She Strengthens

Breaking Up with Booze: How Sobriety Saved My Finances

As I celebrated my 30th birthday, I made a drastic decision: I quit drinking. It wasn’t an easy choice, but after a year of reckless spending, I knew I had to make a change. My bank account was in shambles, and I couldn’t ignore the elephant in the room – my expensive drinking habit.

The Cost of a Night Out

I lived in New York, where a single craft beer could set me back $8. And let’s be real, I rarely stopped at just one. Happy hour often turned into a late-night affair, complete with Uber rides, Seamless orders, and hangover remedies the next day. One particularly rough night added up to a staggering $112. It wasn’t a rare occurrence, either. This toxic cycle was draining my wallet and my health.

A Sober Awakening

After just one month without booze, I noticed a significant difference in my credit card bill. The savings were substantial – an average of $400 per month. It wasn’t just the cost of the drinks themselves; it was the entire lifestyle that came with them. No more pricey Ubers, no more late-night pizza runs, and no more expensive brunches to nurse my hangovers.

Navigating a Sober Social Life

At first, it was tough to adjust to a life without drinks. I had to convince friends that I still wanted to socialize, just without the booze. It meant opting for Diet Coke at happy hour and skipping the wine at book club. But the trade-off was worth it. I was saving money, and more importantly, I was investing in myself. I was paying off my student loans faster, taking fitness classes, and devoting more time to my freelance writing.

Priorities in Check

Quitting drinking forced me to reevaluate my priorities. I realized that I had been using booze as a stress reliever and social crutch for far too long. It was holding me back from achieving my goals and pursuing my passions. By choosing sobriety, I was taking control of my finances and my life.

A New Chapter

It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. I’m proud to say that I’ve broken up with booze, and it’s been a game-changer. If you’re struggling with the financial burden of drinking, I encourage you to take a closer look at your habits. You might be surprised at how much you can save – and how much you can gain – by ditching the drinks.