Sep 20, 2024
For many, being rich feels like a pipedream. After all, the median household income in the U.S. is only $74,580, according to Census Bureau estimates. And only 2% of Americans identify as “upper class,” according to a 2022 Gallup poll.
But, we don’t have to be super-rich to enjoy a nicer lifestyle — without breaking the bank. Here are three ways to feel wealthy.
1. Get out of debt
Sure, this doesn’t sound all that fun — after all, the debt-free status of the super-rich doesn’t tend to make the front page of gossip rags. But many want to join the super-rich because we covet their freedom. After all, it’s hard to feel free when a large chunk of your income goes toward debt repayment.
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But, by paying down your debt, you’ll gain more financial freedom and be closer to building wealth that can move you toward a more affluent lifestyle. To get out of debt, take stock of your current situation, consolidate your debt at a lower interest rate (if possible), and find a strategy to pay it off that works for you. For instance, with the debt avalanche repayment method, you first pay the highest interest debt to crush interest charges. With the debt snowball method, you pay the smallest balance first to gain momentum.
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2. Buy used as often as you can
Many luxury items tend to depreciate quickly, so you can buy certain items at a substantial discount if you’re willing to buy them used. Want a fancy suit, designer dress or brand-name handbag? Try local thrift shops or luxury consignment stores. If you remember thrift shops as dusty, musty spaces crammed with stained clothes, give them another shot: Many cities now have trendy, high-end boutiques for second-hand clothing.
If it’s a luxury car you dream of, buying an older model can save you a lot of money. According to research by car search engine iSeeCars, the average five-year depreciation for a Maserati Quattroporte was 64.5%, or slightly more than $90,000. Even if you buy a luxury car that holds its value, such as a Porsche 911 (coupe), which only depreciated 9.3% over five years, you can still save about $18,000 off the MSRP.
If more minor luxuries, such as art, jewelry, or furniture, mean a lot to you, there is no shortage of apps specializing in second-hand shopping.
3. Travel for less
Travel often comes to mind when dreaming of an ultra-rich lifestyle. Yet, you can still travel comfortably without breaking the bank or staying in a dorm-style hostel. For example, the best travel rewards credit cards provide discounts on airfares, car rentals and hotels. Some are tied to specific airlines or hotel chains while providing perks from partners providing other services. Shop around for which travel reward card suits you best.
Also, try to plan your travel during the off-season. Europe in autumn is still pleasant, but prices tend to be lower and you won’t have to deal with the peak-season crowds. Off-seasons vary around the world, so pick your destination and research the cheapest time to go. If you enjoy cruises, look for shorter trips or last-minute deals to help reduce costs.
To feel like you own a home abroad, consider house-sitting (there are online communities and services for arranging this). For the private yacht experience, consider small-ship cruising. In the destination, take free (tip-only) walking tours and save on museum and art gallery costs by going on free nights.
It takes some work, but with a bit of digging around, you can look — and live — like the super-rich at a fraction of the cost.
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Vawn Himmelsbach is a veteran journalist who covers tech, business, finance and travel. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, CBC News, Yahoo Finance, MSN, CAA Magazine, Travelweek, Explore Magazine and Consumer Reports.
