THE SECRET LIFE OF A BLOGGER ON A (MEGA) BUDGET

Being a blogger can be loads of fun, but often times can be much more challenging than it looks. For me personally, I’d always been a huge shopaholic, but once I decided to become a blogger for fun, I found myself constantly feeling the need to “keep up”. I would online shop for hours, shop between lunches, barely being able to actually enjoy my lunch lol, and all while trying to build my savings and still have enough money for happy hour. The struggle was and is REAL. I’ve always been not the best with my money, but suddenly moving to the most expensive city in the world, it was very hard for me to distinguish between eating or buying the new sweater. I’ve heard of several bloggers experiencing the same, if not worse. I read about horror stories of bloggers becoming completely broke due to their lifestyle as a blogger and the feeling of the need to keep up with our appearance on social media. This scared me to death (!!!), I would never want this fun side career of mine to create a person who can’t survive on her own, so I decided to make a few small and true changes in my lifestyle, to keep this under control. These apply to anyone who has a love for shopping, is a wanna be blogger, or even if your just in a budget. I’ve listed bellow 5 of the ways I have tried and I believe are working for me, because after all, as a beginner blogger, we all can’t expect to make the big bucks and mega sponsorship’s right away, right?!

1. Shop for yourself, not for your followers or for your Instagram aesthetic.

   Often times, I would find myself purchasing things that other bloggers wore, or things that I believed were what my followers wanted to see me in, or even statement outfits that fit my Instagram’s feel or color story. Many of these clothes, you’ll simply never wear again. Not to mention, I realized, though I don’t have a million followers, the people who read my content follow me for ME. For my personal ideas and opinions, and this needs to be 100% authentic and real, therefore I only buy clothing that I would normally buy, clothes that I love and gravitate towards naturally! :)

2. Designate a day to shop or online shop.

   Lets face it, we can’t expect ourselves to completely stop shopping all together, it’s something that is a stress reliever for myself and brings me joy. But many of times I find myself shopping just because there’s nothing else to do. I’m like a binge eater, even when your full, you just keep eating because your bored, LoL I’m this person with shopping. Therefore, I give myself a clear day once a week to either go on my lunch or shop after work, or even hit up multiple places in one day of the weekend, this also applies to online shopping. This has been a great thing to keep me from not only binge shopping, and buying one or two things every day of the week, but also it keeps my off social media. I’ve found doing this has allowed me to find other things to do in my free time (the little that I have). Whether its working out, going for a walk, getting a coffee, working on my blog, meditation, or even calling a loved one. Overall, it’s been great for my wallet and mental health!

3. Create a budget… duh.

   This is a given and kind of spins off of the point from above, but designating one day to do my shopping allows me to actually see how much I’m spending, versus when I used to do a little bit each day, It feels as though your spending less, but in fact your actually spending more. Each little purchase adds up, so create one day to shop, while setting a budget for yourself can help keep you on track. Maybe put a top back or to make a better cheaper decision instead. This can also dictate, what stores you should be shopping at, just saying I can find the most amazing finds at Forever21 and H&M if I want too! If there’s something more expensive you have your eye on, perhaps skip a week and save up for that item you really love!

4. Quality over quantity.

   As stated above, often times I found myself shopping on my lunch just to get out of the office longer, buying things I just don’t need. I am a firm believer in quality over quantity, and re-wearing those items. Many of the items you all see on my Instagram and blog I’ve actually owned for years and wear quite often, though most of you all would have no idea because of the way I wear it. When you buy a nicer piece over a trendier garment, these items often last much longer, especially if you read the care label and take good care of them. For example, a nice wool sweater can last for 10 years if you store them properly in the summer and hand wash it. This way I not only get more bang for my buck, but I can also re-wear it with multiple different looks. Timeless pieces, or even those of higher value can be mixed and matched with numerous different looks, it’s all about how you style them. Neutrals or even layering pieces tend to be great for this, but it can even be as simple as changing the shoes and adding accessories to completely fool others.

5. Don’t take every single partnership, sponsorship, or ambassador gig that comes your way.

   I get numerous emails and Instagram messages a day, of companies asking to me to sponsor them or become a brand ambassador, or even offering to give me discounts if I promote their items online. I’m not saying to always say no to these, cause many time they can offer great deals, and can actually boost your influence and social media exposure. But several times, I’ve seen girls conned into buying products that aren’t what they appear to be, purchasing products they don’t really care for, or even certain companies not disclosing exactly what they’re offering you. Some companies claim to provide payment, while others simply provide discounts and deals, it’s important to note exactly what your expecting and communicate that with them. I personally would never take a gig, just to boost my Instagram exposure, I only ever accept proposals that are with companies that I truly shop at or ones that align with my Instagram aesthetics and my personal style. Bottom line, do your research, never just accept a partnership just to get a gig. And only ever accept If you are fully in understanding with what your getting, and if you simply like the product/service they’re offering.

For outfit details, you can visit me at the Like to Know it app, or message me here through my contact page! :)