Posted By Paul
My wife and I often have dinner with friends (who also have little ones). Since the kids aren't quite up to restaurant age yet we get takeout from various restaurants around town and we take turns hosting the meal.
We have been doing this for years, and we generally orders kid's meals so that our little ones will have something to eat.
Just a few weeks ago while our friends were hosting we noticed that our little one wasn't really interested in the restaurant food we ordered for him that week, so our friends offered him some apples and mac and cheese (which he happily ate).
We decided to try that from now on, where both families agree to have simple kid food available when it is their turn to host, so we don't feel the need to include kid's meals in our restaurant orders.
We save money on the kids meals and if our little one ends up wanting to try our restaurant fare my wife and I are happy to share our food. We've noticed this works especially well since our little one seems to enjoy trying new foods so he often prefers trying our food as opposed to his kids meal which is often a fairly boring chicken finger and fries sort of thing.
Plus when we get all the little ones together they often want to play, so the meal part of the evening is often brief and we end up giving him a snack at home right before bedtime anyway, so why pay the extra money for the food he doesn't eat?
Showing posts with label spending. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spending. Show all posts
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Ways To Save On Eating Out
Posted By Paul
My wife and I are continuing our experiments to save money and we have been employing a strategy that is really working for us.
As with many people, eating out is a significant optional expense (especially if it gets out of hand), so my wife and I have been watching it closely.
One thing we did this weekend was that instead of our "usual" breakfast restaurant we went and had bagels and coffee at a bakery. It was still fun, we got out of the house and enjoyed a breakfast together as a family, but at a fraction of the cost. We made up for our light breakfast with an early lunch.
It was even better for our little one because we didn't have to wait for a table (our favorite dinner haunt gets crowded on the weekends) and it only took a moment to toast up a bagel so he only had to wait a couple of minutes for food.
We're looking for other ways to replace "eating out" with "snacking out" as a way to save money while still enjoying the experience of going out.
My wife and I are continuing our experiments to save money and we have been employing a strategy that is really working for us.
As with many people, eating out is a significant optional expense (especially if it gets out of hand), so my wife and I have been watching it closely.
One thing we did this weekend was that instead of our "usual" breakfast restaurant we went and had bagels and coffee at a bakery. It was still fun, we got out of the house and enjoyed a breakfast together as a family, but at a fraction of the cost. We made up for our light breakfast with an early lunch.
It was even better for our little one because we didn't have to wait for a table (our favorite dinner haunt gets crowded on the weekends) and it only took a moment to toast up a bagel so he only had to wait a couple of minutes for food.
We're looking for other ways to replace "eating out" with "snacking out" as a way to save money while still enjoying the experience of going out.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Article: Why Only Thinking About Affordability Makes You Poor
Posted By Paul
I saw this article on a blog that I discovered today.
I really liked the article because I use the term 'affordability' a lot when I talk about money. When people ask me if I think it's okay for them to splurge on something I often ask the question: "Can you afford it?"
This article emphasizes that many people when answering that question are simply asking themselves: "Do I have the money now to cover the payment?"
It talks about how using that definition can lead you into some poor choices.
The article lists a set of other questions you should ask in addition to just basic affordability when making a financial choice:
I think that now when discussing financial choices with people I'll have to ask the question: "Can you afford while meeting your other goals?" as a starting point for discussion.
Check it out:
Why Only Thinking About Affordability Makes You Poor
I saw this article on a blog that I discovered today.
I really liked the article because I use the term 'affordability' a lot when I talk about money. When people ask me if I think it's okay for them to splurge on something I often ask the question: "Can you afford it?"
This article emphasizes that many people when answering that question are simply asking themselves: "Do I have the money now to cover the payment?"
It talks about how using that definition can lead you into some poor choices.
The article lists a set of other questions you should ask in addition to just basic affordability when making a financial choice:
- Is it necessary or is it nice to have?
- Is there a more economical version?
- Would most people in your situation want to buy it?
- Would you still buy it if you had time to think about it? In other words, is it an impulse decision?
- How is that going to affect your short and long term goals?
I think that now when discussing financial choices with people I'll have to ask the question: "Can you afford while meeting your other goals?" as a starting point for discussion.
