Friday, March 7, 2014

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.

The Intentional Life Project

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??


8 comments:

  1. Great post!! I'm all about a budget :) definitely a smart idea to try to only get it once a week, that can add up!!

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  2. YES! I know what you mean? And, this is no small thing. It is totally legitimate :). My favorite way to grocery shop is to have Starbucks in hand too. I know. Can't wait to see how it goes for you this month :).

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  3. I gave up coffee and vending machine purchases for lent. I'm hoping it will help me save money too. :)

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  4. Great idea! I usually make coffee at home and bring it with my for my commute. I also refuse to pay for shipping for online purchases, books (so many free options available), and regular manis/pedis, to name a few!

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  5. Ahhh...something about drinking out of a starbucks cup just makes it taste better right?! Happy Weekend, doll! Xx.

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  6. I try my best to limit myself to one speciality drink a week (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, lol)

    Happy Friday, girlie!!

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  7. Suzie Orman is my financial guru and that is her number one piece of advice! Make your coffee at home :-) I have to totally agree with that!
    ~Amanda
    Meet @ the Barre

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  8. Biggby is my vice!! :( I love it so much!! I need to cut back too!!

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