All Of My Purchases That Were & Weren’t Worth It In July
After reading Holly’s piece on her saddest wastes of money for 2017 thus far, it got me thinking about where I am currently spending my own money, and whether I’m happy about these choices. As a financial shit show, I had an inkling that going through my bank statements and receipts with a fine tooth comb would ~enlighten~ me into understanding my own spending habits better, and therefore improve them with that awareness.
I have to say, doing these write-ups each month truly is starting to raise my awareness of my shitty spending habits, as well as encouraging me to spend more wisely. I’m asking myself questions before purchasing, doing more research before I buy, and generally finding ways to just spend less.
And in July, I’m so happy to report that I had more wins than regrets. Yay! Though the two items I did regret ended up totaling quite a bit, I’m starting to notice that my urge to impulse shop and eat out is waning. I’m still not perfect by any means, but I’m seeing progress, and that’s something to be excited about.
Shit I Regret Spending Money On This Month
Sushi dinner to celebrate new job ($31.50)
I love sushi and wine and my friend Heather. We were just finishing up a walk when I received an offer letter for a job I had been interviewing for that I really wanted. I was ecstatic! We decided we should celebrate and go to this local sushi place by Heather’s house. While I enjoyed her company, and the food was delicious, that $31.50 was just not in my budget this month. Even though it was supposed to be celebratory, I just ended up feeling guilty afterward.
Cocktail at the movies ($10.75)
A movie theater near my parents’ house has a fully stocked bar. Marveled by the novelty of being able to order a drink at the movies, I ordered a cocktail that ended up being $10.75. And honestly, wtf? Why would I do this??? So unnecessary.
Total Wasted: $42.25
Shit I’m Glad I Spent Money On This Month
Seeing The Big Sick in theaters ($10.00)
Sitting still has never really been my thing. I’m terrible at it, so I rarely see movies because of this. I know that sounds pathetic, but it’s true. However, after seeing previews for The Big Sick, a good friend whom I haven’t seen in forever and I decided to go see it on a Wednesday night. It was hilarious! It was a perfectly chill way to spend an evening. It’s $10.00 I definitely do not regret spending.
Two Starbucks coffee orders to visit a good friend in the hospital ($6.25)
Towards the end of the month, I was having a really off weekend and was just generally in a terrible mood. I was moping around my apartment one day when I found out a good friend of mine was in the hospital. She has cystic fibrosis and will sometimes have to stay in the hospital for a few days for treatment. She was admitted close by to where I live, so I woke up early on a Sunday to grab us some coffee and sit with her a bit. It completely turned my mood around. She really put things into perspective for me, and it was also lovely to catch up. Sometimes, the best way to get yourself out of your own head is to do something nice for someone you love.
Simple Skincare Moisturizing Face Wash
I’m trying to take better care of my skin, so I splurged on Philosophy Purity face wash
Total spent: $23.24
Molly is an assistant digital strategist by day and a writer by night. She drinks way too much coffee and can be found on Twitter here.
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