Check it out:
Why Only Thinking About Affordability Makes You Poor
Friday, October 7, 2011
Pretetending You're Broke - Follow Up
Posted By Paul
Just a little follow-up on the 'Pretending You're Broke' experiment, a couple of small things that I came across that ended up being great ways to save a few bucks:
My son and I have a standard routine where on Thursday nights we go and so something fun (generally his choice) and then after we go to a restaurant (also his choice) and get something to eat before heading home.
Well luckily my son usually wants to go to the same place, a kids activity center. We go there so often that we purchased a one year membership which has already paid for itself.
After the activity center we went to our usual restaurant where my 3 year old gets his usual meal. I often get food there myself but this time I just got a drink (well specifically I shared a drink with my son) and it was actually fun. I didn't really miss eating there and I just grabbed a bite as soon as we got home.
Another thing is that I'm getting together with friends this weekend. We often try to meet for lunch or dinner but due to our schedules we were only able to get together around 3PM so we're going to meet for coffee instead.
I realized that this was a great way to get together and save a few bucks. Instead of a full meal I'll just be getting a coffee. I still get to sit and chat with my friends, which is the real point of getting together anyway.
So far the 'pretending you're broke' experiment has been a really good experience.
Just a little follow-up on the 'Pretending You're Broke' experiment, a couple of small things that I came across that ended up being great ways to save a few bucks:
My son and I have a standard routine where on Thursday nights we go and so something fun (generally his choice) and then after we go to a restaurant (also his choice) and get something to eat before heading home.
Well luckily my son usually wants to go to the same place, a kids activity center. We go there so often that we purchased a one year membership which has already paid for itself.
After the activity center we went to our usual restaurant where my 3 year old gets his usual meal. I often get food there myself but this time I just got a drink (well specifically I shared a drink with my son) and it was actually fun. I didn't really miss eating there and I just grabbed a bite as soon as we got home.
Another thing is that I'm getting together with friends this weekend. We often try to meet for lunch or dinner but due to our schedules we were only able to get together around 3PM so we're going to meet for coffee instead.
I realized that this was a great way to get together and save a few bucks. Instead of a full meal I'll just be getting a coffee. I still get to sit and chat with my friends, which is the real point of getting together anyway.
So far the 'pretending you're broke' experiment has been a really good experience.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Pretending You're Broke
Posted By Paul
Like many families, my family is contantly savings towards various goals, and one thing we've decided to try recently is the "Pretend You're Broke" strategy.
We're not doing the super crazy version that I've heard of where you go to churches and other places in order to get food donated for the needy (which is not only extreme, but it seems the worst kind of immorality unless you actually are in dire straits), or where you steal office supplies from work or stop tipping servers (also not cool). Instead we're just going to try to take a month or two and pretend that we're broke as a way to manage our spending and really get a leg up on our savings goals.
For example, now whenever I consider buying a new book/dvd/etc., I ask myself: "Would I buy this if I lost my job and was trying to get by on unemployment?" Most of the time the answer is no, and so I just pass on the purchase or try to find a cheaper alternative.
A few things that have come out of this experiment are:
-My family is eating out less. We still dine out with friends occasionally, but we rarely do the "let's go the restaurant because it's quicker or easier" thing. It helps that we have a small child since in many ways eating at home actually is the quickest and easiest option.
-It's kind of fun to try to come up with cheaper alternatives when it's voluntary. Choices that would be depressing if they were a necessity become empowering when they are done voluntarily.
-We find that with a little one there are often cheap alternatives that the child actually prefers. Our little one is now at the age where he can actually say what he would like to do. I am often amazed at how instead of the pricier things to do (the zoo, child activity center, etc.) he will often pick things that are incredibly cheap or free (like he will want to go to the park, or once he wanted to go to CostCo and watch the tire center put the new tires on cars).
-Some of the things we've tried might become permanent parts of our life. We've discovered that cutting back on restaurants is a sacrifice we are happy to make when in return we get to make improvements to our house or put money towards a trip.
If you find yourself wanting to try to save a little extra money for something, try taking a month and pretending you're broke. We've already learned from the experiment.
Like many families, my family is contantly savings towards various goals, and one thing we've decided to try recently is the "Pretend You're Broke" strategy.
We're not doing the super crazy version that I've heard of where you go to churches and other places in order to get food donated for the needy (which is not only extreme, but it seems the worst kind of immorality unless you actually are in dire straits), or where you steal office supplies from work or stop tipping servers (also not cool). Instead we're just going to try to take a month or two and pretend that we're broke as a way to manage our spending and really get a leg up on our savings goals.
