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Hold on tight.

Over the past 10 months, I have managed to save 10,000 € with a young graduate's salary ...

… While I live in one of the most expensive cities in France, Paris.

I managed to save more than half of my salary of € 1,780 net per month ...

.... and this despite a cost of living that continues to climb every year.

Today, thanks to these savings, I am starting my own business and have been able to make some great trips to the other side of the world.

If I'm telling you all this, it's not to brag (well, I admit, a little bit anyway!).

I just want everyone to know that NOTHING is impossible when you focus enough energy towards your goals!

Do you want to know how I did it? So here is my method:

1. I have identified each of my expenses

I kept receipts for all my expenses, even the smallest ones.

Each evening, I entered them in an Excel spreadsheet.

You would be amazed at how quickly small everyday expenses can add up: a coffee here, a croissant there, it goes fast!

It's simple, if you keep track of your spending every day, you'll pay much more attention to how you spend your money.

I guarantee it.

Here are my expenses for the month of January 2017. Most of the expenses have been divided by 4 because I live in a roommate. I also put a link to the rates in question if you are curious:

- Rent : 405 €

- Miscellaneous charges (heating / electricity / water): 35 €

- Internet : 2,5 €

- Mobile: 2 €

- Public transport : 37,60 € (after reimbursement of half by my employer)

- Vélib ': 2,42 €

- Food : 209 €

- Restaurant: 19 €

- Cleaning / hygiene products: 12 €

- Entertainment / beers: 32 €

Total: 756,52 €

2. I have set up an automatic transfer to my A passbook

I asked my banker to automatically put part of my salary into a savings account.

As I already had an A booklet open, I decided to transfer a fixed amount to it each month.

Like that, I'm never tempted to spend that money. In addition, I don't need to do anything, it's automatic, every month.

3. I saved on the rent

It's very simple, the more roommates you have, the less you pay in rent and charges.

By living in a roommate 'of 4 people, my rent as well as all the charges are divided by 4.

And when I go on vacation or even on weekends, I rent my room on Airbnb.

The rents are exorbitant and keep increasing in all the cities of France.

Therefore, there is no shame in renting out your room to tourists a few days a year.

It always puts butter in the spinach. Obviously, first check with your landlord if it's O.K. for him.

4. I saved on food

During those 10 months, I always had my fill. I also did my best to eat healthy, balanced foods with each of my meals.

Surprisingly, I managed to spend less money on food than most of my roommates!

How did I do it? Here's what worked for me:

- I brought my lunch to the office every day: everyone talks about it, everyone knows it ... but few people really do. My office colleagues have a habit of buying themselves lunch every noon. Every day, they spend at least 8-10 € per meal. Which represents almost my meal budget for a whole day!

- I have planned all the meals for the week: every saturday i made a menu of all the meals for the week which i used to do my shopping in one go. My roommates go to the supermarket every two days. Why ? Because they don't see the point in shopping for the entire week.

The problem is, they don't realize they're spending more money. Indeed, very often they find themselves without food at home because they have badly planned their shopping! As a result, they go out and buy themselves a McDonald's or a kebab which represents 1/7 of my weekly food budget.

- I took advantage of supermarket promotions: to eat organic and inexpensive, I do my shopping at Biocoop, a supermarket that offers good prices on consumer products such as pasta and loose rice, potatoes, plain yogurts, etc. For example, half a dozen eggs from organic free-range chickens costs just $ 1.99.

On weekends, I go to the market to stock up on the fruit and vegetables for the week. I go there at the end around 1pm to be able to negotiate the prices. When I go to the supermarket, I try to buy my products wholesale as often as possible, to save even more money. Be aware that in every city there are supermarkets that offer good quality food at reasonable prices. You just have to take the time to look for them.

- I limited my outings to the restaurant: everyone loves going to a restaurant. We spend a good time with friends, while eating good food. But these outings can turn out to be onerous when you do the math. In addition, we always end up ordering a digestif or a dessert. Suddenly, expenses can quickly get out of hand ... (unless you limit yourself to free restaurants in the capital.)

Instead of going out, I got into the habit of preparing good, home-cooked meals for myself. Even though I'm not (yet) a chef, I know my girlfriend appreciates my cooking and especially the time and energy I put into it.

5. I saved on transport

I used to drive to work. But one day I decided to part with my old car once and for all and take public transport.

I admit it is much better than i thought. Today, I take the bus and the metro to go to work and go out in town, without that causing me any problems (I take this opportunity to read quietly).

Without a car, I was able to save big on fuel, insurance, tickets, but also parking costs which quickly increase expenses.

When I really needed it, I borrowed a roommate's car and paid him off for gas, or rented it from a private individual on Drivy. The most surprising thing is that I quickly got used to living without a car.

In addition to public transport, I also took a Vélib 'card at € 29 per year! It's really cheap and it's great when it's not raining.

I also tested the Mobikes which are a little more expensive but even more practical because there is no need to even find a station with free places!

6. I reduced my outings expenses

Know that there are plenty of activities to do that do not cost a round. You do not believe me ? Then discover 32 free activities here.

And just because you're in a relationship doesn't mean you have to spend your money! Here are 23 great activities to do as a couple without breaking the bank. My girlfriend loves it.

Do you like series and movies? Me too ! Not only are there solutions to watch streaming for free, but also today you can watch your favorite movies and series without spending a fortune.

For example, for me to watch the latest movies and series, I took a Netflix subscription. With the standard subscription at € 10.99, you can watch movies on 2 screens simultaneously.

Like that, I share the price of the subscription with my best friend. Result, I pay less than 6 € per month! Not bad, isn't it?

Of course, we have to wait a little longer for the release of new films, but I am making great savings compared to the price of cinema tickets! With this subscription, I spent a lot of great movie nights with friends or with my girlfriend.

Conclusion

So what's the secret to really saving money?

The most important thing for me is to stop spending money on unnecessary things!

As long as we follow this rule, all is well.

Before I spend any money, I ask myself what it will do for me in the medium and long term.

If the answer is nothing or very little, then it's simple: I keep my money!

The trick is to see each of your expenses as an investment.

Well, I admit it, to succeed in saving € 10,000 in 10 months, it was not easy every day.

I had to sacrifice some little pleasures and lessen my comfort here and there.

But the big positive point is that today I am able to create my own company and travel to live new experiences!

Your turn...

Have you tried my money saving tips? Tell me in the comments if they worked for you. I look forward to hearing from you !

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Also to discover:

Take the Challenge For 2017: 52 Weeks Savings.

How to Survive a Whole Month Without ANY Expense.