Budget Buster – My Worst Budget Habit

I love having a budget, but I hate it when I go over in a category. When I go quite a bit over in one category I label that item a budget buster. From now on, I will need to watch this line item or this particular purchase or expense much more closely than categories I am more disciplined in. To start out this topic, I will share one you can probably all relate to…

Eating Out – My #1 Budget Buster

Meal planning, grocery shopping, packing my lunch… Those are all good habits that lessen the change I will go out to eat, but nothing stands between me and fun. I love the temptation of a better offer and I love breaking bread with friends. Anything seems more fun than making food myself. However, it is my number one waste of money.

Balance is something I strive for in all areas, but this one gets me more often than I would like to admit. A simple lunch out (when did a sandwich get to be $10?!), a chai tea and gratuity can cost you $17! Yikes! Should I never say yes, never join friends, never go on a date with my husband? Well of course there are financial circumstances for being that stringent, but for me, I need a plan I can stick with.

My Plan For Conquering My #1 Budget Buster

All those things I mentioned above are true:

• Make a meal plan every Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Grocery shop according to my meal plan
• Set my alarm early enough (be gone snooze button!) to pack my lunch

But when I do inevitably give in and go out to a lunch with my boss, a happy hour with my friends or a dinner date with my husband…I keep the following in mind:

• Consider splitting something if you are close enough to the person (most places have BIG portions)
• Choose a few items off the “sides” menu that look good
• Drink water instead of soda, juice, wine or beer
• Review a restaurant’s menu in advance of going there to find a place that satisfies your wallet and your taste buds

Let’s face it…sometimes you are going to splurge, and you should! But when I estimate how much I spent over the last decade on food and drinks I cringe a little. Find a balance that is right for you and your budget will thank you!