The expert's opinion: "Start by establishing her budget carefully"

What are your top tips for spending less?

My partner and I are minimalists. I know it's not for everyone, but it allows us to save two-thirds of our income, which is around €3,000 net per month. Already, we do not have a car and we have always made sure to live near our work. I only use public transport, and my season ticket in Marseille costs €480 per year. Friends tell me that a car would not cost more over time, but when you do the math – between gas, insurance, repairs and loss of value – the opposite is obvious. Many people underestimate their expenses, and I always advise them to budget carefully. For example, some think they spend €40 a week on food, because they only take into account their shopping at the supermarket. But, if we add the lunches outside and all the little things bought at the grocer, we can easily arrive at 100 €. Then you have to make simple meals with legumes that are not expensive, and it is so much better. But we must not be obsessed with money, otherwise we risk cracking up, like when you follow a diet, you have to find a balance.

At 23 and 24, you have already bought your main residence and an apartment in the mountains, how did you do it?

So I dont know how to cook lemon sole

— Onyeka Wed Mar 07 21:02:55 +0000 2018

We own a 39 m² in Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône), which cost us €92,000, and a studio in a small resort in the mountains. worth €31,000. I always saved, even when I was babysitting during my teenage years. Then, I was lucky to have parents who, for a long time, put €50 aside for me every month. For the first apartment, we borrowed €20,000 from them, without interest. This is the only credit we needed. For the studio in the mountains, it was the fruit of our savings.

Are you avoiding credits?

I prefer to take more time before buying if I can't afford it. For real estate, I know it is sometimes necessary, but taking out consumer credit is a huge trap when you have a small budget.