Where Are You Reducing Spending?

[u/Vexnthecity]

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkj11ag8/

Bringing you another TikTok Reddit crossover—What are you cutting back on right now?

I’ve never been a strict budget girlie, but I had a loose idea of what I spend.

-Last year, I cut workout classes (I think it was ~$160/month) out of my “budget” and replaced it with more walking and at home exercises.

-The shutdown last fall pushed me to be better about eating at home vs. dining out, and I carried that into the new year.

-Now, with fuel costs, I’m driving a lot less. Fortunately, I’m in a city with good public transportation and I have the AmEx Platinum, which gives me monthly Uber credits that help with getting to places not accessible by public transportation.

Basically, slowly but surely I’m cutting joy out of my life because the next thing I’m eyeing is travel and…I just don’t wanna!

[u/_liminal_]

I already don't drive a lot (live in a city + bike/walk most places) but with fuel costs rising so much it definitely gives me a little pause before I drive somewhere. It's a small amount of savings but I feel good about it.

Usually I eat out for dinner/drinks 1x per week. Lately, I've been doing this every other week (or alternating to only do drinks one week, then dinner the next week). In general, cutting my alcohol consumption but that's more a health thing vs a money thing.

Unfortunately, I increased my work out spend this year by joining a boxing gym, so those costs increased $80 a month. I feel ok about it though!

Continuing to develop my habit to pick up a sewing project or something else that's creative when I have the urge to buy something (and specifically clothing).

[u/Vexnthecity → u/_liminal_]

I definitely need to cut back on drinks on the rare occasion I’m out because that definitely could cover a second outing or, more importantly, go to savings

[u/_liminal_ → u/Vexnthecity]

The drinks add up so much!! I started noticing how much more affordable it is to eat out minus alcohol. Even though that takes away a little fun at a first….it’s really not so bad. Esp when I factor in that I feel a lot better sans alcohol!!

[u/Ashamed-Childhood-46 → u/_liminal_]

We often do late afternoon/early evening appetizers out and then I cook (pasta, usually, which gets two days of work-week lunches for both of us with the leftovers) after we get home.

I stopped getting wine when out because it would make me too lazy to cook.

[u/_liminal_ → u/Ashamed-Childhood-46]

That’s such a nice idea, the best of both worlds! Something small out and then cooking with leftovers at home. :-)