A few months ago, I decided to challenge myself—could I really survive on just $50 a week and still manage to save money? At first, it sounded impossible. But what began as an experiment turned out to be one of the most eye-opening and rewarding financial experiences of my life. It taught me how to live intentionally, cut out unnecessary expenses, and shift my mindset around money.
I started by creating a minimalist budget. I separated my essential bills like rent, utilities, and internet, and told myself that everything else—groceries, transport, entertainment, personal items—had to fit within that $50 limit. I had no backup. This made me get real with my priorities. I looked at where my money used to go: quick food deliveries, little Amazon splurges, weekend outings, overpriced coffee, and realized I could live without most of them.
Meal planning became my superpower. I focused on simple, nutritious meals using rice, lentils, eggs, oats, seasonal veggies, and peanut butter. I bought in bulk, hunted for discounts, and cooked in batches. I learned to love repeat meals and avoided waste completely. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel deprived—I felt resourceful. That $50 was suddenly stretching way further than I thought possible.
Transportation was another area I tackled. I started walking more—short distances became daily exercise. I avoided rideshares and planned ahead using public transport. Not only did I save money, but I also became more active and aware of my surroundings. Social life didn’t disappear either—I just got more creative. I hosted friends at home, organized movie nights, played board games, and found free events in my city. I realized you don’t need to spend money to have a good time.
Throughout this challenge, I tracked every dollar I spent. I kept a notebook and wrote down every purchase, no matter how small. This helped me spot patterns, stay disciplined, and even find opportunities to cut back further. By the end of the first month, I had managed to save $100 from my regular budget—just by being intentional. That money went straight into my emergency fund.
But the biggest win wasn’t financial. It was mental. I became less dependent on spending to feel good. I found joy in simplicity. I became confident in my ability to control money rather than let it control me. Living on $50/week wasn’t easy—but it showed me how little I actually need to live well. It gave me power over my finances and freedom from mindless habits.
Today, I don’t follow the $50/week rule strictly—but I carry the mindset with me. I still budget carefully, meal prep, avoid impulse buys, and ask myself before every purchase: “Do I really need this?” And most times, the answer is no. That’s how I took control of my money—and started building a life of intention, not just survival.
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