A Penny Saved...

I have a minor problem: I like to spend money. Currently, I'm living in Branson. In less than one month from now, I'll (tentatively) be headed to a new city. An odd and slightly alarming realization has settled in on me, though: this requires me to save money. "Save! But that's, like...like, the opposite of spend!" I know. Scary, huh? (Well, not really. The opposite of "spend" is "gain," but let's not get into technicalities, okay?) This is not something I am good at, as anybody who knows me will testify.

In fact, ten minutes ago, I nearly made a crazy-random impulse buy on Amazon. Sure, it was only $7, but that's $7 that I didn't need to spend! I have to have a set sum of money by the end of the month...and this can only happen if I start using something that I really don't have much of: self-discipline.

That said, I need to stop spending money!!

That...is not nearly as easy as it sounds. In a world where a gallon of gasoline costs three dollars (or more...meh), this is actually a giganitc feat. Especially for somebody like me. I don't need to buy a new book. Solution:  Steal it. Don't buy a new book!

I like to drive. In fact, I love it. But it's costly, and I do it way to much. Gotta cut it down some. I spend about thirty dollars a week on gas. Thankfully, as you know, my car isn't going anywhere right now. The snow has made sure of that. This whole "omg-can't-drive-gotta-save-money" thing will become more of an issue after the snow melts away.

Hanging out with friends? An absolute favorite pastime. This, I can do, but I have to find a way to do it that is free, or at least really, really cheap. Movie nights are an excellent alternative to going out for coffee. I've been to Denny's three times in the last week. At least fifteen dollars, altogether.

Another thing: I'm a smoker, but I'm not addicted (yet...). It's five dollars for one pack of cigarettes. Anybody who has ever smoked can attest to this: one pack doesn't last long. I usually make a pack last 3-4 days. That's still $10 a week. This is an extra expense that I can cut down on. I actually am cutting down on it, mind you. ...I gave my pack of cigarettes to my landlord tonight.

Me: Take this, okay?

Landlord: Okay... -puzzled look- And do what with them??

Me: (with a look of crazy in mah eyes) Hiiiide themmm...

Landlord: -thoroughly confused, maybe a little terrified-

If I can't get my hands on them, I can't smoke. If I can't smoke, I don't spend money on such a completely frivolous and unhealthy waste. That is actually a very, very simple solution. I'm so proud of myself! :D

Basically, here is what I've done: I sat down tonight and made a budget. I may spend no more than $15 a week. That's it.  Everything else needs to be saved. Otherwise, I will never be able to leave Branson not make the amount of money I need. ...childhood was easier. Get me a time machine!

Edit: Just so you know, it's nearly 4:00am. That all-nighter I pulled the other night?? I think it may have been pointless...hehe...