Goal of the week

As I chart my finances for my financial advisor, it's easy to see the things that should be cut immediately. So I decided to set a goal for myself this week. Actually, I've set two:

1 - no more trips to my favourite coffee shop on my break
2 - pack a lunch every day

I don't spend a lot of money at the coffee shop but I generally go for a tea misto each morning. It usually comes to $2.50 or $3.00 depending on which barista rings it in. But when you think of it, that works out to $15 a week, $60 a month, and $780 a year!!!!! I had to do that equation many times over because I could not believe my little $3 habit could add up to that amount! I'm not even including weekend trips to Starbucks! Wow!

I started on a good foot today. I had two coffee dates arranged with friends so I decided to invite them over instead. I did have to buy the coffee because I never brew it at home, but that was $7 and I will only use it when they come over. A trip to Starbucks on the weekend is easily $5 (especially if I get a treat) so I would have spent $10 minimum today. That's a savings of $3 and we know how much that can add up to!

My second goal is to save money by bringing my lunch, but I also want to eat healthy. Today I went to the grocery store and bought the ingredients for stew. I'm going to make it tonight and have it for lunch all week! Lunch can easily run $10 a day and the ingredients were around $30 so I will save $20 over the course of the week if I stick to my goal.

Wish me luck!