Da Budget

Today I was doing some research for an article that I'm planning to write on saving money, and I learned that college students spend $200 billion per year on snack food and leisure entertainment activities. I contributed to that amount for the past five years. The most money spent on snack foods was $3,129 on soda. Soda! I can't even think of how many Diet Cokes I've bought in the past year. The thought makes me cringe.

Now I'm starting to think of what I've been spending money on. Lately I've been buying work clothes: light jackets, cardigans, dresses, dressy tops, nice jeans (yes, I wear jeans to work, but I'm not so sure that I'm allowed to), and shoes. I recently bought a top that I really like from Nordstrom Rack but I don't really need it because it's not work-appropriate. I'm debating whether I should return it tomorrow. It's so cute though! The transition from college to the workforce is definitely not a cheap one.

I also bought some more expensive items, like my brand new iPod video. It was a justified purchase because my old iPod crapped out after almost three years of togetherness. I also turned in my old one and got a slight discount on my new purchase. The poor iPod was worn out because I listened to it almost every day. At least I got some good mileage out of it, and it accompanied me on three vacations. Hopefully it will be recycled and be reborn into a new iPod.

Anyway, I'm really not looking forward to my next credit card bill.

Aaron and I are also contemplating a move to the mainland once I figure out whether I want to go to grad school or not. I better start preparing for the GRE. Also I have to write some stories to submit with my applications. So if we do move, we need to start saving NOW. I'm already doing pretty decent with my saving, but I wish I had started being more diligent about it when I was younger. Woulda, shoulda, coulda.

Some expenses are slowly being cut out of my expense list. I put insurance on my cell phone (dumb move) and I'm planning on removing it. I've been bringing home lunch almost every day except for the days when I meet Aaron for lunch. I don't buy coffee anymore because I bring tea from home. I'm also going to stop buying my beloved Bath and Body Works shower gel and hand soap--the days of spending $9 on a bottle of body wash are over. Goodbye, Country Apple Scent. Hello, Dove Soap!

Well, I guess it doesn't matter that I'm saving money if I spend it all on clothes. Sometimes you just can't win.