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Dining Out

November 12th, 2012 at 05:20 pm

Since I posted my numbers for the month so far and by far the largest overage was eating out I though I would post the detail on it.



You can tell that most of it is 2 or 3 dollars at at time. Part of my problem is that I think 2 or 3 dollars won't matter. But clearly it does. I would love to have that money back.


10 Responses to “Dining Out”

  1. Maggie Says:
    1352741441

    At some point you have to turn the words into actions. You've said the same thing for months, if not years.

    Time to stop feeling sorry for yourself, stop making the same excuses month after month and year after year and show some personal responsibility and turn words into actions.

    For those that say my words are harsh, I feel that some people need wake-up calls and those that say 'don't worry you'll do better next month' are just enablers that are dooming people to their destructive behaviors that will never allow them to get ahead.

    Supportive words and encouragement have their place, but if they haven't worked after years of the same issue, clearly reality checks are needed.

  2. PNW Mom Says:
    1352741948

    I wonder if it would help to put a piece of paper or something around your debit card, and when you pull it out, have something written on there to stop and make you think before you spend it on fast food. Even though right now it is $136, we are only 1/2 through the month. Think about what that money could go towards. Other than your mortage, monthly utilities and food and gas, do you have any other debt such as credit cards? Think about what that could pay for. Think about when you are short each month and have to ask your mom for money to cover your shortages and how this extra money you are spending could help. I appreciate that you keep things real on here and are honest and I know you are trying. It is hard, but you just have to dig down deep and find that willpower!

  3. Ima saver Says:
    1352742676

    You have eaten out 27 times in 12 days. That is a lot! When I quit smoking, I took the 75 cents a day i was saving (cigarettes were cheap then) and put it into a container for savings.
    Why don't you take $3 a day and do the same thing.

  4. Petunia 100 Says:
    1352743746

    I suggest that you stop using the debit card period. On pay day, withdraw cash for groceries, gas, and your cash allowance. Write checks for bills. If you want to stop for fast food, it has to come from your allowance. At the end of the pay period, whatever cash allowance you have left is yours to spend or save as you please.

    It seems as though you have really "fallen off the wagon" with regards to eating out. Don't be discouraged. Instead, begin anew. Remember, you can do it. Smile

  5. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1352743913

    Actionable steps would include taking some time to think of alternatives to those $2-3 stops.

    Instead of donuts and coffee from Dunkin- make your one coffee and have toast. Or make some muffins on the weekend. I get coffee for free at work and bring creamer. I either bring bagels or oatmeal for the week. Between the two I spend between $5-6 for the whole week.

    I make sandwiches or bring leftovers most of the time. Eating out is just a treat.

    It takes planning to make it work..and some weekends I dont plan and PAY for it the next week...once youve done this a while (week or two) your body will be cranky when you go back to fast food.

    The best gift you could give yourself is to sit down and make a plan and then stick with it. No more guilt, youll feel better, and your bank account will start to grow.

  6. North Georgia Gal Says:
    1352744168

    Thank you guys for the input.

    Maggie I don't think your words are harsh at all. They are words that I need read. You are completely right that I have been in this situation for years but I never remember it being this bad...or me being this out of control. I vow that starting today I will do better. I will bring my breakfast to work and eat what I bring. That is part of the problem, the stuff I am bringing doesn't sound good to me so I end up getting a sandwich from Dunkin donuts. I understand that I need to just get over that. The rest of this month will be better.

  7. ceejay74 Says:
    1352747893

    Ouch! That is a crazy amount of eating out. You're brave for posting this. I hope it helps!

    One thing I see is an all-or-nothing, feast-or-famine, binge-and-purge kind of pattern with your eating out. You hold out for months and then go nuts for months. Maybe you could schedule one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner out per week, so you have that to look forward to and can resist all the other days? As you say, your eating-out choices themselves are pretty cheap; it's the high frequency that's breaking the bank.

  8. Lurker Says:
    1352758008

    This list has to be a mistake.

    How could you have gone to Dunkin Donuts, Chik Fil A, Burger King, McDonalds and Taco Bell all in ONE day (Friday, 11/9)??? That's $21.59 spent between the 5 stops.

    Also, on Thursday, 11/1, 5 stops between Dunkin Donuts, Burger King and McDonalds to the tune of $21.75???

    Those two days alone could have just about paid the monthly Weight Watchers fee that you and your mother were struggling over.

  9. crazyliblady Says:
    1352772583

    I commend you for tracking all of this. It is an eye-opening experience to see where your money went. I added up what I spent in groceries one month and it was over $700 and I only feed 2 humans and 2 furbabies. I am now down to an average of $480. One simple way to curb the urge to stop for coffee, lunch, etc. would be to invest in a thermos. You can find one at almost any discount store and a lot of thrift stores. Then, make coffee or tea at home and take it with you. That way it is made the way you like it and it is nearly free. Make up a bunch of lunches ahead of time at home. For example, soup, chili, spaghetti, burritos, or whatever food you like to eat. Also, for those times when you really don't have time to cook, you could keep a small amount of money (say $5 cash) with you to buy a meal. I like your idea of leaving the debit card at home. I have been leaving my credit card home, and miraculously, it hasn't been getting used. Big Grin It takes practice and planning, but it adds up. Don't get discouraged.

  10. crazyliblady Says:
    1352772727

    Another thing you could do would be to keep a stash of food at work, like canned soup, canned tuna, etc.

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