Can you live on just $100 for an entire month?
It sounds impossible. Rent alone in most countries costs more than that. But last year, when I lost my freelance contracts and my savings were almost gone, I was forced to figure it out.
This is not a story about how I gave up everything and lived in a tent. It’s about real strategies that work, especially when you’re broke and need to stretch every dollar.
1. First: Where Did That $100 Go?
Let me be clear. This $100 was all I had after paying rent.
Here’s how I spent it:
- Food: $60
- Transportation: $15
- Phone & Internet: $10
- Emergency/Buffer: $15
I didn’t buy coffee. I didn’t eat out. I didn’t buy new clothes.
Every decision had to be intentional.
2. Food Strategy: Bulk + Boring = Survival
I focused on cheap, filling foods I could cook in big portions.
My 4-week food plan:
- Oats for breakfast (bought 2kg for $4)
- Rice + lentils or rice + eggs for lunch/dinner
- Frozen veggies when affordable
- No sugar, no snacks, no drinks
I batch-cooked on Sundays. I made rice and lentil curry that lasted 3–4 days.
It was repetitive. But I was never hungry.
3. Transportation: No Uber, No Excuses
If I could walk, I walked.
I used Google Maps to find walking routes that were safe.
I also used free bike rentals from a local library program (check if your city has one).
Public buses were only used when absolutely necessary.
In total, I spent less than $15 in a month.
4. Phone, Internet, Subscriptions: Trim Everything
I canceled Netflix, Spotify, and cloud storage.
I switched to a prepaid SIM card that cost $8/month. I found free Wi-Fi at public libraries and cafes (without buying anything).
Apps like:
- TextNow for free calls/texts
- Telegram for communication
- Pocket to save articles offline
Saved me real money — and kept me connected.
5. Free Stuff Is Everywhere (If You Look)
When you’re broke, your pride can’t stop you from being creative.
Here’s what I did:
- Joined 3 local Facebook groups for “Buy Nothing” and free stuff
- Went to public libraries daily (free books, free AC, free internet)
- Attended free online events that gave out food gift cards
- Signed up for 2 local studies that paid $20 gift cards for surveys
Free doesn’t mean low value. It means resourceful.
6. Mental Health: Staying Calm When You’re Broke
Being broke is scary. But I learned one truth: if you act with purpose, panic fades.
What helped:
- Daily journaling (Google Docs or pen + paper)
- Short morning walks (free, but energizing)
- A playlist of motivational podcasts (downloaded on Wi-Fi)
- Talking to one person per day, even if just to say “hi”
Financial survival is about numbers. But emotional survival matters too.
7. Lessons That Changed My Money Habits Forever
After this experience, I didn’t go back to spending freely.
Here’s what I kept doing — even after I had income again:
- Buying in bulk only
- Canceling any subscription I forgot I had
- Using cash instead of cards for groceries
- Setting a weekly “spending cap”
- Keeping $100 as a personal emergency challenge fund
Living poor taught me how rich people think: intentional, not impulsive.
8. What I Would Do Differently Now
If I had to do it again, I’d do these 3 things earlier:
- Ask for help — I waited too long
- Use community kitchens (local NGOs helped many)
- Sell digital services or AI-generated assets online (instead of waiting for jobs)
The key isn’t just cutting costs. It’s finding leverage.
Final Thoughts: You Can Survive — and Grow
$100 in 30 days won’t make you rich.
But it will teach you how to think, plan, and adapt like a survivor.
You’ll discover:
- Where your money really goes
- What you truly need (vs want)
- How creative and strong you actually are
If I could do it — without debt, without support —
you can too.
Start small. Cut fast. Grow stronger. And never waste $100 again.
📌 Coming Up Next:
Our next post, “Visiting a Doctor in Korea – What Every Foreigner Must Know,” is a practical guide to navigating Korea’s medical system. You’ll learn what to expect during a visit, how to communicate effectively, and smart ways to save money—perfect for expats, travelers, and digital nomads.