Welcome to 2013 everyone! I entered into the new year with a cold, and I was out of commission for 10 days. No better way to start the new year right?! I love the new year, and the opportunity to start fresh. I enjoy looking back on what went well over the last year, and what went wrong, as it allows me the opportunity to look forward on what I want to make right in my life. The new year makes me think about what areas of my life I can improve on, and what areas I need to scale back on.

In the area of money, I know looking back can be depressing as you reflect on money spent, accumulated debt, or how much you don’t have. Have no fear, I am here to encourage you along your journey. As a blogger who writes about life and finances, I am always looking around me for new ways to manage my finances. I have come with these money tips, that are straight from the streets of San Diego, and were taught to me by the life of a Hipster.

Hipster Money Tip #1: Don’t Buy Designer Clothing – Used Clothing can be cool too. Shop at thrift stores to search for cheap throw back clothing. Multiple layers and patterns is the key (see image). If you have no luck at the thrift stores, just borrow your girlfriends jeans.

Hipster Money Tip #2: Don’t Waste Money on New Music – Buy used Records for cheap at a record store. Learn to listen to the classics like Marvin Gaye, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Dianna Ross. There are lots of ways to cut back on entertainment. Music, movies, internet, and cable alone can take up a large chunk of your monthly budget. Utilize companies like Redbox and netflix to meet your entertainment needs at a lower price.

Hipster Money Tip #3: Don’t go to the Salon – Dye your own hair or shave half your head yourself in order to save on hair and beauty expenses.

Hipster Money Tip #4: Don’t Shave – Guys, grow a mustache, or a beard and cut back on your own shaving product expenses. Ladies, grow out your armpit hairs and allow the breeze to blow your arm hairs. There is no need to waste time on maintaining your body hair, just let it grow and breathe. Or check out the Dollar Shave Club, and shaving will only cost you a $1 a month.

Hipster Money Tip #5: Don’t Drive – Shop local, walk your neighborhoods, and ride your bike to your local grocery store. This will save you lots of money on gas, provide exercise, and overall improve your quality of life. Or just buy a Prius.

Hipster Life Tip #1: The truth about Hipsters is they live out their passions and express who they are in multiple ways. I actually aspire to be a hipster one day, but my wife won’t let me . Whether you like Hipsters or not, you have to appreciate that Hipsters have found ways to cut back on their expenses and still be stylish. Look around you, there are life lessons to be learned from all walks of life. Learn from the Hipsters.

-Matt

Photo Credit: Single Dude Travel