From one condo renter to another, here are easy and doable frugal living tricks for you.<\/p>\n
Pack your lunch<\/h4>\n
Sure, you are going to get some weird stares. Co-workers will look at you as if it is a crime to bring lunch to work. Celine, a BPO employee in Makati, recounts how one officemate taunted her when she brought her lunch at work: \u201cNagtitipid ka?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sadly, packed lunch or \u201cbaon\u201d in the Filipino setting is synonymous with being broke. But cheer up because you know better than that. And besides, there\u2019s absolutely nothing wrong with trying to spend less and save more. In fact, go ahead and tell everyone you are cutting down your expenses for something more meaningful. Food in business districts can be ridiculously overpriced, so if you have time, prepare your own lunch. At least you know what\u2019s in them and that they are way healthier.<\/p>\n
Make your own coffee<\/h4>\n
Seriously? P150 for a cup of joe? Face it: it is not worth it even if it comes with a planner. One of the best ways to spend less is by making your own coffee. Buy a French press and brew your own. Copywriter Angie learned this the hard way. \u201cI did not realize I was spending P3,000 on coffee alone. That\u2019s double my electric bill,\u201d she said. The money you spend on coffee can be used to pay your bills such as association dues for your condo. Now, that\u2019s money well spent.<\/p>\n
Dine in more<\/h4>\n![\"frugal](\"https:\/\/leasing.dmcihomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/duck-1292383_1280.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of melomary22<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\nWhen you live in a condo, you are typically surrounded by restaurants and fast food chains. This is among the come-ons of condos for rent: their location is truly supreme. But ask condo renters everywhere and they will tell you how much they miss mom\u2019s adobo and how they crave for \u201clutong bahay.\u201d So, why not cook? You can turn to YouTube for cooking instructions. And after you realize that you are capable of preparing something edible, you will feel so fulfilled. Trust us on this.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t swipe that credit card<\/h4>\n![\"frugal](\"https:\/\/leasing.dmcihomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ec-cash-1750490_1280.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of flyerwerk<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\nTwenty-five-year-old Paul applied for a credit card just to get the new iPhone. After all, it\u2019s 12-months installment with zero interest. Quite a steal right? No. Live by this rule: If you need a loan to get something, you can\u2019t afford it. Paul, just like many others, defaulted on his payments and while he can\u2019t even pay the iPhone, he kept using the card for the most ordinary purchases: a meal, groceries, movie or a cup of coffee. Before he knew it, he has maxed out his credit and now sets aside a significant chunk of his salary to pay off his credit card debt. You don\u2019t want this life stressor, do you? So stay away from bad debt.<\/p>\n
Think twice about that \u201cpiso fare\u201d<\/h4>\n![\"frugal](\"https:\/\/leasing.dmcihomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/man-1718099_1280.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of cuncon<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\nOkay, who doesn\u2019t get excited over promo fares? After all, how often can you chance upon a P4,000 roundtrip ticket to Boracay or Hong Kong? But if you are serious about following saving tips, you have to think about booking too many flights just because they\u2019re cheap. The reality is you have to book a hotel, arrange tours, have some pocket money, and buy souvenirs or \u201cpasalubong.\u201d There are a lot of \u201chidden charges\u201d so to speak. So if you must travel, you have to plan it really well. As much as possible, do not look at your savings for funding, you must start a travel fund months before the trip.<\/p>\n
Staycations instead of vacations<\/h4>\n![\"frugal](\"https:\/\/leasing.dmcihomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/feet-932346_1280.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of tookapic<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\nThe best thing about condo living is you have pleasant vacations without ever leaving your room. Jackie lives in\u00a0La Verti Residences, a\u00a0condo for rent in Pasay<\/a>. After she committed to start a savings account of her own, she decided to spend more weekends at home. After all, a modern-tropical community sure feels like spending a weekend out of town. Take advantage of your condo\u2019s amenities or be creative with your weekend activities to have the best staycation ever.<\/p>\nWalk or bike to work<\/h4>\n
The primary reason people choose to live in condos is because most condominiums are close to work. They save on gas and commute time. They get to escape traffic. So why not maximize this proximity? Eric, who lives in Flair Towers<\/a> for rent have been biking to work for over a year now. It only takes him 30 minutes to get from Mandaluyong to Ortigas. Apart from savings, biking (or even walking) to work is healthy. It\u2019s even hip and cool; so get on that bike now.<\/p>\nChange your \u201creward\u201d perspective<\/h4>\n![\"frugal](\"https:\/\/leasing.dmcihomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/shopping-mall-1316787_1280.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of WDnetStudio<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n\u201cIt\u2019s been a long day. I deserve new shoes.\u201d Don\u2019t we always make this excuse when we just really want a new pair? Stop telling yourself you have to be rewarded for doing what you\u2019re supposed to do, like working hard. Why not reward yourself by putting aside money for savings?<\/p>\n
Cancel the gym membership<\/h4>\n![\"frugal](\"https:\/\/leasing.dmcihomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/machines-91849_1280.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of tpsdave<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\nWhen was the last time you went out of your way to go to the gym and used your overpriced membership? Did you sign up for classes too? The advantage of living in a condo is most of them have indoor fitness gyms, which you can access for a minimal fee. If you\u2019re lucky, you can have an extended gym with a great outdoor view.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>For example, Tivoli Garden Residences<\/a> offers more than just a typical gym but also features a play court and landscaped areas for morning walks.<\/p>\nUse resources creatively<\/h4>\n![\"frugal](\"https:\/\/leasing.dmcihomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/printer-790396_1280.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of stevepb<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\nIf you assess your lifestyle, you will realize that you are spending too much for unnecessary pleasures. An example is the Internet connection. If you have data on your phone, what do you need Wi-Fi for? Also, print what you need in the office so you don\u2019t have to get a printer. And do you even watch cable TV? How about the shower heater? Instead of buying a car and applying for a loan, why not inquire with your office if they offer shuttle service or if you can carpool with co-workers.<\/p>\n
