Hello my lovelies! Today, let us once again talk about my favorite topic: money. If you want to take your financial management to the next level, you need to have the basics down. What is it about? Tracking of your finances carefully + discipline. It’s time to cut back on spending dearest! let's take a closer look on what can be done. Note: Adjust the calculations below to fit your personal situation (whether you are a student, already working, retired; single or in a relationship; with or without children, etc.). Let's get started!
1 - Avoid the pitfalls
In this video, I tell you about the biggest trap you can fall into:accumulation of small loans meaning installment payments. Enjoy the video—see you below.
2 - Look for the money where it is
A budget consists of fixed costs (which cannot be reduced) and variable costs (which fluctuate). To successfully implement the budget cuts listed below, think about it this way: what do I WANT ? What do I NEED ? The answers to those questions will help you sort things out.
2.1 - Savings on Fixed Costs
Housing (rent). There's no room for negotiation here. There are two ways to lower your rent: (1) move to a less expensive area, or (2) rent a smaller space. For example, moving from a 2bedroom apartment (~65 m², Parisian suburbs—departments 92, 93, and 94) with a rent of ~€1,300 to a 1bedroom apartment (~45 m², in the same area) with a rent of ~€1,000 => you save €300/month -> over 12 months => €3,600 saved.
Utility bill (electricity, gas, water). Consider the back-to-school deals or other promotions, take time to compare energy providers, and switch if necessary. If you’re moving into a rental, check the type of heating system+++ (central gas, all-electric, hybrid, etc.). And if you’re buying a home, check the energy performance report (DPE) and avoid homes with poor energy efficiency. For example, in France, the average energy and water bill for a household is 200€/month (2,400€/year); if you reduce it by 10%, it comes down to 2,160€/year. => €240 saved.
Insurance (home insurance, car insurance, health insurance). Same as previously, compare rates and switch if you find a better deal! You can save a few dozen euros here.
Telecom Subscriptions (Internet Service, Mobile Plans). Compare! Many customers stick with the same plans for years simply out of habit. But the truth is that these plans change every year. Depending on your situation: Is it better to get just an internet package? An internet + phone package? An internet + phone + TV package? Choose the option that best fits your lifestyle. For example, if you switch from a premium subscription of ~€39.99/month (annual: €479.88/year) to an entry-level subscription of ~€19.99/month (annual: €239.88/year) => €240 saved.
Income Taxes (FR: Impôts sur le revenu): This amount fluctuates based on your salary of course. BUT did you know that some expenses are tax-deductible? For example, if you are subject to income tax and make contributions to your company's PEI/PERCO plan, you can save up to 2500€ from your income taxes.
Mortgages. Under certain conditions, you can take a break from your payments to catch your breath. Check with your bank advisor => remenber debits from your bank account are only postponed but not canceled (this is more of a helping hand than a way to save money).
2.2 - Savings on Mandatory Variable Expenses
This type of spendings is essential for living, BUT you can control the amount, once again we come down to budgeting.
Food : Make a shopping list and stick to it. Shop with meal plans in mind, this helps prevent waste (vegetables left to rot in the fridge drawer) and those existential questions like “What are we having for dinner tonight?” that usually end up with an Uber Eats order. For example: grocery shopping on a budget = 400e/month vs. shopping on a whim + Uber Eats/eating out as much as you want = 720€/month. That results in a difference of 320€/month => over 12 months it represents €3,840 saved
Transportation : If your employer reimburses part or all of the cost, make sure to keep your receipts (!) and follow the necessary steps within the specified time frame. Same goes for gasoline +++. For example: a monthly Navigo pass for €90.80/month => if the employer covers 50%, That's €544.80 saved per year (If they pay off 100%, that amounts goes up to €1,089.60 in savings per year.)
healthcare : compare health insurance reimbursement rates based on the care you need. What is the reimbursement rate for orthodontics (children and/or adults)? Ophthalmology? Specialist consultations? Hospitalization (due to an accident, illness, or childbirth) in a private or shared room? Take the time to look into it.
Clothing : getting dressed is necessary, yes. But there's no need to go shopping every single month or every day. Prefer high-quality clothing (cotton vs. polyester) -> it lasts longer and remains in good state for a while. Do the maths according to your specific situation.
>> Life is about choices, and to choose is to give something up. Choose the pleasures that are essential to your happiness and eliminate the rest <<
2.3 - Savings on Optional Variable Expenses
In this section, I’ll talk about outings, vacations, long weekends, shopping, and so on. I’ll never tell you to give up on culture and leisure activities, because they’re important for personal growth, and enjoyment also. So, you have to make it a point to find cheaper or even free options. Use your discount cards if you have them (student, large family, job seeker, ...etc), as well as discounts from your *employee benefit committees (*CE) (such as vacation vouchers, movie tickets...etc).
Example: >>Movie tickets Pathé cinena tickets: €17.60/adult -> Some *employee committees sell tickets for €5 each (a savings of €12.60 per ticket compared to the full price). If you go once a month for 12 months: you save 151,2€/an to go to the movies).
>> Streaming Services (Netflix, Disney+, Spotify… etc.). If you really want to save money, don’t sign up for anything. With that beeing said, a little entertainment never hurts, so follow my cheap-like strategy. Binge-watch your shows, then pause your subscription (no charges). Be careful of automatic renewal! => In the event of you completely cancelling your subscriptions, you save 95,88€/year
>> Cigarette-> Quit smoking entirely. If you are not doing it for health purpose, then at least do it for your wallet.. For example, if you go from 2boxes/month (€12.50 each – total €25) to zero => You'll save €300 a year (if you smoke more than that… I'll let you figure out how much money you're losing).
