Anyone pursuing a career in classical music can agree: no one gets into this business for the money. In addition to normal day-to-day costs (e.g., coachings, lessons, travel expenses for performances, etc.), classical singers are usually burdened by additional expenses. These expenses often include massive student loans, application and program fees, and astronomical housing costs in expensive cities where career opportunities are most plentiful. Consequently, it's easy to agonize over the financial hardship often involved in building a career in this industry. Why not take a more proactive approach and cut costs where it’s relatively easy and stress-free? To that end, we’d love to share some must-haves for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing your inner diva.

1. A Travel Mug

Chances are many of you already own a travel mug, but you may not be using it to its full cost-cutting potential. One of the easiest ways to cut back is to eliminate purchased beverages. Unlike your Starbucks to-go cup, travel mugs like this one will keep your coffee or tea heated for hours so you can sip all day long. Most coffee shops will also fill up your travel mug with hot water free of charge. All the more reason to carry tea bags with you at all times! If you’re in the mood for coffee, coffee shops won’t fill your travel mug with coffee for free, but many offer a discount if you use your own mug.  

2. A Library Card

A library card is truly the gift that keeps on giving. This humble piece of plastic not only allows you free access to a trove of wonderful books, but also to online resources, scores, and audio/video recordings. More often than not, public libraries will also allow a limited amount of free printing from their computer stations, so no need to run to Staples or FedEx to print a few resumes before your next audition. Do you need some sheet music for a last-minute gig? Head to your local library where you can access that score, scan it, and print it all for free. Even if you’re not allowed to scan the sheet music, chances are making copies at the library will be much more cost effective than buying the score yourself, especially if you don’t need the entire document.

3. A Slow Cooker

Many of you may already be aware of the slow cooker’s resurgence in popularity over the past few years. This retro kitchen favorite is not only capable of cooking several servings of your favorite recipe at once, but it also does all the hard work on its own. Just set the dial in the morning and carry on with your day. When you own a slow cooker, the burden of time spent cooking is greatly reduced, so you no longer have the excuse to buy meals on the go. While you may spend money up front to purchase one, such as this option, the amount of money you’ll save by using a slow cooker will be well worth the investment.

4. A Planner

Planning ahead is the single best thing you can do for your wallet. With the enormous array of planners out there, you’re bound to find one that fits all of your organizational needs. Your chosen planner will undoubtedly become your best friend and will travel with you everywhere - from day job to rehearsal to weekend getaway. Use your planner not only to track appointments, rehearsals, lessons, and travel plans but also to plan meals and workouts, make shopping lists, track spending habits, etc. The more you sort out everyday details ahead of time, the less likely you are to encounter unexpected costs and missed deadlines that add up over time.  

5. A Budgeting App

Taking the time to make excel spreadsheets or fill out workbooks aimed at tracking expenses is a huge time suck. Why not let technology do all the heavy lifting for you? Budgeting apps such as Mint, Wally, and Every Dollar are not only great financial resources that are highly rated but also are FREE, making adding them to your smartphone a no-brainer. A budgeting app will help you pinpoint where your most unnecessary costs lie. Using this information, you’ll be in a much better position to cut costs in an effective and efficient way.

6. A Credit Card with a Rewards Program

Credit card debt can be a real source of stress and anxiety, so this suggestion may not be a great fit for everyone. However, if you’re someone who isn’t deep in credit card debt and is generally able to pay off balances every month, you will definitely want to add a card with a rewards program to your wallet. If you’re using a credit card anyway, why not benefit from it? Think of these rewards programs as free money. Are you not sure which credit card to apply for? Check out NerdWallet. You can apply for credit cards with points aimed at a variety of things, from travel to cash back, so make sure to do a good amount of research to find one that best matches your financial goals.

7. A Carry-All Bag

Fortunately for us, we are well past the age of frumpy backpacks and totes. There are so many chic and professional options available. We guarantee you’ll be much more motivated to pack your lunch and lug around all of your essentials with something more body alignment-friendly like a backpack rather than a shoulder bag or multiple tote bags. This one is the perfect size to fit your score, iPad, water bottle, wallet, meals, headphones, and really everything you need on-the-go while still being water resistant, durable, and polished.

If you're willing to splurge a little more for a bag that's equal parts chic, professional, and travel-friendly, head over to Lo & Sons and check out their O.G. and O.M.G. bags. While these are a form of tote bag, they easily slide on to your luggage handle or swing over your shoulder, and they are designed with clever dividers to separate your audition binder from your post-audition clothes and other travel essentials. They even have a separate compartment to stealthily keep your shoes! Keep an eye out for sales, as they happen often!

8. The Perfect Pair of Shoes

Shoes can make or break your ability to navigate a long day of rehearsals, performances, lessons, and/or coachings, and nothing will prompt you to open that Uber app faster than an uncomfortable pair. Because no one wants to carry multiple pairs of shoes around all day, it’s imperative to find ones that can take you through your busy day with ease without sacrificing your diva-worthy aesthetic. These flats for women are gaining quite the reputation for their ability to master both style and comfort. 

Genuine self-care should never be overlooked when planning a budget, especially in a profession so reliant upon optimal health. Cutting costs doesn’t need to be painful or require immense amounts of effort, and with this arsenal of must-haves, you’ll be well on your way to budgeting like a champion. Save your money for the things that matter and bring you joy! What are your frugal must-haves? We’d love to hear!