Let’s Talk About Your Spending Habits
Sometimes, I get asked to write about spending habits, especially when it comes to groceries. To give you an idea, I once wrote a post about smashing the Whole 30 diet on a budget. It was tough, not gonna lie, because budgets really depend on what’s important to you.
If you’re strapped for cash or drowning in debt, your priority might be survival. Conversely, if you’re doing okay, your spending will be more about balancing wants and needs.
Take groceries for example: it’s possible to scrape by on less than $4 a day, but if you can afford to spend around $8, the world becomes your oyster.
And that’s when spending habits come into play. Do they sound familiar?
– Craving a Starbucks coffee about three times a week.
– Going for takeout about four times a week.
– Late-night, tired-after-work shopping that often ends up with impulsive sweet snacks in your basket.
But it’s not all doom and gloom:
– You might resist the lure of an expensive cab, choosing to tough it out on public transit.
– You don’t get tempted by shopping sprees, only buying clothes when necessary.
– You’re game for free activities over expensive ones.
– You’d rather enjoy drinks at home with friends than shell out money at a bar.
Recognising these spending habits is crucial because if you ignore them, your budget becomes a mess. You see, I could save around $60 a month if I stopped my Starbucks coffee runs. But let’s be real – I’m not gonna. Discovering this habit helps me budget better and even find ways to save, like using discount gift cards from Raise.com.
The same goes for eating out. I could stock up on groceries for every meal, but to be honest, some would go to waste due to lack of energy or mood. In cases like these, a chicken burrito or a sandwich acts as a lifesaver.
Finally, remember to take advantage of loyalty clubs to save every penny possible, like the one at Rite Aid.
Above all, understand that it’s okay to have spending habits. You might find you have too many and need to reduce them, but as long as they fit your budget and make you happy, there’s no point in stressing. Just plan for them and do what works best for you.
Remember, everyone has their own “latte factor” – it’s something they’re willing to spend a little extra on because it makes them happy. Yours might be coffee, while someone else’s might be something completely different. It’s all about finding a balance that works for you. Because really, that’s what most people are trying to do.