2.4 - Total savings: 11,211€
When you add it all up, you get €11,211 saved. What if you're a smoker? You can add to that the €300 calculated above, in your situation you save a total of €11,511. See ? Let that sink in for a moment. When you're ready, continue reading.
3 - Say NO
“NO” is a complete sentence. No, I can't. No, I don't want to. If you have people peaser tendencies, it’s urgent that you learn how to use that word. Because as long as you keep giving, some people won’t stop taking.
A birthday party hosted in a restaurant that costs 120€ per person while you're struggling financially? : “No, I can’t come.”
The friend who won't accept gifts worth less than 100€ because, according to them, that means “you don't love them enough”? : “No, I can’t.” What if they insist? “ ok, bye ». Yes,At some point you will have to cut ties with the people who are dragging you down.
You should buy an SUV and get rid of that little Twingo car you drive, you're an engineer, after all! : “No, I don’t need that.” Theses are toxic advice that needlessly increase your monthly expenses if you listen.
What matters isn't what others think of you, but what you experience in your own reality. Someone who truly loves you will respect your boundaries. Someone who respects you, will pay you back the money you lent them without you having to chase after them to get what they owe you.
Recommended Reading
I discuss different topics in the following articles, be sure to check them out!
>> Jobs étudiants: 10 options bien rémunérées et compatibles avec tes études : Target audience: college students. Making money during the school year without jeopardizing your studies. I share links to companies and industries that hire year-round.
>> Comment devenir riche en 2025 ? : Audience=all. I'll explain how to cut your expenses and increase your income. And most importantly, I'll discuss the importance of budgeting and discipline.
>> Tout savoir sur les produits d’épargne | economie.gouv.fr : Here you'll find explanations of the different savings options available (livretA, life insurance, plan épargne logement PEL, plan épargne retraite PEI/ PERECO…etc ) and their yield.
>> Nos conseils pour réduire votre facture d’électricité | economie.gouv.fr : from lighting, heating, and appliances type, the article discusses how you all theses aspects affects you bills. So take a closer look at this.
Final words
Back to school season is right around the corner, so I’m counting on you to do the math and, most importantly, adjust your lifestyle accordingly! Message for college students, don’t be in too much of a hurry to leave the family home (=_=)’, the outside world is GHETTOOOO in Macron’s World!
xo, Mama
How do you break down your expenses? Are there any other expenses that can be deducted? Have I forgotten anything you wish to add? Let us know in the comment section!
Psst, if you liked this post, leave a comment below and share it. Remember, there are plenty more to discover (or rediscover)! kisses
Merci pour la synthèse.
Astuces pour les fêtes de fin d’année : faire un budget strict cadeaux par personne exemple 20-30€ ou plus, faire des cadeaux « homemade » ex panier gourmand biscuits confiseries maison, acheter avant début décembre en promotion ou seconde main neuf, faire 1 cagnotte commune pour 1 cadeau de grande valeur.
La janviose sera moins douloureuse.
Merci pour les astuces Ng ! Effectivement, n’oublions pas la Janviose 🤣✨️
Excellente idée je fais une liste et en face je note mes idées cadeau, dès que j’ai une opportunité j’achète je coffre 👌🏾 … Il faut avoir terminé au black friday sinon c’est mieux d’annuler 🤣🤣🤣
Merci beaucoup pour la synthèse, c’est très visuel la façon dont tu as balayé les secteurs les uns après les autres ✨
tu es vraiment notre Queen 👑
Je peux rajouter de profiter des offres d’ouvertures de compte et de parrainages pour ouvrir des comptes différents avec des MISSIONS DIFFERENTES:
1) tu collectes les sous des parrainages 😎
2) un compte =charges fixes et RIEN d’autres (loyer, edf, ass, navigo, Et bien sûr le virement automatique de l’Epargne en PREMIER !!!)
+
3)Virement automatique vers un autre compte=du budget des dépenses variables ( courses, chill, …)
c’est plus facile de suivre/surveiller les »anomalies » moins de confusions devant les soldes 🥲🤔😱🙆🏽♀️ quand le budget est fini…on reste tranquille 🤣🤣
Les DÉPENSES FIXES : Découper et automatiser en prélèvement tous ce qu’on peut = clarté= paix =pas de retard=pas d’amendes ET
POUR LES AUTRES: payer physiquement ( espèces, CB, virement) : obligé de se poser la question es ce que j’ai vraiment besoin de ça.. 🤣🤣on rajoute des obstacles… Tu en a parlé dans un autres articles et j’ai adoré. Tiktok shop m’a attrapé une fois 🤣 le procès de l’achat a été tellement facile que j’ai tout déconnecter …même l’enfant peux passer une commande dans les lol ( true story !)
Apprendre/maitriser la discipline budgétaire est absolument VITALE et ça ne veut pas dire austérité, ça veut dire la paix , moins de stress, teint brillant brillant ( quand tu as bien enjoy💃🏾l’argent du budget chill et que ça finit… tu te couches et tu dors dans la paix du Seigneur 🤣)
Merci encore pour tes articles toujours très inspirants