Live simply and minimally<\/h4>\n
No one is asking you live like a Japanese with only a bed in a room. But if you are trying to find creative ways on how to live frugally in Manila, you might want to look at minimalist designs. After all, it is not a trend in condo living for nothing. By living simply, you become more responsible with your purchases.<\/p>\n
Grow some herbs<\/h4>\n![\"frugal](\"https:\/\/leasing.dmcihomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/basil-932079_1280.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of melomary22<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n When you live in a condo, you are typically surrounded by restaurants and fast food chains. This is among the come-ons of condos for rent: their location is truly supreme. But ask condo renters everywhere and they will tell you how much they miss mom\u2019s adobo and how they crave for \u201clutong bahay.\u201d So, why not cook? You can turn to YouTube for cooking instructions. And after you realize that you are capable of preparing something edible, you will feel so fulfilled. Trust us on this.<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of flyerwerk<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n Twenty-five-year-old Paul applied for a credit card just to get the new iPhone. After all, it\u2019s 12-months installment with zero interest. Quite a steal right? No. Live by this rule: If you need a loan to get something, you can\u2019t afford it. Paul, just like many others, defaulted on his payments and while he can\u2019t even pay the iPhone, he kept using the card for the most ordinary purchases: a meal, groceries, movie or a cup of coffee. Before he knew it, he has maxed out his credit and now sets aside a significant chunk of his salary to pay off his credit card debt. You don\u2019t want this life stressor, do you? So stay away from bad debt.<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of cuncon<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n Okay, who doesn\u2019t get excited over promo fares? After all, how often can you chance upon a P4,000 roundtrip ticket to Boracay or Hong Kong? But if you are serious about following saving tips, you have to think about booking too many flights just because they\u2019re cheap. The reality is you have to book a hotel, arrange tours, have some pocket money, and buy souvenirs or \u201cpasalubong.\u201d There are a lot of \u201chidden charges\u201d so to speak. So if you must travel, you have to plan it really well. As much as possible, do not look at your savings for funding, you must start a travel fund months before the trip.<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of tookapic<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n The best thing about condo living is you have pleasant vacations without ever leaving your room. Jackie lives in\u00a0La Verti Residences, a\u00a0condo for rent in Pasay<\/a>. After she committed to start a savings account of her own, she decided to spend more weekends at home. After all, a modern-tropical community sure feels like spending a weekend out of town. Take advantage of your condo\u2019s amenities or be creative with your weekend activities to have the best staycation ever.<\/p>\n The primary reason people choose to live in condos is because most condominiums are close to work. They save on gas and commute time. They get to escape traffic. So why not maximize this proximity? Eric, who lives in Flair Towers<\/a> for rent have been biking to work for over a year now. It only takes him 30 minutes to get from Mandaluyong to Ortigas. Apart from savings, biking (or even walking) to work is healthy. It\u2019s even hip and cool; so get on that bike now.<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of WDnetStudio<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a long day. I deserve new shoes.\u201d Don\u2019t we always make this excuse when we just really want a new pair? Stop telling yourself you have to be rewarded for doing what you\u2019re supposed to do, like working hard. Why not reward yourself by putting aside money for savings?<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of tpsdave<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n When was the last time you went out of your way to go to the gym and used your overpriced membership? Did you sign up for classes too? The advantage of living in a condo is most of them have indoor fitness gyms, which you can access for a minimal fee. If you\u2019re lucky, you can have an extended gym with a great outdoor view.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>For example, Tivoli Garden Residences<\/a> offers more than just a typical gym but also features a play court and landscaped areas for morning walks.<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of stevepb<\/a> via Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n If you assess your lifestyle, you will realize that you are spending too much for unnecessary pleasures. An example is the Internet connection. If you have data on your phone, what do you need Wi-Fi for? Also, print what you need in the office so you don\u2019t have to get a printer. And do you even watch cable TV? How about the shower heater? Instead of buying a car and applying for a loan, why not inquire with your office if they offer shuttle service or if you can carpool with co-workers.<\/p>\n No one is asking you live like a Japanese with only a bed in a room. But if you are trying to find creative ways on how to live frugally in Manila, you might want to look at minimalist designs. After all, it is not a trend in condo living for nothing. By living simply, you become more responsible with your purchases.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t swipe that credit card<\/h4>\n
Think twice about that \u201cpiso fare\u201d<\/h4>\n
Staycations instead of vacations<\/h4>\n
Walk or bike to work<\/h4>\n
Change your \u201creward\u201d perspective<\/h4>\n
Cancel the gym membership<\/h4>\n
Use resources creatively<\/h4>\n
Live simply and minimally<\/h4>\n
Grow some herbs<\/h4>\n
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