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Small leaks or "Latte Factor"

April 18th, 2006 at 07:29 pm

No matter how much I try, I can't get thru the workday without spending a dollar or two, or five.

I've tried bringing my own snacks and bottled water, but inevitably sometime during the day the lure of the vending machine, or a restaurant is too much.

I work in a downtown area, which makes it too easy to access stores and restaurants. If I had to get in my car to go somewhere I probably wouldn't spend.

Plus, I ride the bus to work, so that cuts out the car factor completely. All the money I'm saving on gas is probably being donated to the great restaurants that I just can't pass up once or twice a week.

Note: Salsaritas is giving $.50 refills on their drinks all day, every day if you buy their 32 oz plastic cup for $1.39. I've had this cup for over a month and rewash it, so I can continue to get my cheap Dr. Pepper refill at least once a day.

I know this is adding up, not to mention the mornings when I'll throw in an order of their hash brown potatoes with the refill.

I'm not only hurting my pocket, but my waistline as well. : )

Any tips for willpower?

9 Responses to “Small leaks or "Latte Factor"”

  1. Ima Saver Says:
    1145388889

    I decided a long time ago to only drink water. (except when I am having a cocktail, then it is rum an diet sprite for me) Water is delicious and with lots of ice, so refreshing. I have a huge insulated mug and when I worked I took it to work with me and refillled it all day long. I still drink out of it all day.

  2. katwoman Says:
    1145389206

    Tips for willpower? Well, you may not like this one, but here goes....try going into work without any money for one day. See how you do. You just may make it through the day without starving or thirsting. Of course you will have brought your own bottled water and lunch + snack.

    Think of this as "forced willpower".

  3. DivaJen Says:
    1145391206

    I was going to suggest what katwoman said - leave your cash at home. Smile

  4. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1145394485

    Fill that cup up at home....ice, water and a slice of lemon....then, toss a piece of fruit and string cheese in your purse for the morning snack...After about a week, it will become more of a habit!

  5. contrary1 Says:
    1145396769

    tell others at work your new plan of eating out only once a week...........bringing items from home the other days. That way, they can supplement your willpower...........and you might end up with company on the new challenge. Saying something out loud to anyone else is always good insurance you'll follow through.

    Planning to eat out 1X a week (or month, whatever you decide) will keep you from feeling like you can't EVER eat out.

  6. Nina's Mom Says:
    1145397852

    Do I understand you are not actually buying the $1.39 cup each day, but reusing the same one over and over to get a really cheap drink. That appears to be cheating to me.

  7. kristina moffitt Says:
    1145400744

    Allow yourself one day to have lunch out and a "splurge" of a soda or snack. Reward yourself on Friday for having saved lunch money and soda money.

    I only go to lkunch on Fridays with my friends from work. They wonder about me but at the tend of last year i had a convo with someone and mentioned that i saved 50 dollars a week by not eating out. that is 200 a month or 2400 in my retirement account, even more with matching and interest. She was shocked and in January started the lunch only on fridays. We have a game now: who can find the most filling lunch for cheap and it has to have veggies/fruit and be healthy. it has been a game for us. Oh and she learned she only loses about 49 dollars a month by savinf 200 more per monthin the pre tax 401k. She is not out saving me in retirement!

    oh, and she makes more than 80 grand a year. Her new goal: to fill up her 401k with the max amount. She does not even feel it.

    You can do this!

  8. joseyallen Says:
    1145453402

    Thanks everyone for the advice.

    Nina's Mom - you don't understand. The refill is $.50. They know that I'm reusing the same cup, I don't have to buy the cup every day.

  9. Nina's Mom Says:
    1145546135

    Sorry, my bad.

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