How to live rich while you’re broke?

[EatDiamondsForBreakfast]

How do you help yourself feel like you’re living a luxurious life while cutting back on money spent?

Mine would be, having my car and home clean. Just sets a nice mindset. Being organised. Feeling one step ahead instead of behind! Knowing what’s for dinner/having a present sorted early for a child’s birthday party.
Using all my ‘nice things’. Wearing those OTT earrings on a random Tuesday.
Things I’d like to try- setting a nice table with a candle for any dinner.

Tell me yours!

I think you have to have nice stuff already. Like, a stable home and car that is either paid off or doesn't cost you much, nice clothes and furniture and things in your house you've bought previously, decent appliances and whatever tech you want, a well-stocked kitchen in terms of equipment and "pantry" items. If you're in a position where you've got all that, you can run on empty for a while without feeling like you're depriving yourself. Otherwise, it can get a bit miserable.

These don’t seem rich. Just organised and clean.

I like to buy cheap seasonal flowers. Daffs are £1 a bunch at the moment. It isn’t living rich but it’s up lifting.

I agree with you OP, have a clean house and tidy mind knowing everything is done is pure decadence.

However for some it's related to their wealth. Ie working all hours and not having time to get all those things done so that they can have that peace of mind. It rarely happens for me.

For me a long bath or time to binge watch something I've been saving.

What a lovely thread to start! We should all find ways to enjoy the simple things.
I love to take a walk and allow myself time to stop and look.
Sometimes I have tea in a teapot with a cup and saucer.
If I'm cleaning I like to imagine I'm being paid to clean a posh person's house and pay attention to details like shining taps.
I like my front door area to look clean and inviting and it makes me feel fancy.

More things I like to do:

Take the time to actually use mood lighting/ candles in the evening.

Put bathroom things like soap or bubble bath in nice containers.

Have pretty paper napkins at the table in a holder, and a carafe for water.

Fresh flowers, not expensive ones , they cheer me up and make my house look homely. We are members of the National trust £12 a month for family membership, I love going to properties for a walk and a cup of tea. I like to get out without it costing a fortune.

Buy higher-quality items that are less likely to break/wear out soon, in order to avoid having to replace them so soon e.g. shoes, clothes, kitchen equipment etc. Might cost more upfront but likely cheaper in the long run.

@FindingMeno Thank you!
I love your ideas. I’d love to have a nice teapot, I think I’ll look for one at the charity shop.

Fresh flowers definitely. There’s a lady near me who grows her own and sells them at a roadside stall, I get a treat & I love supporting her business.

I enjoy celebrating the seasons for nothing. I gather greenery from the hedgerows - holly and ivy and Christmas and catkins for Easter and fill vases for free.

All the little luxuries I used to have when before I retired I get cheaper in charity shops - piles of old gardening and home magazines, scented candles, pretty china, luxurious handcreams etc. It's amazing how many people give away those boxes of three little handcreams that cost £12 in smart little boutiques.

Just after Christmas is very good for unwanted presents like cosy slippers, sheepskin type gloves, throws, gorgeous china.

I find that reserving books on the online library catalogue gives me the same buzz as online shopping.

Not saving things for best. Wear the coat, wear the jewellery, wear the perfume etc. Tomorrow may never come.

Wear your finery and also iron or steam it. Everything looks so much better, polished and expensive when it is pressed.

Smile and find pleasure in the mundane, a pretty flower, a cuppa in the sun, putting the washing out on a windy day, having a lovely walk.

Use the toiletries you've been saving for best.

Look for the silver lining.

Also, there is a (free) museum near us with beautifully maintained gardens. I like to visit and pretend, in my head, that I own the place. I'm not sure if I'm normal!

I have been sober for 207 days now. And I can’t tell you how much my life has changed.
simple things like I now naturally wake around 5:30 and I absolutely LOVE making a coffee, setting the washing machine off and sitting on the sofa writing my list for the day.
my children feel safe, they are happier and I have a lot my pride in my home and my life.

while cash poor. I have become absolutely loaded in other ways these last 6 months.