I caught up on a bunch of things we needed here this year, thanks to the Medium gods granting me a viral story. And now I want to clamp down and buy nothing but groceries because the gods are fickle indeed and unlikely to grant another crazy payoff of $23K for a single story.
I really relate to this and being willing to spend more on experiences! I've spent a pretty substantial amount of money on horseback riding over the last three years but it brings me so much joy, it's money well spent. One area I cut back on this year was takeout and even eating out, unless it's a new restaurant that really feels worth it. By default, my grocery bill went up a bit and I'd like to find a way to bring that down this year if I can.
I’ve done the same with takeout/groceries but I know, groceries are so expensive now! One thing I’ve done is try to be more intentional about what I buy where when I can—for example, Trader Joe’s has way cheaper household essentials (beans, rice, etc) and I save Whole Foods trips for more “fun” purchases that I can’t find at Trader Joe’s (like specialty cheeses and snacks)
The bulk of my current discretionary spending, while still pretty minimal, reflects your new “spend more” allocation, and it feels good and right. The one aspect of it that I want to reign in a bit is the gifting, which hit around $1K this year. My friends and family are so incredibly generous and my “money dial” is definitely gifting, but I’ll keep a closer eye on the running totals in 2025. I do shop year round for gifts and hold onto them until the occasion, and this has often allowed for getting just the right thing at a discount by taking advantage of sales.
Shopping sales is a great idea! I also try to combine my hobbies with gifts so it’s spending I would have already spent, like getting concert tickets as a gift when it’s a concert I was already going to go to, or crocheting something as a gift because I already like to crochet as a hobby
I do the same regarding the crafts - multiple people on my list this year are receiving bath salts that I’ve made using essential oils I already had on hand, and buying the Epsom and sea salts and seaweed powder in bulk means I have some left over for myself. Buying a quantity of wide mouth mason jars and a box of cute wooden lids afforded a discount while adding a couple to my pantry without additional cost.
I want to spend money on nothing!
I caught up on a bunch of things we needed here this year, thanks to the Medium gods granting me a viral story. And now I want to clamp down and buy nothing but groceries because the gods are fickle indeed and unlikely to grant another crazy payoff of $23K for a single story.
I really relate to this and being willing to spend more on experiences! I've spent a pretty substantial amount of money on horseback riding over the last three years but it brings me so much joy, it's money well spent. One area I cut back on this year was takeout and even eating out, unless it's a new restaurant that really feels worth it. By default, my grocery bill went up a bit and I'd like to find a way to bring that down this year if I can.
Great read!
I’ve done the same with takeout/groceries but I know, groceries are so expensive now! One thing I’ve done is try to be more intentional about what I buy where when I can—for example, Trader Joe’s has way cheaper household essentials (beans, rice, etc) and I save Whole Foods trips for more “fun” purchases that I can’t find at Trader Joe’s (like specialty cheeses and snacks)
Good idea! It takes a little extra effort to be intentional but it’s worth it!
Loved this read and how it's a bit more positive than the spending bans/no spend months. Thanks for being real with us :)
Thank you!! I’m all about spending when it’s intentional!
The bulk of my current discretionary spending, while still pretty minimal, reflects your new “spend more” allocation, and it feels good and right. The one aspect of it that I want to reign in a bit is the gifting, which hit around $1K this year. My friends and family are so incredibly generous and my “money dial” is definitely gifting, but I’ll keep a closer eye on the running totals in 2025. I do shop year round for gifts and hold onto them until the occasion, and this has often allowed for getting just the right thing at a discount by taking advantage of sales.
Shopping sales is a great idea! I also try to combine my hobbies with gifts so it’s spending I would have already spent, like getting concert tickets as a gift when it’s a concert I was already going to go to, or crocheting something as a gift because I already like to crochet as a hobby
I do the same regarding the crafts - multiple people on my list this year are receiving bath salts that I’ve made using essential oils I already had on hand, and buying the Epsom and sea salts and seaweed powder in bulk means I have some left over for myself. Buying a quantity of wide mouth mason jars and a box of cute wooden lids afforded a discount while adding a couple to my pantry without additional cost.