For example, this morning my purple Doc Martens were hurting my ankles and I had no Band-Aids, so I decided I needed to buy some -- work rarely has them and that's where I was headed. But wait! I can't use my debit card and I don't have enough cash. However! I am carrying my sneakers in my gym bag, which is on my back right now, what if I switched them out? The only downside is it won't look very professional, but it will be super comfortable. Okay. I'll do it. I will make this aesthetic sacrifice.
I did spend $0.75 on a soda yesterday, but I had the change in my desk, so it fit the rules. Also, Jer bought dinner, but I ordered something with lots of vegetables so I could take the leftovers for lunch today. Healthy and frugal! (So I like the exclamation point. Sue me.)
Four more work days until I get paid. I have lunches planned, and frozen dinners, plus some wheat pasta I can whip up if I get bored with Tasty Bite and brown rice. I realize I've been getting complacent in what is acceptable to spend money on and this is a good reality check. I have my budget and I overspent, so now I must deal with the consequences.
In some ways, back when I worked in the box office it was far easier to live within my means, because I was living from paycheck to paycheck. Now that we are a little more comfortable -- photography school loan is paid off, for example -- it can be tougher to mentally set aside the money I need to reach my goals. And just like incorporating diet and exercise as a daily habit, it's a new struggle everyday and a different way of thinking.
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