We all have our vices. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that some of us are worse than others, but we aren’t here to judge. Right?
Are you a Starbuck’s addict?
Does happy hour at Sonic leave you breathless?
Can the appetizers at Chili’s literally call you down from the parkway?
These little and sometimes seemingly harmless purchases can really add up when it comes to the ol’ monthly budget. In our house whenever pennies are few, I can take a look at our bank account and more times than not, the list of restaurants will take my breath away. Eating out will kill a good budget!
My “thing” is sweet tea. I love it and I have done an incredible job at convincing myself that it’s much better than drinking soda. (If it’s not, don’t tell me. I don’t know if I could handle it.) I stop every morning and get a sweet tea at McDonald’s. A large. It’s $1.06 with tax and a smile!
$1.06 doesn’t seem like a lot, but when it comes to the end of the month … or if I might stop on a weeknight (or 20) and grab another, it can start to catch up with a girl.
So, I allow myself $30 a month to spend on tea and treats. That’s enough to buy myself one per workday and a few extras if the going gets tough, but not so much that I make a huge mark.
Do I take out $30 and put it in a envelope? Nope. I’ll run out of cash and grab it to pay for something else … I know myself too well!
I buy a McDonald’s gift card. I load it with my $30 and when it’s gone .. it’s gone. Once the first of the month rolls around, I re-load the card and we start again.
The great thing about this tip is that most all places have gift cards now. And, you can use this method for a lot of things.
If Charming Charlie’s, or The Loft, or Home Goods put a dent in your wallet – do the same thing. Set your limit and buy a gift card in that amount! It gives you permission to shop, yet sets a responsible boundary for those impulse days!
Have money left at the end of the month on your card? Save for something later (and for something on sale!)
€¦ and remember, there’s no cents in paying full price!
* This post is part of a weekly segment on KSBJ Christian Radio. For more on segments featuring Stephanie Click, the Texas Money Mom, click here.
