Millionaire at 39: 7 Frugal Habits I'll Keep, Even with Unlimited Wealth

Growing up as a first-generation Filipina-American, I learned the importance of saving money from my immigrant parents who were striving to achieve the American dream.

In 2016, I was $300,000 in debt from mortgages, student loans, and everyday bills, which left me feeling anxious and hopeless about my ability to pursue my American dream. This prompted me to develop a passion for personal finance and learn everything I could to help me change my situation.

I became a millionaire in my thirties after paying off my debt in three years and creating a coaching business called Crush Your Money Goals, where I help others achieve financial success.

No matter how much wealth I accumulate, I will not abandon these seven frugal habits.

1. I buy the least expensive cuts of meat

I am the woman who is blocking the chicken section and searching for the cheapest pack of chicken thighs to save an additional 23 cents.

I love eating Korean barbecue, but beef short-ribs can be expensive. At my local international grocery store in Charlotte, North Carolina, the traditional cut costs $11.99 per pound, but I opt for the end-cuts that are only $7.99 per pound.

Although they lack beauty, their simplicity makes them easier to prepare, and in the end, they are more cost-effective for my budget.

2. I save my hotel room vanity kits

I frequently travel for paid speaking engagements as part of my work with Crush Your Money Goals, and I always appreciate it when hotels offer complimentary vanity kits. These kits can be very useful in unexpected situations, especially when you're on the go.

My favorite items have been from my travels to Asia, which typically include toothbrushes, toothpaste, and high-quality combs and hair elastics. I utilize shower caps and hair elastics to keep my electronics organized, such as spare chargers and converters.

I've used my extra toothbrushes and toothpaste to clean my shoes when they've become dirty from extended walking tours.

3. I repurpose my takeout food containers

Did your parents save leftovers in old margarine and cool whip containers, like the ones I get from restaurants nowadays?

Instead of throwing away containers, I repurpose them for my own storage needs. These containers come in different sizes and are stronger than typical plastic tubs, making them ideal for storing leftovers or organizing small items around the house. Additionally, this approach is more eco-friendly than discarding them after one use.

4. I use every drop of my favorite beauty products

I am not ashamed to admit that I will continue to use my toothpaste tube until every last dot is gone. I was horrified when I witnessed a friend discard theirs prematurely, and it nearly caused me to faint. I share the same sentiment about personal care products, particularly when it comes to skincare.

Although it may seem thrifty to some, my extensive spending on medications and specialized lotions for my eczema is a result of my upbringing with the condition.

The lotion I bought for $30 has helped me overcome self-consciousness as an adult, especially when speaking in front of large audiences. It also helped me avoid bullying as a kid.

5. I look at the menu prices before I choose my order

I'm proud to say that I've reached a new comfort level in my finances: I order the extra guacamole. However, no matter how much I earn, I can't seem to break the habit of checking the price of the dish before deciding on my meal when dining out.

To avoid being swayed by the higher-priced items at the beginning of the menu, I start reading from the end. This way, I can easily find the more affordable options first while still enjoying a premium meal without the hefty price tag.

6. I preserve high-quality shopping bags

My mom saved every plastic bag, even the flimsy ones, for trash or food scraps while peeling vegetables. As a result, I have a collection of bags hidden under my kitchen sink. However, if I receive a well-made, stylish, and sturdy shopping bag, I promise to make the most of it.

When I'm on the go, I use reusable bags as carriers for snacks, lunches, or small items. I don't feel as bad if I lose them or have to toss them for convenience. I always keep a disposable bag or two in my luggage when I travel.

7. I wear free T-shirts to the gym

The athleisure industry has made going to the gym feel like a fashion show rather than a fitness routine. As I attend multiple conferences and events that offer swag, I will opt to wear those free T-shirts to my yoga dance classes instead of investing in expensive designer workout clothes.

I've lost too many water bottles to justify buying an expensive one, so the free ones I receive in gift bags are sufficient for me.

Why these frugal habits will always mean so much to me

I am less guilty about spending money on things that I enjoy, such as attending K-Pop concerts and live comedy events, and supporting local and women-owned businesses, even if it means paying a little more.

By continuing to practice frugality, I am reminded of the sacrifices my parents made to provide me with numerous opportunities. Developing an appreciation for the worth of small, daily actions has aided me in becoming a more skilled budgeter, a more self-assured investor, and, ultimately, a millionaire.

Bernadette Joy, the CEO of Crush Your Money Goals, is a personal finance training company that offers education with a touch of excitement. As the eighth child in her father's family of nine and a first-generation Filipino-American, Bernadette understands the struggles of those who feel like they missed the money memo. She wants to help others find financial peace and has paid off $300,000 in debt in just three years, becoming a millionaire in her 30s. As a money coach, Bernadette has helped thousands of people ditch debt, master their savings, and start investing. In her free time, Bernadette enjoys K-pop, yoga, karaoke, and spoiling her nieces and nephews. You can find her on Instagram and YouTube.

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