The 3 Cheapest Ways to Live Like the 1%

Let's be real for a second. Landing in the top 1% of income earners isn't a stroll in the park. With an annual paycheck of around $700,000 -- give or take, depending on where you live -- it's a lofty climb. Yet, the allure of sipping martinis on a yacht or jet setting in first class without a care in the world is undeniable.

But what if I told you that you could nibble at the edges of that luxurious lifestyle without selling your soul to a corporation or inventing the next big tech marvel? Buckle up as we dive into the three most wallet-friendly ways to live like you're part of the elite without actually having to be a part of it.

1. Rent designer clothes

First things first, let's talk threads. Designer labels and fashion-forward pieces can catapult your style straight into the stratosphere, but who really wants to drop thousands on an outfit that screams, "I'm trying too hard"? Enter Rent the Runway. This gem lets you rent high-end fashion for a fraction of the cost.

While you can rent a single item like an $890 Badgley Mischka dress for $115, you can also get a membership ranging from $94 to $234 a month, which gives you regular access to five to 20 designer items per month.

Imagine slipping into a Versace dress for your next big event, knowing full well you're as chic as they come -- without the mortifying credit card bill. It's like having your cake and eating it, too, but in this case, the cake is a designer wardrobe.

2. Utilize credit card reward points for first-class travel

Next up, let's jet off to somewhere fabulous, shall we? Flying first class is a hallmark of the 1%, but those tickets can cost more than a small car. Here's where your everyday spending comes to the rescue.

Using credit card rewards points wisely, you can upgrade your travel experience from "meh" to "wow" without the eye-watering price tag. Sign up for cards with hefty welcome bonuses and high purchase reward rates. Before you know it, you'll be sipping champagne at 35,000 feet, wondering why you ever settled for less.

Consider the possibilities: Transferring your points to airline partners often yields the most value. Take Qatar Airways' famous QSuite; you can book a one-way flight between the U.S. and Doha for around 70,000 Avios plus taxes and fees. Transfer your welcome bonus points plus a few months of spending 1:1 with Avios, and you'll be jetsetting in a lay-flat bed in no time.

3. Have a virtual personal trainer

The Future app revolutionizes the personal training landscape, making the luxury of a customized fitness regimen more accessible at $199 a month. What sets Future apart from generic workout plans is the personalized attention you receive from a certified personal trainer who crafts and adjusts a workout plan just for you every week. This unique service offers unparalleled flexibility, ensuring your exercise routine evolves with your lifestyle and schedule.

Through video calls, your trainer dives deep into your fitness aspirations, the equipment you have access to, and any past injuries, building a program that's as unique as you are. Every Sunday, your coach unveils a bespoke workout plan, drawing from a vast library of over 1,000 exercises, giving you the freedom to exercise on your own terms -- anytime, anywhere.

The icing on the cake? Daily check-ins from your coach keep your motivation levels high and ensure you're always on the right path. They tailor your program based on your feedback and biometric data, fine-tuning it to continuously enhance your fitness journey.

Living like the 1% without actually being in the 1% might sound like a dream, but with a little creativity and some smart choices, it's closer to reality than you might think. By leveraging the tips above, you can dip your toes into a world of luxury and extravagance, all while keeping your finances firmly grounded. Who knows, you might just find that the high life suits you -- but at a fraction of the cost.