Comments on: Four Important Reasons To Harp On Small Expenses

By: Deb

Deb — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:48:42 +0000

Baselle, I love that how you phrased that – you’re not likely to “mindlessly save” (though mindless spending is very common). You have to make a conscious decision to do so.

By: Louise

Louise — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:30:18 +0000

I didn’t have a specific habit to cut out, rather little unrelated purchases across all sorts of categories so I took ‘pay yourself first’ to heart and gave myself an allowance. It’s a system I’ve been using for three years now and it works wonderfully! I started with about $180 a fortnight and scaled it down over time to the $60 I use now. I withdraw it in cash and it’s mine to spend as friviolously as I wish. The catch? Once it’s gone, it’s gone. I am not allowed to bail myself out unless I absolutely have to.

I didn’t ‘give up’ or ‘cut out’ the latte or candybar instead I forced myself to choose between a bought lunch or a cute top. For me it was like training wheels for frugal thinking. I know this is long but I thought someone out there might like the idea.

By: Marcia

Marcia — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:23:01 +0000

I don’t like coffee either and I don’t drink anything but water…I do buy a bottle of water if I’m out and need something to drink and of course haven’t thought to bring my own water from home. I do drink tea once in a while but hardly ever buy that out. I wonder why it seems to be a rite of passage here to drink coffee?! I’m fifty four years old and I’m not an adult yet because I don’t drink coffee??

By: Marcia

Marcia — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:18:16 +0000

I’m always having discussions with hubby about this one. He isn’t one for going out and buying big ticket items without thought but he is a bit self indulgent on small items and because he is I sometimes go stir crazy. The only remedy I have found short of nagging him to death is to rein in my own spending. I figure one frugal person in a household is better than none but it sure would be a lot easier if he and I were on the same page on this issue.

By: Yakezie Carnival, Zombie Apocalypse Edition | 101 Centavos

Yakezie Carnival, Zombie Apocalypse Edition | 101 Centavos — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:58:35 +0000

[...] Advice: Four Important Reasons to Harp on Small Expenses – It’s not that you shouldn’t have any fun or enjoy anything. You just can’t do it all [...]

By: Gail

Gail — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:42:04 +0000

I am constantly amazed at people’s love for coffee and what they are willing to spend on it daily. I hate the stuff which means I’ve saved oodles of money because of not drinking it. I remember once my ex-MIL asked me and my then husband when we were going to grow up and start drinking coffee? My thought is drinking coffee doesn’t prove you are a grown up, and if I have to force myself to drink something that nasty until I learn to like it seemed rather ridiculous to me. I have had the opportunity to drink some of the freshest coffee in the world too — right on a coffee farm in Colombia and it still tasted nasty but I drank it to be polite. I will admit to a chocolate love and try to buy my treats on sale and with coupons when possible.

By: Cindi Ford

Cindi Ford — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:22:06 +0000

It is amazing how much money you spend on these little things. I have been cutting out most of this type of spending for a couple years now and it does make a big difference. The other benefit is when I do say get a coffee at Starbucks, it is such a treat for myself instead of an everyday thing. When you pay attention to your spending, I have found you begin to appreciate the things you spend your hard earned money on much more.

By: pen

pen — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:14:42 +0000

For some people, fancy coffee is one of those really important extras. If your friend is determined to keep her expensive coffee, then some other, less important ‘fun’ will have to go. Is she willing to cut out something else to make room in her budget for good coffee? Or does she have no room for extras at all?

By: OfeliaTConejo

OfeliaTConejo — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:29:50 +0000

I was raised by parents who were frugal. I live comfortably now and can afford what I want. I never buy a Starbucks out, but do purchase Starbucks coffee in bulk at Costco, grind it, and then make it at home. If I meet a friend for coffee, I have my made-at-home Starbucks in a thermos. There are many way to save and still have what you want. Cooking at home is healthier (less sugar and salt in your food) and way less expensive. Plan ahead and you will not be poor when you are old.

By: ceejay74

ceejay74 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:05:54 +0000

I’m reading “All Your Worth” right now, and I love the idea of setting aside 20 to 30% of income toward wants and just deciding how to spend it from there. For me, the reason I don’t buy lattes or buy lunch during the work week much anymore, or have a smartphone with a data plan, is because I want my 20-30% of Wants money to build up and go to bigger things — a really nice dinner out once in a while, a travel fund, a housecleaner once a month!

Maybe your friend would be more amenable to giving up the silly little purchases if she knew it was so she could have much more meaningful Wants.