Food for Thought: A Year of Budgeting and Self-Discovery
Setting Boundaries
In 2017, I set out to challenge my spending habits by allocating $217 per month for groceries and $33 for dining out, coffee, and alcohol. My primary objective was to keep my restaurant expenses in check. I achieved this by turning most of my restaurant visits into special occasions, rather than impromptu outings. This strategy worked well, except when I was on vacation.
The Snack Attack
On New Year’s Eve, I decided to indulge in a solo celebration, complete with a video game and an array of savory and sweet treats from a specialty store. Although I knew I was close to exceeding my annual food budget of $3,000, I chose not to put anything back. This indulgent snack run led me to believe I had failed my goal, but the truth was more complex.
The Cash Conundrum
During my trip to Japan, I spent approximately $900 in cash on various expenses, including meals. Because I didn’t track these expenditures, I couldn’t accurately allocate them to my food budget. Similarly, when I attended county fairs and farmers markets with friends, I withdrew cash and spent it on food without keeping track. These unaccounted-for expenses ultimately pushed me over my budget.
A Shift in Priorities
Analyzing my spending habits revealed an interesting trend: I preferred to allocate more funds towards dining out and less towards groceries. In reality, I spent approximately $189 per month on groceries and $63 on restaurants and other food-related expenses. This realization prompted me to find creative ways to reduce my grocery bills, such as embracing leftovers and experimenting with dressing up cheap staple foods.
Creative Cost-Cutting
I learned to cook with leftovers in mind, preparing meals on Sundays that would serve as lunches throughout the week. I also discovered the joy of elevating simple dishes, like tomato soup, by adding various ingredients. A quick internet search can provide endless ideas for revamping familiar favorites.
Lessons Learned
Although I didn’t technically succeed in staying under $3,000 for food, I still benefited from this financial exercise. I reduced my food expenses by several hundred dollars compared to previous years and improved my overall financial tracking. For 2018, I aim to continue budgeting $250 per month for food and to better account for my cash spending.
Leave a Reply