For example, now whenever I consider buying a new book/dvd/etc., I ask myself: "Would I buy this if I lost my job and was trying to get by on unemployment?" Most of the time the answer is no, and so I just pass on the purchase or try to find a cheaper alternative.
A few things that have come out of this experiment are:
-My family is eating out less. We still dine out with friends occasionally, but we rarely do the "let's go the restaurant because it's quicker or easier" thing. It helps that we have a small child since in many ways eating at home actually is the quickest and easiest option.
-It's kind of fun to try to come up with cheaper alternatives when it's voluntary. Choices that would be depressing if they were a necessity become empowering when they are done voluntarily.
-We find that with a little one there are often cheap alternatives that the child actually prefers. Our little one is now at the age where he can actually say what he would like to do. I am often amazed at how instead of the pricier things to do (the zoo, child activity center, etc.) he will often pick things that are incredibly cheap or free (like he will want to go to the park, or once he wanted to go to CostCo and watch the tire center put the new tires on cars).
-Some of the things we've tried might become permanent parts of our life. We've discovered that cutting back on restaurants is a sacrifice we are happy to make when in return we get to make improvements to our house or put money towards a trip.
If you find yourself wanting to try to save a little extra money for something, try taking a month and pretending you're broke. We've already learned from the experiment.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Article: Conspicuously Thrifty
Posted By Paul
There was an article today on the Dollar Stretcher that really resonated with me because it reminded me of one of my very first Frugalize posts (here is the post from several years ago):
Conspicuous Consumption Gone Wrong
I still struggle with the idea of trying to wave the flag of frugality in a world that seems to focus so much more on showing off what you have (whether or not you can actually afford it).
One thing I have noticed is a definite change of attitude since our economy hit a slump. There seems to be a greater appreciation for stretching your dollar. However, I'm disappointed to see a focus on ways to still have a luxurious lifestyle while stretching your dollar, as opposed to the idea of trying to live a simpler lifestyle in general.
I suppose that's no surprise since the most common way I hear about the economic slowdown is in ads that are trying to encourage me to keep spending lavishly despite the situation.
The Dollar Stretcher article was great in that people suggested ways to be proud of their frugality without being overbearing. Several people said how frugality goes hand in hand with modesty, which I thought was a very nice point.
I liked the idea of being 'transparent' where you don't shout your accomplishments from the rooftops, but you do discuss your choices honestly when they come up in conversation.
Also, one of the comments specifically mentioned the book: "The Millionaire Next Door" which I read and reviewed in one of my first posts here:
Review Part 1: The Millionaire Next Door
One thing I have noticed that makes conspicuous thriftiness much easier is having a peer group that also views frugality and savings as something to be admired. I have two really good friends and we're all very practical when it comes to money and spending. It's great having friends who also consider living within your means to be a virtue. We don't try to "out miser" each other, but we also don't enable bad financial behavior.
I've seen people whose peer groups are all terrible with money, and they constantly encourage each other to overspend. It's like each person in the group serves as the "devil on the shoulder" for someone else. Always ready to provide a handy rationalization for a bad financial decision.
I'm sure that if you surround yourself with people who overspend it must feel very awkward to be the one person trying to live a frugal lifestyle.
Anyway here is the full article:
Conspicuously Thrifty
There was an article today on the Dollar Stretcher that really resonated with me because it reminded me of one of my very first Frugalize posts (here is the post from several years ago):
Conspicuous Consumption Gone Wrong
I still struggle with the idea of trying to wave the flag of frugality in a world that seems to focus so much more on showing off what you have (whether or not you can actually afford it).
One thing I have noticed is a definite change of attitude since our economy hit a slump. There seems to be a greater appreciation for stretching your dollar. However, I'm disappointed to see a focus on ways to still have a luxurious lifestyle while stretching your dollar, as opposed to the idea of trying to live a simpler lifestyle in general.
I suppose that's no surprise since the most common way I hear about the economic slowdown is in ads that are trying to encourage me to keep spending lavishly despite the situation.
The Dollar Stretcher article was great in that people suggested ways to be proud of their frugality without being overbearing. Several people said how frugality goes hand in hand with modesty, which I thought was a very nice point.
