I decided last week that I was only going to spend on $100 this month, meaning I’d have $25 for each week. I tracked each of my purchases and tried to stay under the $25 mark so I could donate what was left over to a worthy nonprofit.
And… I failed. As someone who had never budgeted before, I found it was incredibly difficult to control my urges to spend on things I had no need for. Here’s what I bought, and why.
Chinese Take-Out
A few friends came over on Sunday night and we decided to each pitch in $6.00 for a massive amount of Chinese food to eat on the trampoline/dining room table in my room. It was a good time, and I told myself I would just avoid take-out and other fast food for the rest of the week.
Ice Cream
The next day, after being stood up on a date for the first time, I went to Cold Stone Creamery to meet some friends. In this moment of emotional distress, I spent $6.53 on chocolate ice cream in a waffle-cone cup. This is one of my biggest regrets to this day.
Movie Rental
The night after that, I decided I very much wanted to wrap myself in many blankets, make a cup of tea, and watch a movie in my room. Nothing on Netflix seemed engaging, so I ended up spending $2.99 to rent the movie The Hours, which was stunning, great, and left me shocked but empowered as a female writer, but it was bought with money I really did not need to spend.
Fuku Tea
Left with $9.48, I did not spend anything after Tuesday until Saturday. Figuring I was doing well, I bought a small cup of bubble tea at my favorite spot in Oakland – Fuku tea.
Chipotle
After buying the tea, a friend and I ended up walking upwards of 5 miles around Oakland, visiting museums, the park, and the library since the weather was surprisingly nice. I had resigned myself to donating the left-over $5.79 to my chosen non-profit, but then I realized I would make it back to campus too late for dinner, and that I was very hungry from walking so much. On impulse, I bought a bowl from Chipotle, which was $6.95. So I was left $1.16 in the red, and sad, but happy I had food nonetheless.
(seen and Snapped at Maryland and 5th Avenue)
Now, I’m starting this week with $23.84, and am excited to (hopefully) do better, stay focused and centered, and have a substantial amount to donate!