Woman saved $44K after living on gas station free food staples, intense budgeting for 6 years

A woman so poor she lived off free food samples from a local gas station and only used candlelight — revealed the three things she’s done to turn her finances around and save $44K in three-and-a-half years.Reyjka Elle, 32, grew up in poverty and fell into even harder times when she had to begin providing for herself at age 18 while living in Florida, Georgia.For the following six years, she budgeted to the extreme — selling all of her furniture as well as switching off her electricity and living by candlelight.She secured a job as a therapist assistant by “pure luck” and has since met her husband, graduated with a degree in psychology, and is working as a content creator and writer, earning $4K per month.Despite being financially stable now, Reyjka says her previous years in poverty “still affect” her, and she “feels guilt” when she buys things.She says saving is “multi-faceted” and the three things she does to help her budget are keeping a track of her income and expenses, investing in high-yield accounts, and working from home to avoid having to live in city centres in favour of quieter neighbourhoods with lower rent.Through investing her money, as well as side hustles, Reyjka and her husband have been able to save $45,300.Reyjka, a content creator now living in Mandel, Norway, said: “Growing up in poverty, I always had a budget mindset.“It really kicked in once I was on my own and had to provide for myself.“I had to think strategically in every aspect.“In the USA, you get paid roughly $50 to donate blood.“I was having to donate blood constantly just to get a meal or two.“I almost joined the military for a place to sleep and earn money — I didn’t have an apartment at the time.“Once I had 50 cents left in my account and did not get paid for another week.Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

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