15 Tips on How To Live Like The Rich, Even on a Tight Budget

Eat at Home

Food is an essential expense, but it’s one that you can control. The best way to do this is by cooking at home rather than eating out, Freedman said. Unfortunately, nearly 44 percent of Americans’ food dollars go toward meals that aren’t prepared at home.

Plenty of websites provide recipes for meals that are cheap, easy and delicious. Freedman also recommends using Google to type in ingredients you have plus the word “recipes.”

“Getting creative with what you have on hand versus shopping or calling the pizza joint accomplishes two goals: You stay under budget and you clean out the fridge, freezer or pantry rather than leave foods to waste,” she said.