How To Live The Yuppie Life On A Bohemian Budget

No decade can compare to years 20 through 29, that time of manly experiences and youthful mistakes. The financially challenged creative types of the millennial generation don’t have to completely miss out on the life of luxury. Just because you’re on a tight budget, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the finer things in life, too. Here’s how the self-professed writer or artist can live that YOLO lifestyle without sacrificing his identity or overdrafting his bank account.

Be an Urban Bicyclist

A man who cruises around town on two wheels instead of four turns everyday transportation into an exciting urban adventure. Not only do you get to commute to and from work free of traffic, you save on the ridiculous price of gas and car insurance. By living minimally and on a fixie, you can use that extra cash on tasty craft beers and organic produce from the local farmers market. Life doesn’t get any better than some fresh-grilled veggies and a growler filled with a delicious IPA.

Woo the Ladies

The proverbial 20-something ladies man isn’t quite yet ready for monogamy. He’s a serial dater who simply knows how to appreciate the beauty and intelligence of (more than one) woman. Making the ladies swoon can be a costly endeavor, however, which is where your confidence and wit come into play. When you’re swiping around on Tinder, offer to take a girl out for a Snapple; and because you’re so generous, she can pick the flavor. If she doesn’t dig Snapple, use a Smart Water as your backup plan. Who can turn down the fun and sexiness of good hydration?

Aspire to Non-Conformity

The ultimate manly man is a leader among the followers. He’s got charisma, knows who he is and isn’t afraid to take risks. You can’t find him on Facebook. His iPhone is case-less. He drinks his coffee black and makes his own moonshine in a mason jar. No iPhone case? No problem, he’s got a replacement phone solution ready in case he shatters his screen while biking to the local speakeasy. Black coffee and homemade moonshine? That’s right, both are economical alternatives to those money-sucking, yet must-drink on the reg beverages. This man? Could be you.

Intentional Homeless Style

No writer, artist or crooner with a guitar in his lap would dare to be seen in a LaCoste polo or pair of aviator sunglasses. Your chosen garb is creative self-expression and a reflection of your unconventional interests. If you’re going for the homeless-meets-hipster style, make sure you’re evoking a somewhat upscale masculine lure. Think thrifty shopping with designer accents or eye-catching style statements, like an avant-garde hair cut, burly beard or ironic artwork inked on the forearm. In need of inspiration? Check out Esquire’s picks for the most stylish men on Instagram.

Unsettled Vagabond

The yuppiest of yuppies are cultured folk who recognize the value of a well-traveled man. Of course, not every nomadic adventurer has the means to fly overseas to backpack through Switzerland or explore Greece. And yet, you still identify yourself as a wanderer constantly on the search for truth and enlightenment. Satiate your worldly curiosity with good reads and fiscally sound tactics for seeing, doing and experiencing more. NomadicMatt.com offers tips and ideas for traveling around the world with limited cash.

Yes, with a little innovation and savviness, any young man with a tight wallet and eye for the au courant can still live the no-regrets good life.