If you’re earning a low income, say around $3,000–$4,000 a month before taxes, and after paying rent, groceries, and basic bills there’s almost nothing left, you might feel like every month is just a grind with no real reward. You might wonder: what’s the point of all this? Let me share some detailed strategies for ordinary people to live a little better and gain real financial security.
1. Stop Chasing Trends and Celebrity Hype
If your income is low, seriously, stop following influencers, watching live-stream shopping, or obsessing over fashion trends. Do you realize that celebrities and social media personalities selling products online make huge commissions? You work hard for your money, and then spend it all on items that don’t really improve your life, while those influencers get rich off your efforts.
Many of the products they promote are actually sold at wholesale prices online—the only difference is the celebrity markup. If you want to save money, there’s only one real solution: adopt a minimalist lifestyle. Don’t let consumer capitalism brainwash you. It constantly pressures you to spend, so that no matter how hard you work, your money disappears as soon as it hits your bank account.
People often fall into debt, borrowing to pay off other loans. That is not the path someone earning a modest wage should take. If you go down that road, life will feel depressing—you’ll work like a machine without ever reflecting on why your life became so difficult.
2. Keep Life Simple and Avoid Unnecessary Items
People don’t need a lot of stuff. Basic necessities are enough to live well. Have you noticed that even simple items today come in endless variations? In the past, there was no dozens of laundry detergents, no electric toothbrushes, and just a few basic spices. Consumer capitalism thrives on multiplying choices and advertising, creating anxiety, and pushing you to spend more.
Some people buy countless pots and pans, dozens of cups, and an endless array of plates and bowls. Their homes are cluttered, their savings minimal, yet they own tons of stuff. Life doesn’t need to be like that. For example, when cooking, why buy dozens of spices? Oil, salt, and pepper are enough. The simpler your life, the more you can appreciate the real flavors of food, and the healthier your diet becomes.
Simplifying your belongings naturally saves money. A minimalist lifestyle is not only cost-effective—it is also the healthiest way to live.
3. Clothing and Household Items: Quality Over Quantity
You don’t need a huge wardrobe. Many people buy clothes impulsively, and their closets overflow with items barely worn—money wasted. Simple, classic clothing made of good materials is enough. Three outfits per season can suffice.
For bags, I only use one at a time, replacing it every three to four years. My bed linens, towels, and washing machine are over ten years old and still work perfectly. Buy durable, quality items that last. Use things to their fullest potential. Don’t chase trends; only buy what you truly need and love.
Don’t be influenced by others. Seeing people flaunt glamorous lives on social media doesn’t mean their lives are better—they might be in debt or barely making ends meet. Having real savings, even if your life seems ordinary, gives you confidence.
4. Transportation: Practicality Beats Luxury
I used to own a car, but I barely drove it, and insurance and maintenance costs were high. Selling it made more sense. Now I rely on a bicycle, electric scooter, or occasional rideshares, keeping transportation costs low. Don’t spend money to maintain appearances—real freedom comes from financial security, not status symbols.
5. Food: Simple, Healthy, and Homemade
Eat simple, healthy meals. Cooking your own food saves money and keeps you healthy. Pre-packaged meals may taste good temporarily but are high in sodium, sugar, and preservatives, causing discomfort and long-term health issues like high blood pressure or cholesterol.
You don’t need lavish steaks, seafood, or gourmet meals every day—eat until you’re satisfied, not stuffed. Treat your body like a temple: feed it with healthy food and cherish your health.
If you’re too tired to cook elaborate meals, learn simple recipes. Takeout may be cheap sometimes, but hygiene is uncertain, and frequent consumption can harm your health. Coffee drinks, smoothies, and specialty beverages should be occasional treats—they’re expensive compared to how much you could save. Eating at a company cafeteria or meal prepping at home is cheaper and healthier. Make home meals simple and healthy to save both money and health.
6. Social Life: Keep It Meaningful
Avoid unnecessary socializing. Not all friends are worth keeping—quality over quantity. A few close friends are enough. Avoid people who are shallow or opportunistic. Learning to enjoy solitude is a skill; it brings clarity and focus. Less meaningless social interaction = more money saved and less stress.
7. Travel and Experiences
Young people can travel occasionally—once a year is fine. Avoid peak seasons, choose places you truly want to visit, and don’t fall for viral destination hype. Travel for experience, not for showing off.
8. Start Financial Awareness Early
Even in college, learn to manage your finances. Your allowance or part-time income is your first lesson in money management. Avoid peer pressure to spend beyond your means. Don’t rely on parents to cover impulse purchases.
Summer jobs or internships are a great way to gain experience, understand the value of money, and save for travel or personal goals.
9. Career Planning and Work Ethic
When starting your career, plan your path carefully. Don’t settle for jobs that only promise “big future rewards” but don’t pay in reality. Work diligently, improve your skills, and aim to increase your income. Avoid meaningless office politics and superficial networking; focus on work that adds value.
10. Midlife Responsibilities
As you reach midlife, start planning for parental care and your own retirement. Health is the first priority, money is the second. For children, teaching financial literacy is far more valuable than any extracurricular class. Schools won’t teach this—this is the knowledge that truly prepares them for life.
11. Saving and Financial Discipline
Save steadily and patiently. Avoid risky investments or chasing online hype about people claiming to have millions in savings—many are exaggerating. For most people, accumulating even tens of thousands of dollars by midlife is hard work. High-income earners also have high expenses, and without financial awareness, wealth can vanish quickly. No matter your income, value your money and spend wisely.
12. The Core Message
If you want to be financially secure, embrace a minimalist lifestyle.
- Use your hard-earned money wisely.
- Spend on necessities, not trends.
- Simplify your life—fewer possessions, healthier habits, smarter choices.
- Build savings, not debt.
Only by respecting your money and your efforts can you live a life free from debt and full of real freedom.
