The £100 Troll: Escaping Scarcity Consciousness One Outing at a Time

There’s a cheeky trend circulating on social media: every time someone leaves the house, it costs £100. I laughed when I first saw it—until I realised my last two outings averaged exactly that. So yes, there’s truth to this new phenomenon.

On one hand, it’s commendable that people are becoming more mindful about spending. Choosing to save for meaningful goals rather than impulsive outings is a sign of financial maturity. But there’s a shadow side: when we start avoiding life to protect our wallets, we risk slipping into scarcity consciousness.

And here’s the thing—when you’re in scarcity, you’re not wealthy, no matter what your bank balance says.

This reminds me of the beloved fairy tale The Three Billy Goats Gruff. The goats were stuck on one side of a bridge, where the grass was dry and sparse—scarcity. On the other side lay sweet, abundant grass. The only obstacle? A fearsome troll guarding the bridge. Sound familiar?

The goats made it across—two with cunning, one with courage. They reached abundance; and so can you.

Instead of fearing the pleasures (and yes, costs) outside your door, plan your outings with intention. Here are a few ways to cross the bridge without feeding the troll:

1. Pack water, coffee, and snacks – The easiest way to cut costs and avoid impulse buys.
2. Use your memberships – Gyms, clubs, museums. You’ve already paid—now maximise the value.
3. Embrace nature – Parks, trails, gardens. My personal favourite. Relaxing, restorative, and usually free.
4. Attend community events or volunteer – Cities are full of free or low-cost happenings. Volunteering costs nothing and connects you to your community.
5. Take a class – Not free, but often far less than £100. Whether it’s yoga, painting, judo, or language learning, it’s a purposeful way to spend and grow.

The troll at the bridge may look like inflation, impulse, or fear. But with a little planning and a lot of intention, you can cross into abundance—without losing your wallet or your joy.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not personal financial advice.