Claude is excellent, but too limited without Max: what do you use as an alternative or trick?

Hello,

I like Claude very much. I often find it very good for writing, reflecting, summarizing, reformulating and working cleanly on slightly long ideas.

The problem is that the limits come quickly. And the Max subscription, even in version x5, remains too expensive for me at the moment.

So I'm looking for honest feedback.

How do you use Claude without blowing up your budget?

I am especially interested in concrete feedback. What you really use, what works, what disappoints, and what you would avoid.

Thank you in advance.