- Rebekah Gamble
Spend Money and Invest In Yourself
How do you invest in yourself? When it came to how I spent my money, I never considered googling "what are ways to invest in yourself" but if I did I would of saved a lot money way sooner.
Would you believe me if I said that every year the average American spends a whopping $2,388 on items to treat themselves?
Join me in a task.
Pull out your calculator and do a quick mental inventory of everything you spend money on that isn't a a bill or going toward your savings.
I started thinking of how many times I got my hair, eyebrows, and nails done last year.
When the number on the screen flashed with $808, I stopped adding.
Keep in mind this didn't include Ubers to school, clothes bought as the seasons shifted, and trips out to eat.
If you found that your number was less than mine then good job. You're already spending smartly, now we just need to make sure that you are still investing in yourself enough.
If you're more on the higher end, then keep reading because not only will you gain inspiration for spending less but you'll even see new ways to experience self-care.
Keep reading to find out 6 new ways to invest in yourself from home!
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Psst: This post may contain affiliate links and there is no additional cost to you.
#1- The Gym
When the Gym closed temporarily I canceled my membership, invested in some gym equipment, and made my room my workout center.
Examples of equipment to purchase
Elastic Ropes
These Resistance Exercise Bands were great for working out my glutei and building leg strength. What better way to invest in yourself than to invest in your health?
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are easy to use and can be incorporated into any workout routine. When you grab the handles and place one foot on the center on the rope you can control how much tension the rope has.
The more tension the lighter the harder the work out and vise versa. Investing in yourself includes buying equipment that can be used as you grow in form, technique, and skill.
For only $9.99 you can get a rope that will last you for a ton of workouts of different intensities.
Invest in your health
This starter kit can help you get a full body work out. My ideal at home gym would have a treadmill but with the one I want costing at least $800 an unexpected large purchases wasn't part of the plans.
Investing in yourself is the equivalent of investing in your health because you learn how to give your body what it wants.
Solution= squats, jumping rope, lunges and running in place. Price= free
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#2 Hair
When I got my hair braided for the first time it was phenomenal.. and expensive. $180 later my wallet was coughing up dust.
How you can do your own hair as a form of investing in yourself depends on your time frame.
Ask yourself "can you wait a few days"
If you're reading this the day before you go to work then chances are you'll be running to your local beauty supply store.
If you can wait for delivery then check out Amazon or Alliexpress.
I spent $30 on 6 packs of hair and kept it in for 3 weeks. If you guys are familiar with purchasing hair then you know that one pack alone of Xpression braiding hair can easily run you $6.99.
I also hopped on Amazon and found cost friendly braiding hair to recreate passion twist.
Amazon sells a 7 pack of passion twist extension/braiding hair for less than $40. Getting this done professionally could cost up to $200 depending who does it.
There are a ton of styles you can do, simply go on YouTube.
Budgeting is not about depriving yourself of things you like, it's about having them in moderation.
When I use The No-Budget - Budget it means I have saved, invested, and paid my bills so everything that's left over is mine to spend.
#3 Eye Brows
Before I started college I would get my eyebrows done every 2 weeks. I was able to decrease this to once every few months and now to never.
Use a razor
In the beginning I only used a razor to shape the top of my eyebrows. This allowed for the illusion of groomed brows without all the fuss.
Use hair remover cream
I used the Nair Hair Remover and it kept the hair away for about 3 weeks. Not only was I hair less for a longer period of time but on average I could save $168 per year by doing this.
Right now you can find is for under $4 on Amazon. When I rushed to purchase mine I spent way over what Amazon is charing.
Your desired lifestyle can include finding ways to afford all of the things you like in life without going broke in the process.
Related post: How to know if you need a lifestyle shift
#4- Teeth Whitening
I was slightly obsessed with my teeth. I used strips, fancy toothpaste that tasted like coconut and rubbing alcohol, charcoal, and amongst other things, a light that was suppose to dramatically whiten.
You name it, I tried it.
Ironically, brushing my teeth at least 3 times a day with Colgate Baking Soda and Peroxide whitening Toothpaste worked the best.
If you guys read my about me page or follow me on IG @Blissfulwallet you'll catch a glimpse of my teeth! When you invest in yourself through dental hygiene especially for cheap, you feel better about yourself.
#5- Nails
This is by far the most exciting and unexpected investment I have made. My favorite nail artist can be seen doing nails here
She’s amazing and while everything was shut down her skills were off limits. She showed me professionalism that I never experienced. PLUS my nails lasted me for a month. Enticing memories and she inspired me to learn how to do nails.
I spent hours watching videos and looking at pictures for guidance.
The end result you can read about here: How to do acrylic nails for cheap
I believe one of the best ways to invest in yourself is to find ways to do the things that bring you joy
#6 Pedicures
You can find tools on Amazon or in your local Beauty Supply store for cheap.
Gel nail polish
Top coat/ Bottom coat
80W UV Lamp
I find that ordering online won't always save you money, since the prices are the same as in store, but the quality it better.
You'd rather spend $10 on something that can last over a year and wait for delivery than rush, ultimately lose money in the long run. Invest in yourself and find a way to save money on things you love!
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#7 Waxing
Before you cringe and turn away, hear me out. I purchased a sugar wax that was designed for first time wax users.
It didn't hurt nearly as much as I anticipated it to and several days later I'm still smooth.
This small purchase saved me a potential $83 dollars every 6 weeks.
Alternative to waxing
1.Razor and soap.
2. Laser Hair Removal
All year round the Groupon app offers discounts on spa treatments.
Laser hair remover is a more expensive solution but it allows you to stop buying any of the other hair removing methods.
Removal creams are cheaper but you want to be careful if you have sensitive skin.
If you spend money on ointment because it gave you a rash, you did not spend efficiently.
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Conclusion
Being aware of how much money you have doesn't mean you can't have what you want.
It just means that we're smart about it.
Even a $0.99 polish, can make you feel prepared for another week.
If you're not ready to part ways with all of the expenses mentioned, then start with one. Leave guilt behind and say hello to a new journey of self indulging.
Let us know in the comments what ways you plan to invest in yourself!
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