I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be a billionaire. The yachts, the private chefs, the spontaneous trips to Paris just because the weather looks nice. But since I’m not a billionaire (far from it, actually), I decided to do the next best thing—fake it.
For one full week, I was going to live like the ultra-wealthy… without spending ultra-wealthy money. No, I wasn’t about to drop $20K on a Rolex or rent a Lamborghini for the aesthetic. Instead, I set out to hack my way to luxury. The goal? Experience billionaire-level indulgence without obliterating my bank account.
Here’s how it went down.
Day 1: First-Class Treatment (Without the First-Class Price)
Billionaires don’t fly economy. They either own a private jet or, at the very least, get comfy in first class with a glass of champagne before takeoff. Since I’m not exactly jetting off to Dubai on a whim, I had to improvise.
The Budget Billionaire Hack: Airport Lounge Access for Cheap
Instead of shelling out thousands for a first-class ticket, I used a $30 day pass to an airport lounge (which, by the way, you can get through certain credit cards, airline rewards, or even just booking economy-plus tickets).
The result? Free fancy food, unlimited drinks, leather seats, and the illusion that I belonged in the same room as people who probably own islands.
Did I feel rich? Honestly… yeah. Did I actually fly anywhere? No, I just went to the airport for the lounge experience, then went back home. Billionaire life, budget edition.
Day 2: Eating Like a CEO (For Less Than $20)
The rich don’t cook. They have chefs or five-star meals delivered to their doorstep. Obviously, I wasn’t about to pay $500 for a steak, but I wanted to eat like I did.
The Budget Billionaire Hack: Secret “Luxury” Restaurants & Fancy Meal Deals
- High-end happy hours: Many expensive restaurants have happy hour deals where you can get $50 meals for $15. I found a steakhouse offering half-price Wagyu sliders and a fancy cocktail for under $20 total.
- Pretend you’re a hotel guest: Some five-star hotels let non-guests dine at their swanky rooftop restaurants without the room fee. I walked in, ordered a latte, and soaked in the skyline view like I owned the place.
Did I feel rich? Yes. Did I tip more than usual to keep up appearances? Also yes.
Day 3: The Billionaire Workout Routine (Minus the $300 Personal Trainer)
Billionaires don’t just go to the gym. They have private trainers, ice baths, and experimental wellness routines that probably involve drinking algae or meditating with dolphins.
The Budget Billionaire Hack: Gym “Trials” & VIP Perks
- Luxury gyms always offer free trials. Signed up for a one-week guest pass at a fancy gym that had a sauna, eucalyptus towels, and an indoor pool where I was the only person under 60.
- Booked a personal trainer session using a “first session free” promo. Pretended like I was considering hiring them permanently. Spoiler: I wasn’t.
Did I feel rich? 100%. Did I regret signing up for a class called “High-Intensity Strength Blast?” Deeply.
Day 4: Driving Like a Rich Person (For a Few Hours)
Owning a supercar is billionaire behavior. But renting one for an afternoon? That’s Budget Billionaire behavior.
The Budget Billionaire Hack: Turo & Short-Term Luxury Rentals
Instead of spending $250K on a Ferrari, I found someone on Turo (basically Airbnb for cars) renting a Porsche for $50 an hour.
Did I feel rich? Yes. Did I get nervous every time I heard a weird noise? Also yes.
Day 5: Private Yacht Vibes (Sort Of)
Rich people spend obscene amounts of money on yachts. I was determined to float in luxury for a fraction of the cost.
The Budget Billionaire Hack: “Boat Club” Rentals & Group Charters
- Found a “yacht rental” that lets you book by the hour. Spent $60 for a sunset cruise, which is way cheaper than owning a yacht but still delivers peak rich-person vibes.
- If you have friends (which I, fortunately, do), splitting a boat rental with 6+ people makes it stupidly affordable.
Did I feel rich? Yes. Did I almost drop my phone in the water while taking selfies? Also yes.
Day 6: Dressing Like I Have a Net Worth of $10M+
Billionaires wear custom-tailored suits, Rolex watches, and designer outfits. But a lot of it is just about the illusion.
The Budget Billionaire Hack: Designer Rentals & “Rich Person Uniforms”
- Rented a designer outfit for the day from a clothing rental service. Turns out you don’t need to own a $2,000 blazer to look like you do.
- Wore all black with a pair of sunglasses, because apparently, rich people love looking mysterious.
Did I feel rich? A little. Did I awkwardly avoid spilling coffee on my rented outfit? Entirely.
Day 7: The Billionaire Mindset (Without the Billionaire Bank Account)
Okay, here’s what I learned: being rich isn’t just about money. It’s also about access, perception, and hacking the system.
Final Takeaways:
✔ You don’t need to be a billionaire to experience luxury. There are ways to hack VIP experiences for cheap.
✔ Confidence is 50% of the game. Walk into a five-star hotel lobby like you belong, and nobody will question you.
✔ Time is the real luxury. Billionaires pay to save time. If you can optimize your daily life for convenience, you’re already winning.
Would I do this again? Absolutely. Did I spend way less than an actual billionaire? Also yes.
How to Live Rich Without Actually Being Rich
💰 Airport lounges: Cheap day passes & credit card perks
💰 Luxury dining: Happy hours, hotel cafes, and fancy coffee spots
💰 Supercars & yachts: Turo, boat shares, and group rentals
💰 Designer outfits: Clothing rentals & minimalistic “rich person” aesthetics
💰 High-end gyms & spas: Free trials & first-time discounts
Turns out, living like a billionaire is more about knowing the hacks than having the cash.
And now, excuse me while I return to my normal life of making sure my avocado toast budget doesn’t get out of control.
Would you try this? What’s the most luxurious thing you’ve done on a budget? Drop your best budget billionaire hacks in the comments.