A few months ago, I found myself at a luxurious spa sipping fruity mocktails, nibbling on buttery croissants, and receiving a hand massage with expensive oils. The best part? It all cost just £10.
You might think there is something special about indulging in one of the most joyful days I have had in a long time, complete with a goody bag worth over £100, for such a bargain price. Well, there is no big secret. The spa was launching a partnership with a brand and advertised the event on its Facebook page, and I decided to seize the opportunity.
What I did not expect was for this one event to kickstart a weekly £10 treat budget, one that has helped me economize better and feel in control of my money. Before that spa day and my weekly challenge, life looked very different.
A Shift in Lifestyle
For 11 years, I worked as an office manager, earning good money and having a guaranteed £250 socializing budget after monthly bills. I had become accustomed to putting everything on my credit card and paying off the full balance each month without a care. I never thought twice about dining out at places like Prezzo or enjoying a night at the theatre.
That all changed in 2023 when I quit my job in search of something new. After a false start involving a new job with little support and a two-hour daily commute, I landed a two-day-a-week admin role. This meant I had nowhere near the disposable income I used to have.
Suddenly, I was on a much lower budget and had no choice but to rein in my spending and become more mindful with my money. However, I still wanted to prioritize wellbeing and fun. Knowing I could never afford £250 a month on socializing, I set a new budget of £80 a month.
Unfortunately, during the first month at my new job, I spent £40 of that on a meal with a friend, leaving me with hardly any money for the rest of the month, let alone for fuel. I re-adjusted my budget to £60 a month, but quickly realized I would have to start saying no to social activities I was used to, which made me feel miserable and like I was missing out.
The £10 Spa Discovery
Then, in June last year, I found that £10 spa event. While it seemed too good to be true at first, the event delivered everything it promised and more. It was the most pampered and relaxed I had felt in years, and I had barely broken the bank. Seeing how I could enjoy luxury on such a small amount made me rethink my approach. Perhaps £10 per week might be enough as long as I was creative with how I spent it.
From that moment on, I set myself the challenge to see how far I could stretch a tenner without sacrificing joy. I worried I would feel restricted at first, assuming £10 would not get me anything worthwhile. But I quickly realized there is so much you can do for little to no money: borrowing books from the library, picnicking at the beach, or going for long canal walks with friends.
Soon, picking my £10 activity for the week became something I looked forward to, almost like a game. I kept an eye out for freebies or low-cost events through local Facebook groups and businesses. I signed up for newsletters so that when Prezzo has a Buy One Get One For £1 deal, I am the first to know. I also made sure to sign up for loyalty cards in hopes of a freebie or discount.
I made simple switches, like swapping shopping trips at high street stores for charity shops to see what I could find for £10 or less. Instead of eating out, I invited friends over for a cup of tea and homemade cake. Some weeks, I did not even spend all of my £10, so I popped it into savings or put it toward next week's treats. When that happens, I feel a real sense of pride in how far I have come.
Sharing the Journey
I started an Instagram account, @TheSavvyWelshGirl, where I share tips on living life on a low budget while prioritizing self-care. Judging by my comments section, many people are trying to make their money go as far as possible, including on fun things, and I do not think there is anything wrong with that. At the end of the day, it is about working smarter, not harder. If you can get something for free, do not buy it: swap paying for Spotify and a gym membership for music and workout videos on YouTube. Find ways to try before you buy: there are plenty of rental apps now so you can rent an outfit rather than buying it outright, especially for one-time use. And put down the credit card. Cash is king when trying to keep track of your money. Once it is gone, it is gone.
I love that I have found the fun in free activities like walks in the park or a picnic, but I also enjoy finding bargain deals, like going to our local independent cinema on a Monday for just £4 or getting £10 off my next food bill just because I recommended a friend to a restaurant. I look at money through a different lens now, and it has become a way of life I would not change.
They say the best things in life are free, and now I can finally see that is true. Joy is not measured by how much money you spend, but by who you spend your time with and the memories you make.
