruit and vegetables from her garden and greenhouse. I want to have my own herbs, veggies, fruit and some flowers. I know this will happen! 😉 Since we are here in Connecticut I have explored my neighborhood and found a community garden just across the street. You can purchase pieces of their land and plant your veggies and herbs right there. The point I am trying to make here is, look around and explore the place you live. Farmers Markets, gardens, community festivals and events, parks, cute little cafés and of course a beach, wood whatever is around. We have been at the beach literally every single day and it is free 😉
I love to invest in things. Especially in things that help me grow. Books, experiences, food, new restaurants once in a while; something you can learn from and expand. Be happy with less and enjoy the little moments in life. Be here and now and stop comparing yourself to others constantly. This does not make you happy. Just be grateful and nice. It is the small things that matter and count.
Thank you for reading my blog.
