🎉Big Announcement🎉
The second edition of Living Rich as a Student in the Netherlands is finally here! Pre-order your exclusive edition to get VIP access to the book launch event in September!
Pre-Order Exclusive Hardcover EditionPRE-ORDER NOW: LIVING RICH AS A STUDENT IN THE NETHERLANDS – SECOND EDITION
Your Financial Guide to Building Wealth as a Student
Since its initial release, this book has established itself as an invaluable resource, serving as a practical guide for both international and Dutch students alike to effectively manage their personal finances and embrace a frugal lifestyle in the Netherlands. The core objective of this book is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how living frugally in the Netherlands can help someone attain financial independence in the future. Additionally, it aims to equip students with essential knowledge on budgeting, managing, earning, and investing money while navigating their student journey.
Our generation is dubbed the "unlucky generation" (pechgeneratie in Dutch) due to all the unfortunate events that occurred during my university years. In spite of all of this, it made me resilient. I gained insightful knowledge on how to deal with difficult situations as a student. I once had doubts about how I could ever pay back my student debts or afford a house in the future, but all these worries have vanished thanks to the solutions I've found and shared in this book. This is one of the main reasons I wrote this book, to help other students face their problems and become more resilient and confident with their finances.
I am incredibly grateful for the students who have read and found value in the first edition; you have taken significant strides toward improving your personal finances. From the early drafts and pre-orders in 2020 to the prospective students preparing to embark on their studies in the Netherlands, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Over time, I have had the privilege of presenting this book alongside workshops to diverse audiences, both in the Netherlands and in the Caribbean, further assisting students in their budgeting endeavors.
In this second edition, you can expect a wealth of new content and an arsenal of tools for the frugal student. Building upon the feedback received from the first edition along with additional insights gathered throughout the years, I have attempted to perfect this book. My aim is to provide you with a complete and practical guide to living a student life with the confidence to manage your finances effectively. My aspiration is for this book to become a timeless piece, ensuring that its practical lessons and tips remain relevant even in the future. If you find value in this book, I kindly invite you to consider recommending it to others, as your support would greatly contribute to the expansion of the frugal student community in the Netherlands. Thank you.
Sincerely,
—Franklin Seute
Are you a student or young professional in the Netherlands looking to thrive financially? This Second Edition of Living Rich as a Student in the Netherlands gives you the tools to save smart, spend wisely, and even invest while studying!
📌 What You’ll Learn:
9 Powerful Chapters to Take Control of Your Finances

Chapter one
🎓Studying in the Netherlands – Understanding Student Finance & Tax Benefits
Studying in the Netherlands can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it also comes with financial responsibilities. Understanding how student finance, scholarships, tax benefits, and discounts work can make a significant difference in how you manage your money. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to make the most of the financial opportunities available to students in the Netherlands.

Chapter two
💡 The Principles of Frugality – How to Make The Most of Every Euro
Being a student in the Netherlands can be expensive, but living well on a budget is possible with the right mindset and strategies. Frugality isn’t about deprivation—it’s about spending wisely, making conscious financial choices, and prioritizing what truly matters. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to stretch your euros without sacrificing quality of life.

Chapter three
📊 Budgeting is Freedom – Manage Money Without Stress
Many students see budgeting as a restrictive chore, but in reality, budgeting gives you freedom. When you know where your money is going, you can spend confidently, avoid stress, and focus on what truly matters. A good budget isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about making sure your money works for you. This chapter will teach you how to create a budget that fits your student lifestyle and helps you build financial security.

Chapter four
🏠 Define & Reduce Your Monthly Expenses – Save Big on Rent, Groceries, and Bills
Managing your monthly expenses is one of the most effective ways to stay in control of your finances as a student. Many students and young professionals overspend simply because they don’t track their costs or know where to cut back. This chapter breaks down the major expense categories and offers practical strategies to reduce your spending—without compromising your lifestyle.

Chapter five
💰 The Five-Bucket System – A Simple Method to Take Control of Your Finances
Managing money as a student can feel overwhelming, but what if there was a simple system that ensures all your financial priorities are covered? The Five-Bucket System is an easy-to-follow method that helps you allocate your income effectively, so you can cover your expenses, prepare for the future, and still enjoy life. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to divide your money into five essential categories and develop a balanced financial strategy.

Chapter six
💼 Earning Money as a Student – Eight Income Streams to Boost Your Finances
Relying solely on student loans or financial aid isn’t the only option. Even as a student, you can build multiple income streams to cover your expenses, save for the future, and gain financial independence. This chapter explores eight different ways to make money, from part-time jobs to passive income sources. By diversifying your income, you’ll have more financial security and freedom while studying.

Chapter seven
💸 The Three Income Tax Boxes in the Netherlands – Understanding How Your Earnings Are Taxed
Taxes might not be the most exciting topic, but understanding how the Dutch tax system works can save you money and stress as a student. Whether you're working part-time, freelancing, or investing, your income is taxed based on the Three Income Tax Boxes system. This chapter explains how each box works and what it means for your student finances.

Chapter eight
🎓 Paying Back Your Student Loan – Smart Strategies to Become and Stay Debt-Free
Taking out a student loan can help you finance your education, but repaying it efficiently is key to achieving financial freedom after graduation. Many students worry about their debt, but with the right approach, you can pay it off strategically without sacrificing your quality of life. This chapter provides insights into how student loans work in the Netherlands and offers practical steps to manage and repay them effectively.

Chapter nine
📈 The Student Investor – Start Building Wealth, Even as a Student!
Investing isn’t just for the wealthy—even students can start building wealth with small, smart investments. The earlier you start, the bigger the rewards in the future. This chapter introduces you to the basics of investing, explains different financial instruments, and helps you avoid common pitfalls so you can make informed financial decisions.