You don't have to be among the world's wealthiest people to have a rich lifestyle. All you do need, however, is an idea of how you want to live and a willingness to let go of the stuff and habits that are keeping you from the lifestyle you truly desire.
A Latte a Day
You really can have your latte whenever you want one. If this is a guilty pleasure of yours, then do yourself a favor: buy your own espresso machine for about $25 at a discount store and learn to make your own. Just because you're not willing to throw money around at boutique coffee shops doesn't mean you have to live without these luxuries. The machine could pay for itself in one weekend.
Visit a Spa Every Day
We know that it's unrealistic to spend a day at a day spa every day of the week, let alone once a year when you live on a budget. However, if you give your bathroom a simple makeover, you could at least feel as if you're visiting a day spa each time you use this often-neglected room. Clear off all the counters of any junk, toiletries or make up. Find some clever ways to store them in a drawer, a basket on a shelf or in a medicine cabinet. Replace all the clutter with cut flowers from your garden, an aromatherapy candle, essential oil or anything else that is simple and makes you smile and feel refreshed. Make your bathtub shine and keep it clean so that it's always ready for an impromptu bubble bath or a romantic get-together with your significant other. Buy a couple of thick, luxurious spa-style towels, keep a thirsty robe nearby and some bath salts then not only can you visit the spa, you'll be living there.
Your Room is your Castle
How do you feel about your bedroom? When you walk through the doorway, do you find yourself suddenly relaxed, or do you tense up? If your room is filled with too much stuff, too many pieces of furniture and more clutter or piles of paper than you can deal with, it's no wonder you can't sleep and don't want to spend more time curled up with a good book. To make your room more special and a place you adore, you have to start eliminating the distractions. Think about a hotel room or a beautiful bed and breakfast and you'll start getting ideas for how little you actually need in your room. Get your clothes put away, thin out the closets so you'll have more space for the things you must store, and start making this room your sanctuary instead of a drain on your energy.
Travel the World
If your ideal lifestyle includes travel and seeing the world, then you should plan this as a part of your budget. You may have to give up something else, but only you can decide if that's worth it. For instance, if you value travel more than you value having a newer model car, then the money you save by continuing to drive your paid-off vehicle that has more than 100,000 miles on it is completely realistic. The money you can save by not having a monthly car payment will more than pay for a fabulous vacation each year.
Play the Stock Market
It's never been easier to buy and sell stocks than it is now. With a small amount of money you can open an account with an online trading firm and start buying right away. You'll need to do your own research on which stocks are best for you to buy and you should also read several books on investing in stocks to have a good understanding of how markets work and the risks involved. But if you've thought you need to be a millionaire before you could buy stocks and earn dividends, think again.
Dress for Success
You don't need a fortune to look nice and project your personal style. But you do need to figure out your goals for how you want others to perceive you before you start spending any money on clothes. If you want to appear professional, you'll need to stick to the basics. If you're looking to be a part of a particular social scene, then you'll need to see what others in that interest are wearing and play a similar part. Regardless of your style, be true to your personality and make sure you ask other's opinions so that you know you're giving off the impression you want to express. For example, if you're going for a professional look and want to be taken seriously, your skirts can't be too short and your pumps shouldn't be too high. There's no hard and fast rule, but the more skin you show, the less seriously people will treat you.