I liked the idea of being 'transparent' where you don't shout your accomplishments from the rooftops, but you do discuss your choices honestly when they come up in conversation.
Also, one of the comments specifically mentioned the book: "The Millionaire Next Door" which I read and reviewed in one of my first posts here:
Review Part 1: The Millionaire Next Door
One thing I have noticed that makes conspicuous thriftiness much easier is having a peer group that also views frugality and savings as something to be admired. I have two really good friends and we're all very practical when it comes to money and spending. It's great having friends who also consider living within your means to be a virtue. We don't try to "out miser" each other, but we also don't enable bad financial behavior.
I've seen people whose peer groups are all terrible with money, and they constantly encourage each other to overspend. It's like each person in the group serves as the "devil on the shoulder" for someone else. Always ready to provide a handy rationalization for a bad financial decision.
I'm sure that if you surround yourself with people who overspend it must feel very awkward to be the one person trying to live a frugal lifestyle.
Anyway here is the full article:
Conspicuously Thrifty
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Article: Confessions of extreme penny pinchers
Posted By Paul:
There was an article on CNN money that I thought was interesting. Here is the link:
Confessions of extreme penny pinchers
In particular I was intrigued by the 8th entry in the article where parents have their 3 kids taking turns picking the restaurant and paying for the half the meal while on vacation.
On the one hand it seems pretty extreme, on the other hand it is a great way to make the financial impact of eating out seem real to your kids.
My parents did something similar to me when we went on vacation. I had an allowance when I was pretty young, but sometimes for vacation my folks would give me a little extra spending money. They gave me the extra money at the start of the vacation with the condition that it was for the WHOLE vacation and it was mine to spend on any souvenirs or snacks that I wanted. I didn't have to pay for meals, but snacks and treats came out of my own money. Any money I didn't spend was mine to keep.
A similar idea, and overall I thought it was a good thing. It kept me from constantly having to beg my parents to buy me a churro/soda/balloon and I remember feeling very grown-up about being able to pick out and buy my own souvenirs. I remember that it was fun trying to find that "perfect" souvenir to buy, plus I think it was more pleasant for everyone to not have me running up to my folks every 10 minutes to beg for a quarter for a video game, or to buy me a lemonade.
I even remember once at a fundraising school fair when that I went to that my mom gave me $3 to buy "tickets" to play the different little games. At one of the booths they were selling plants for a dollar each. I remember thinking: "Wow, a dollar for a plant seems like a good deal, and I can plant it in the yard and enjoy it for a long time." so I bought one.
I remember my Mom being surprised and amused to see this 8 year old coming back with a potted plant and saying how it seemed like a much better deal than the carnival games.
Anyway, the article is worth a read.
Enjoy!
-Paul
There was an article on CNN money that I thought was interesting. Here is the link:
Confessions of extreme penny pinchers
In particular I was intrigued by the 8th entry in the article where parents have their 3 kids taking turns picking the restaurant and paying for the half the meal while on vacation.
On the one hand it seems pretty extreme, on the other hand it is a great way to make the financial impact of eating out seem real to your kids.
My parents did something similar to me when we went on vacation. I had an allowance when I was pretty young, but sometimes for vacation my folks would give me a little extra spending money. They gave me the extra money at the start of the vacation with the condition that it was for the WHOLE vacation and it was mine to spend on any souvenirs or snacks that I wanted. I didn't have to pay for meals, but snacks and treats came out of my own money. Any money I didn't spend was mine to keep.
A similar idea, and overall I thought it was a good thing. It kept me from constantly having to beg my parents to buy me a churro/soda/balloon and I remember feeling very grown-up about being able to pick out and buy my own souvenirs. I remember that it was fun trying to find that "perfect" souvenir to buy, plus I think it was more pleasant for everyone to not have me running up to my folks every 10 minutes to beg for a quarter for a video game, or to buy me a lemonade.
I even remember once at a fundraising school fair when that I went to that my mom gave me $3 to buy "tickets" to play the different little games. At one of the booths they were selling plants for a dollar each. I remember thinking: "Wow, a dollar for a plant seems like a good deal, and I can plant it in the yard and enjoy it for a long time." so I bought one.
I remember my Mom being surprised and amused to see this 8 year old coming back with a potted plant and saying how it seemed like a much better deal than the carnival games.
Anyway, the article is worth a read.
Enjoy!
-Paul
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
