Vacation Time

Okay woah, it's been a while since I posted. I'll admit, I've fallen a little bit off the band wagon and got back into some nasty spending habits in the last few weeks. I just got back from a vacation in the US where the dollar was not so great, so naturally had to spend more money. It's time for a spending vacation.

What's that you say? Well it's a little thing I like to do right after a real vacation where I don't spend any money. Now how can I do that you say? What about gas and food and bills? Okay, I'm not talking about the essentials here. I am talking about the wants and luxuries that I've been spending money on in the last two weeks.

It's really hard when you go on vacation to keep track of your spending. Yes, I did keep all my receipts and watch what I was buying. But HELLO! Vacation! I only do this once a year, and I want to treat myself! So yes I spent a little extra money on clothes, a few wallets, some treats, and fun things. That's allowed.

Now though, it's time to get back on track. So how do you go on a spending vacation?

1) Write down a list of your essential expenses: this would include gas, phone, car payments/insurance, rent, and food. You can't get out of these no matter what. So plan for these, and nothing else.

2) Hide Yo Plastic: your credit cards should not come with you anywhere. I always used to be that person who said "I'm leaving it in my wallet in case of an emergency." Then I realized, I would never be in a situation where I should need a credit card. I always have the option of using my debit, but now that I plan the things I used to think were emergencies were just me being super careless. So I hide these cards, they're in full hibernation mode.

3) Set a Time Frame: usually I have this little vacation for about 2 weeks. This time, I'm aiming for 3. I know, it seems a little crazy. But I'm really focusing on 1) getting my workouts back up to par, 2) training for a 1/2 marathon, 3) reading the 7 books I bought in the last year or so that are still sitting on my book shelf and 4) planning my goals for the next year. NONE of these require money. Of course I will probably squeeze some friend time in there. I mean hey, I do need a workout buddy. But it will be at a $0 cost to get some visits in over the next few weeks.

4) Stay Away From The Mall: I cannot be tempted if I do not see things I want. Therefore, my online and in-store shopping are done, probably until summer time. And hey, I'm working on a few fitness goals anyway, so here's hoping that when I do get back to the mall, there will be some new changes I see in myself.

5) Keep Yourself Accountable: sometimes these things are easier said than done. I know, because there are days where I wake up and I am CRAVING a white chocolate raspberry mocha and I will do whatever it takes to get one. BUT you have to fight the temptations, no matter what they are. Your future self will thank you for it!

So I will do an update in three weeks to let you know how this goes. I am essentially going to be planning my weeks out 7 days at a time so that I can focus on my goals, and focus on building my savings back up. Happy Sunday!