This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Here’s how you can do it (if you want to save some major dough)
Nobody wants to pay for housing (at least I don’t), but we all have to – boohoo.
The best position to be in is where your housing costs don’t impede your financial goals, push you further into debt, cause you anxiety, or cause you to miss invaluable investment opportunities. Unfortunately, for many people, their housing expenses do precisely this.
But if you want a break from the hefty house price tag…
Here’s How I Did It
Drastically Increase My Income
Drastically Decrease My Housing Costs
There are only two real ways to decrease the effects of housing expenses, and these two are it. ^^
1. How To Drastically Increase Your Income
How can you drastically increase your income? Well, that’s entirely up to you.
Traditional Employment
Traditional employment has a lot of perks. I enjoy the perks of it. But if you aren’t getting paid fairly for your work, then get the f*ck out of there – with a quickness. There is no reason to stay unless you’re playing a strategic climb-the-ladder game (that you can win). Furthermore, you can often climb the ladder (if that’s your goal) quicker by moving companies.
Many traditional forms of employment pay exceedingly well. Choose wisely, and you could earn more than the average.
Invest
The more you invest, the harder your money will work for you over time. The longer you leave your money alone, the more opportunity your money has to compound the principal and interest. It’s an all-the-way-around win-win scenario.
Whatever you do, don’t save. Saving your money is the same as burning your money due to inflation. I just told a friend this the other week while shaking my head simultaneously. Don’t fall for the saver’s trap.
Start A Business
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Have you noticed that most wealthy individuals have some sort of business? They don’t tend to rely solely on traditional income. Some do, of course, but many don’t. Starting a business could mean becoming freelancing, getting into sales (the best field to be in since there is no limit to your income), or starting a full-blown business utilizing the gifts and talents the universe has granted you.
I started a music teaching business when I was 14, which helped me understand the value of time and money; I couldn’t work low-wage jobs for extended periods, and it also encouraged me to continually increase my wages for services rendered.
Decrease Your Expenses
Believe it or not, decreasing your expenses works. My sister makes fun of me because I shop primarily for dog stuff (and nothing else), but it keeps my pockets padded.
Just because you have money does not mean you need to spend it. More importantly, when you have money, you have the opportunity to spend it on the things you want more conscientiously.
Do you need all of your subscriptions?
Do you need to shop for gourmet groceries?
Do you need to dine out multiple times a week?
Do you need your current clothing/fashion/shoe budget?
Do you need the $500 car payment, or could you go for a different car?
Some people can afford all five of these things without issue, but can your budget? Or maybe you can afford them, but you’re behind on your savings and investment goals. Prioritize the financial disposition of your future self – you’ll be soooo grateful.
2. How To Decrease Your Housing Costs
There are many ways to decrease your housing costs. Here in this section, I will lay them out for you:
Downsize
Live with other people
Refinance your mortgage
Decrease your utility usage
Cut housing expenses (i.e., property taxes, utilities, storage, security systems, landscaping, and insurance)
6. Drastically increase your income.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.