How can two freelancers in the competitive film industry afford such an extensive trip through some of the most expensive countries in the world? Here's how we did it:
- LIVE WITH ROOMMATES: 2 bedroom apartment in North Hollywood. 4 adult roommates. Sounds crowded, but Mike and I each saved around $500/month compared to what our colleagues generally pay. We split the cost of utilities and internet four ways as well. Netflix ended up being $2/person. Every penny counts, right?
- When you have cool roommates, you go out less and spend less because every night is hang out night!
- COOK YOUR OWN MEALS: Buying groceries and cooking at home saves SO MUCH MONEY! We generally spend $100 every two weeks on groceries. Between the two of us, that's $25/wk per person. That's less than what you would spend on one night out at a chain sit-down restaurant.
- Of course we still went out and enjoyed a nice dinner or drinks with friends. Just not too often.
- It also helps that our jobs offer catered lunches because we work 13+ hours a day and can't get away to buy lunch.
- DON'T BUY NEW CLOTHES: Mike and I are not trendy at all when it comes to fashion. Our jobs require us to wear practical clothes that always get dirty and torn. When we do want to update our wardrobe and dress like adults, we go to the local Goodwill or more fashionable second hand stores like Crossroads. I bought a chic BCBG sweater for $15 with the original price tag marked at $150.
- Same goes for electronics/furniture/material goods: CRAIGSLIST is the SH*T! We find amazing items and deals on Craigslist.
- OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT: People who live paycheck to paycheck don't realize this is an option. This is a great way to prioritize your earnings and spending. I usually put away 50% of my paycheck into my savings. We have been saving for this trip for about a year. Even setting aside $50 a month can add up.
- Mike and I are great at saving, but that doesn't mean we stay home all the time and avoid all things fun. We go back to Chicago at least twice a year to see family and friends because that is what is important to us. Otherwise, we could be saving another $1200/year on airfare alone. Keep in mind, we aren't making any money when we visit home.
- READ TRAVEL BLOGS: Like ours! You are not the first or only person to want to travel. Many people have done it before you and have utilized blogging to share their experience and advice. There are error-proof ways to save money leading up to your trip and cost-cutting tricks to use during your trip. Listed below are the two most useful travel blogs we follow:
- http://www.nomadicmatt.com/ Nomadic Matt offers sage advice on travel budgeting.
- http://herpackinglist.com/ This blog was more useful for me than for Mike. Women think, plan, and pack differently. It was great to read about travel experiences from the ladies.
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