3 cheapest ways to live like the 1%

Let’s think about reality for a moment. Being in the top 1% of earners is no walk in the park. With an annual salary of around $700,000, that’s often give or take depending on where you live. This is a high upward trend. But the appeal of sipping a martini carefree in first class on a yacht or jet is undeniable.

But what if I told you that you could get a taste of the edge of a luxurious lifestyle without selling your soul to a corporation or inventing the next technological wonder? Discover three of the most affordable ways to live like you’re part of the elite without actually having to be one.

1. Rent designer clothes

First, let’s talk about threads. Designer labels and fashion-forward pieces can catapult your style into the stratosphere in no time. But who wants to invest thousands of dollars in an outfit that screams “I’m trying too hard”? Enter Rent the Runway. This gem allows you to rent high-end fashion for a fraction of the cost.

You can rent a single item, like an $890 Badgley Mischka dress, for $115, but memberships, which range from $94 to $234 per month, give you regular access to five to 20 designer items per month.

Imagine wearing a Versace dress for your next big event, knowing full well that you’re chic without the humiliating credit card bill. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, except in this case the cake is the designer’s wardrobe.

2. Use credit card points for first class travel

Next, shall we take a flight to a wonderful place? First class flights are a hallmark of the top 1%, but these tickets can cost more than a compact car. This is where everyday spending comes to the rescue.

By using your credit card rewards points wisely, you can upgrade your travel experience from “okay” to “wow” without a noticeable price tag. Sign up for a card that offers a hefty welcome bonus and high purchase rewards rates. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping champagne at 35,000 feet and wondering why you ever settled for less.

Consider the possibilities. Transferring your points to a partner airline often gives you the most value. Take a look at Qatar Airways’ famous QSuite. You can book a one-way flight between the US and Doha for around 70,000 Avios (taxes and fees included). Transfer your welcome bonus points and spend 1:1 with Avios for months and you’ll be resting in a layflat bed in no time.

3. Have a virtual personal trainer

The Future app revolutionizes the personal training experience, making personalized fitness regimens more accessible for just $199 per month. What makes Future different from your typical workout plan is that you receive personalized attention each week from a certified personal trainer who creates and tailors a workout plan that’s just right for you. This unique service offers unparalleled flexibility, ensuring your exercise routine evolves to fit your lifestyle and schedule.

Over a video call, your trainer will learn more about your fitness goals, the equipment available to you, and any past injuries you may have had to build a program that is as unique as you. Every Sunday, coaches release custom workout plans pulled from our extensive library of more than 1,000 exercises, giving you the freedom to work out whenever, wherever and however you want.

Icing on the cake? Daily check-ins from your coach will help you boost your motivation levels and ensure you’re always on the right track. Continuously improve your fitness journey by customizing and fine-tuning your program based on feedback and biometric data.

Living like the 1% without actually being part of it may sound like a dream, but with a little creativity and smart choices, you can be closer to reality than you think. Using the tips above, you can dip your toes into the world of extravagance and extravagance while keeping your finances on track. Who knows? You may find that high-end living is right for you, but at a fraction of the cost.

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