She Strengthens

The Hidden Costs of Social Drinking

As I sat down to review my budget, I knew there was one area I’d been avoiding: my drinking habits. It’s easy to cut back on unnecessary expenses like subscription services or daily coffee runs, but confronting my social drinking habits was a different story.

The Fear of Facing the Truth

Drinking has become an integral part of my social life, especially in a city like New York where it’s easy to grab a drink with friends or colleagues after work. I don’t consider myself a heavy drinker, but I do enjoy a few beers or glasses of wine at home or at bars. The thought of giving up this aspect of my social life was daunting, especially since it’s such a big part of the city’s culture.

The Reality Check

I finally worked up the courage to check my Mint profile and face the music. After accounting for expenses, I was shocked to discover that I’d spent $1,744.45 on alcohol so far this year. At first, I was horrified by the number, but when I broke it down to a weekly average, I realized it wasn’t as bad as I thought – $35 per week.

The Trade-Offs

But then I started thinking about what I was giving up to make room for this spending on alcohol. I used to take dance classes regularly, but I stopped because it felt too expensive. Yet, I could easily spend the same amount at a bar in one night. It made me realize that there are healthy choices I’m sacrificing to maintain this lifestyle of casual drinking.

The Social Aspect

One of the biggest challenges is the social aspect of drinking. It’s easy to cut back on solo activities like making coffee at home, but it’s harder to give up social events that involve drinking. I’ve had plenty of fun times with friends and loved ones without alcohol, but I also enjoy a good glass of wine or craft beer.

The Decision Ahead

Ultimately, I have to confront the fact that my drinking habits are affecting other areas of my life. I need to decide whether or not I’m okay with making these trade-offs. It’s not about cutting out drinking completely, but about finding a balance that works for me and my priorities.