The Intentional Life Project: Improving the Budget

Last month was the first time I participated in The Intentional Life Project and I'm excited to continue participating.  You can read my posts about last month HERE and HERE.  The theme this month is improving the budget.  I'm linking up with Bre and Ginny today to tell you my plans for this month.

Overall, I think my husband and I do a pretty good job with our "budget" and managing our money.  However, we are always up for finding ways to save more money and improve our budgeting skills...you know, to save for that fancy car I want :)  So I decided for this month's "improving the budget" theme, I would try to save money on something that is pretty frivolous (in my opinion).

I find myself getting "specialty" coffees from McDonald's, Biggby, or Starbucks 2-4 times a week.  I pretty much drive past McDonald's and Biggby on my way to work every morning, and the grocery store I go to has a Starbucks in it.  These drinks can cost anywhere from $3-$5 each time.  So if I got a $4 coffee three times a week, that's $12 a week, and $48 a month on coffee!  That's probably a good average of what I spend.  I'd rather put that (roughly) $50 a month towards our savings account, so I decided I'm only allowing myself ONE specialty coffee drink per week.

Getting a Starbucks coffee is my favorite way to get through a grocery shopping trip!

I do love that little extra "treat" once in a while, so I thought once a week would be a good way to curb my little coffee addiction and save a little cash in the process.  I have a Keurig at home and we have coffee at work, so there is really no reason for me to stop and get coffee on my way to work anyway.

I know this is a small way to improve our budget, but I think it's an easy one, and hopefully it will help me recognize other small areas I can improve as well.

What are some of your ideas for improving the budget??