Starting afresh in another country is not easy.and that's why today we want to share with you thiss 10 ways to save money in your new life in Spain.
If you are Venezuelan and you have just arrived, you are probably facing many changes: new culture, new customsand, above all, a separate economy which may seem overwhelming at first.
We know what it's like to count every euro, stretch your paycheck, and still want to send some help to those who stayed in Venezuela. That is why this article is not just a list of generic tips: is designed especially for you, who are starting from scratch, with the desire to get ahead and your heart torn between two countries.
Here you will find simple, practical ideas that have been tried and tested by other Venezuelans who have also been through the same thing.
From how to save on the market to which apps can help you control your spending or send money without being overcharged. Because yes, you can living well in Spain without overspending. Let's see how to achieve this.
Why is it important to save when starting from scratch in Spain?
Saving has never been easy, but when it's your turn to save, you can starting a new life in Spain as a migrantsaving becomes almost a necessity. And it's not just because you want to save money, it's because the first few months are often full of expenses that you don't always expect.
When you arrive, many things come together: you have to pay a deposit to rent, buy basic things for everyday life (mattress, pots, cold weather clothes), pay for papers, transport... In short, the initial installation in Spain may be more costly than one imagines.
Moreover, jobs are not always available immediately. And when you do get a job, it is often temporary, part-time or poorly paid. That is why, saving as a migrant is a way to have a cushion to give you peace of mind while you find something more stable.
And of course, we cannot forget those we leave behind. Many of us are still helping our families in Venezuela, even with what little we can. That's why saving what we can, even if it seems little, can make a big difference to you and your loved ones.
Living in Spain being financially smart does not mean depriving yourself of everything, but learning to organise yourself so that you can grow calmly and continue to support the ones you love.
Top 10 ways to save money effectively in Spain
Saving doesn't have to be complicated if you know where to start. Here we leave you 10 ways for many Venezuelans to save money are already using in their day-to-day work in Spain. These are simple, real tips designed to help you live better without overspending.
Take advantage of low-cost supermarkets
Going to the market can be a headache if you don't know where to shop. At Spainyou have inexpensive options such as Lidl, Aldi y Daywhere you get good products at low prices.
A key trick: the white markings. These are products from the supermarket itself that usually cost less than branded products and are often of the same quality. You can also take advantage of the discount apps or loyalty cards that give you points and special offers. It all adds up when you are starting out.
Look for flatsharing at the beginning
Renting alone can be very expensive at first. Therefore, it is best to look for a shared flat while you stabilise yourself.
There are sites like Idealista, Badi o Roomgowhere you can see rooms in rental with different prices and conditions.
As well as saving on rent and utilities, flat-sharing also helps you to meet people and adapt more quickly. But beware of scams: never pay in advance without seeing the place in person.
Use public transport
Getting around the city doesn't have to be expensive. The public transport in Spain is quite good and you can save a lot with monthly passes or transport cards.
Download apps such as Moovitwhich tells you the best route, or uses Blablacar, Iryo or Ouigo, if you need to travel by train between cities. It is also a good idea to travel by off-peak hours, when there are fewer people and cheaper fares.
Second-hand shopping (Vinted, Wallapop)
Not everything has to be new. On websites and apps such as Wallapop o Vinted you can get almost new clothes, appliances, furniture and more at very low prices.
You can also take a look at flea markets or second-hand fairs, where you can find real gems. It's a smart way to save and reuse.
Take advantage of government grants and subsidies
In Spain there are aids for people with few resources, and as a migrant, you can access many of them if you have your papers in order.
Check if you qualify for the Minimum Living Incomethe rental subsidies, o free courses through SEPE (Public Employment Service). These opportunities can ease your pocket while you get settled in.
Cook at home and take food to work
Eating out every day can break your budget. A good way to save money is to cook at home and take your food to work or school.
You can try the batch cookingcooking for several days in one batch. There are groups in networks where they share low cost Venezuelan recipes from queen pepiada arepas o tumbarrancho arepasso you can still eat tasty food without spending so much.
Use low mobile and internet tariffs
Many operators have cheap mobile and internet tariffs for call Venezuela from Spainbut you have to compare. Use search engines such as Rastreator or look at options such as Lowi, Simyo or Digi that offer good plans without permanence.
Avoid signing long contracts or contracts with penalties. Ideally keep your spending under control and untethered.
Plan your money transfers with apps like Curiara
Send money to Venezuela It doesn't have to be complicated or costly. When you are starting a new life in another country, every euro counts, and we know that many Venezuelans continue to support their family from afar.
So the best thing you can do is to plan your shipments well and use platforms that are really designed for you.
An excellent option is Curiaraa app created by Venezuelans for Venezuelanswhich facilitates the sending remittances from Spain to Venezuela quickly, securely and without hidden fees.
We know what it's like to be in your shoes, and that's why at Curiara we work with a clear objective: make sending money easy, fast and reliable. The app is very intuitive, easy to user, and it has something that makes a difference: a fixed commissionwhich doesn't change no matter how much money you send, and competitive exchange rates that allow you to make the most of your efforts.
Participate in support groups and bartering among migrants
A nice way to save and feel accompanied is to be part of the community. There is groups on Facebook, WhatsApp or Telegram where Venezuelan migrants share opportunities, offer bartering of clothes, household appliances or even classes.
Solidarity among migrants is a network that helps a lot, especially when you are starting out.
Control your spending with budget apps
Do you know where your money goes? We often spend more than we think we do. That's why using an app like Fintonic, Moneon o Spendee can help you gain better control.
Write down everything you spend, even if it seems little. This way you will see if there are any "leaks" that you can correct and you will start to manage your money more consciously.
In short, saving money when starting a new life in Spain may seem difficult at first, but with organisation, good habits and the right tools, it is entirely possible.
You are at 10 ways to save money are designed for you, who like many Venezuelans, have had to start from scratch in another country, with your heart divided but your desire intact.
Every little change in your routine can make a big difference to your pocketbook and give you more peace of mind to move forward, help your loved ones and build the future you dream of. Remember that you are not aloneWe are many on the same path, and together, we can make it more bearable. You can do this and more!
