I work hard to save money and then...

[CanadianCouponCollector]

... I did a spending analysis from the last 3 months and realize I've just moved my spending around.

I used to use the envelope system- putting $125 a week into the grocery envie. This was just food- no soaps, cat food, acetaminophen or garbage bags. All that usually came to about $60 a month, and were all store brand. I just completed my 3 month evaluation, and I have spent an average of $117.33 a week on BOTH put together! And this includes extras for stockpiling (I only have 3-6 months worth of *some* bathroom stuff and laundry soap, but still...!). I am quite proud of this! HOWEVER, it ALSO turns out that the $22.67 a week I have been saving has been going to eating out!! Well technically $26.95 a week! I am disappointed in myself. It's pretty much evenly split between McDonald's and Tim Horton's. I think my next plan should be to keep a log of WHY I chose to go to those restaurants on those days specifically, and in the meantime collect McD's coupons.... lol *sigh* OK rant over.

[acosta]

I can agree with your post!
I too have been saving; however, my job requires me to be in my car all day.
This really prevents me from packing a lunch (especially in the HEAT), so I have been spending money at McDonalds and Tims, like you.
I tried to cut back. And did for about 1.5 weeks and then fell off the wagon.

It's tough.

I think the best thing, is to be conscious of our mistake. Then try really hard to make minor corrections/alterations. Then move on from there.

Good luck to the both of us!

[Darth Penguin]

wouldn't investing in a travel cooler help you acosta??

[torontogal12]

I don't think you should be disappointed. I think eating out is a great treat and you work hard couponing and did so well saving in other areas, so you deserve it!

[frugal50]

hard to resist tim's and mcdonalds.... mmmmmm

[oscarandme]

I think the heat has made some of us want to eat out a little more often than cooking at home. You are aware of the spending changes whcih is good.

1. Has your routine changed?

2. were going there before? or

3. have you been ordering more than before?

You did great with all your savings and stockpile and you might just be indulging knowing you have a few more dollars in your pocket and enjoying a little freedom without doing it on purpose. No harm done. Maybe you just need another envie with a destination (named) (like a dinner out, new pair of expensive sandals, winter boots, money towards a triip). I know I am terrible for that - knowing I have a few dollars in my purse - I will find a new home for it in no time. (Dollar store, clearance at Winners, a second Tim Horton coffee in a day instead of just one)..it adds up,

You are really good at managing and assigning your money, much better than most of us I am sure, you are doing great. Keep up the great work and continue to share and we will encourage your success when sometimes we/ourselves see it as a failure, is merely a little perspective.

[CanadianCouponCollector]

... well this past weekend there wasn't much choice... I had to hang around somewhere 2 hours away from home all day with one of my kids and that wasn't planned. Had to eat out twice. That wasn't normal, so I've let go of that one. But the others- one day I was working through dinner (out of the house) and had the kids with me, that was kind of ok... but the others were, I think, pure laziness.

My kids have been under some stress lately and sometimes when they've been really good I've done McDonald's as a reward. I believe once in a while that's ok, but it got out of hand. The Tim Horton's is my reward to me- same thing.

I am glad that I kept track, went back and identified where the money's going, so I won't be too hard on myself after this. I think after spending all day yesterday crunching numbers, getting excited to see how much I've bought with so little, the reality really bummed me out. lol

[momgoneawol]

In the past you spent 125 + 60 = 185 a week. Now you are at 117 plus the 27 eating out which totals 144. Even with eating out you are saving 41 dollars over what you used to spend and you are building your stockpile. Yes you can probably cut back the eating out but I wouldn't worry about it too much as you haven't increased your overall spending. Way to go on cutting your costs. Be proud of that and enjoy the treats out with your kids.

[r0c0upons]

Live a little! Lol.great job saving!

[CanadianCouponCollector]

... Sorry I should have kept my totals to either weekly or monthly. lol The $125 was weekly, but the $60 was monthly. Total was about $140 a week. I did used to spend about $10 a week on eating out, so my original weekly spending was $150. It is now $144.28- which is still better than it was, but nowhere near where it should be.

[wolfwoman]

wouldn't investing in a travel cooler help you acosta??

Great suggestion! I purchased one that both cools and heats up. It plugs into your vehicle power outlet and keeps your food at the right temp all day. The money you will save in the long run will make up for the initial investment of the cooler itself.

[seylz_gurl]

yep, that is what they call the latte factor, the little things that add up to a lot of dough. I am so guilty of this when buying things just because they are on sale and Timmies runs. having said that I think you shouldnt deny yourself too much as life is too short!

[tasha313]

Your overall spending didn't go up a crumb and you get little treats , i think that's great !

[emg]

I think that every dollar saved is an improvement. If you have managed to save a few dollars a month, hey that also adds in the long run. Seeing things this way will probably motivate you more to stay on track and save more eventually. Good luck.

[CanadianCouponCollector]

... Thanks guys! I am determined to make this work. I also keep looking at the extra laundry soap, toilet paper, body wash and shampoo I have on hand and telling myself that all adds up to future savings. I think I'll just relax a little until I hit the 6-month mark when I'll really be able to see how I'm doing.