For those of you who are regular readers, you know that I’m a big believer in the idea that the small things you do can really add up. Clipping coupons, turning off lights when you leave a room, washing clothes in cold water – it can all make a difference.
But there’s one area that I haven’t been sure how to deal with. And that’s those little indulgences we partake in each week.
After last month’s budget fail, I’ve been taking a closer look at all of our expenses, and there’s one area that has slowly increased over the past few months: candy, pop and snacks. Now, I’ve cut down my soda consumption to almost zero, but I’ve noticed that we’ve been pretty lazy about other incidental purchases when we’re out and about. My husband will buy a snack and a soda when he fills up his gas tank, I’ll grab a candy bar on a trip through Target, or get a treat for my kids when we’re out and about.
I’ve noticed that not only are we all putting on a few pounds from this, but we’re also spending about $30 a month on this stuff.
Now some of you may say, “Well, that’s a dollar a day – that’s not so bad for a family of five.” And others will say, “Wow, that’s like the equivalent of a cable bill, a gym membership, or a night at the movies.
On one hand, I see these little expenses as wasters of our hard-earned money. It’s not like we need pop, candy, or chips.
But on the other hand, I can’t help but think that if we want a little treat, it really won’t break us. Shouldn’t we be allowed a little leeway in this frugality thing?
What do you think? Have you ever figured out how much money you spend on these little expenditures each month? Do you feel a sense of entitlement to these treats or do you feel a little bit of guilt?
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