What I'm not going to cut
Yesterday I wrote about what I am cutting back because of the uncertain economy. Today I'm sharing what I'm not cutting back on - yet.
Coffee. I buy coffee about two days a week from Organic To Go, which really does make good coffee. It costs $1.35 a pop, though with my frequent customer card I will get every 11th coffee free, a 10% discount. When the machine in the lunchroom gets fixed my coffee fix will drop to about $.60 a cup.
Lunches with friends. I bring my lunch to work most days but once or twice a week I like to eat food someone else has cooked. If I keep it to a Lincoln Lunch, the bill is about $5 to $6 per meal.
Magazine subscriptions. I am a loyal reader of Runner's World and Newsweek, which in total cost me less than $40 a year to receive. I could cut them out, but it's relatively cheap entertainment that I look forward to reading.
Yoga classes. I buy them in a pack so they are $12 per class. Normally, they are $16 per. The work out, flexibility training, and peace of mind is totally worth it.
If push comes to shove, I will start to give up these items. But I'm not quite ready to yet. Are there things you keeping even though they are not absolutely essential? Leave a comment and let me know.
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About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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I agree--some things are worth it. Coffee out a few times a week is a treat that I love--although hubby makes it at home every morning, and if I remember to wash my to-go cup I can bring some. The coffee at work tastes horrible. Eating a cheap take-out meal--i can get some good mexican food for the whole family for $22--saves me making dinner and cleaning up once a week, which is worth it.
I belong to the Total Woman gym in Woodland Hills. My monthly membership includes the gym/ workout area ( weights and machines all geared for woman) and unlimited classes, plus the option to add a spa treatment for a monthly fee. I joined mainly because of the yoga classes, as I was tired of paying a fee per class where I was going before, plus I belonged to Curves to workout. They have great teachers and are open 7 days/ week from early morning to late evening. I'm saving money, plus a little spa pampering is great for the mind, body and soul!
Pedicures once a month! And of course, coffee. Either a short at Starbucks for 10cents cheaper than a tall or a Mcdonalds coffee from the drive through. (they have great coffee!)
If you check on
Magazine Price Search dot com you can probably bring down your subscriptions down to $31 a year, not a big deal, but....it all adds up!
It does take a while for some of the subscriptions to kick in, just FYI.
Be warned: once you check the site you might be temped (like I was) to purchase other mags as well because they're so cheap!