The Hustle of Sistah Ant

I can usually go for several days, or even a whole week, without spending any money.  It started out as this thing I used to do in college so that I’d be able to have food to eat or keep my electricity on.  As certain things became habit, I came to not even realize that I was doing things with the express purpose of not having to nickel-and-dime my bank account throughout a day, or week, or month.  As I say all the time, every little bit helps.

There are a few things I do day-to-day to keep from having to reach for my wallet.

I only use my car when public transportation or walking are too difficult or inconvenient, for example, if it’s raining, I have to carry something, or I’m traveling a long distance.  Since I commute by bus to avoid high parking fees, I don’t have to fill my gas tank often at all.  

I plan my breakfasts, lunches, and dinners ahead of time so that I don’t wind up eating out.  I keep healthy snacks at my desk at work, and healthy munchies around the house.  If I don’t get hungry, then I won’t make an impulse food buy.  This is HUGE.  Yesterday, I forgot to bring my lunch, and wound up spending $3 for lunch.  But imagine if I forgot my lunch 7 times in a month.  That stuff adds up.  I try to stay away from vending machines, and I’m not a coffee drinker (but if I was, I’d drink the free coffee at work).

I don’t recreationally shop.  I do recreationally window-shop, I’ll admit it.  But I’ve gotten good at not buying stuff on impulse.  If I think I’ll get tempted and/or if I think my money’s low, I’ll stay away from stores about 95% of the time.  (To see what happens in the other 5% of the time, see my immediate previous post.)

My thing is, if I have gas in my tank, paid bills, and food in my kitchen, I don’t have to spend money so I don’t.  This is how I’m getting through the next few weeks.  I’m going to stick to groceries, and gas if I need it.  This will help offset the spending damage I did during and after my recent move, and help to put more money into debt repayment than I would otherwise have had.  I’m allowing myself one exception.  If Sistah Beginner is willing to go see that Tyler Perry movie with me, we can go to the matinee.  As usual, I will eat before I go and pass on the popcorn and chocolate covered raisins.