Does your rent or mortgage take up 50% of your monthly income? If so, you’re not alone. According to CNN money, there’s 11 million Americans who spend 50% or more of their income on just a living space. If you’re ready to change that, check out these 4 life hacks:

 

Free Home Sharing Programs

This option is usually available because an elderly or disabled person needs a little help. Typically, you live rent free in a spare room of their house, and in exchange, you do basic home upkeep and everyday chores (such as dusting, dishes, sweeping, and mopping). To find an arrangement like that, check here.

 

 

House Hack

Do you already own a home? Or plan on buying one? House hacking can be a great option for you! If you’re buying a home, really look into a duplex or a triplex if your budget affords it. You take one section and rent out the other(s) for enough money that you live basically mortgage free. Here’s a great guide if that’s something that interests you. If you don’t want a ‘plex, consider renting out rooms in your home. Seriously, is running around naked really worth $500-$2000 a month to you? Your renters can be monthly tenants, or they can just stay for the weekend as guests.

Go full Minimalist

Live in a boat, rv, or bus! Don’t worry, it’s no longer ‘trashy’ to go tiny in 2017, we now call that minimalism! This dramatically cuts your cost of living, not to mention it gives you access to some of the most beautiful parts of the world to travel!

 

Find a job with free room & board

Become a live in nanny, a truck driver (that’s what we’re doing!), a farm/ranch hand, or join the military. Do what you love, and do it without the costly price tag of home ownership or renting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do you save money on your cost of living? Share that in the comments below! Thanks for stopping in!