Since we started this challenge in January we have successfully cut way back on how often we go out.  We have been talking a lot about why we got into the habit of going out in the first place, what is it that makes it so appealing to us even though it’s killing us and bankrupting us at the same time.  The answers have been interesting ranging from the practical, we didn’t used to have food in the house to the honest, it’s fun to have drinks and let someone else cook.  The more you analyze something the more holes you begin to see in your argument.

I have really been enjoying the unraveling of the excuses as I begin to spend my time doing different activities.  When you aren’t distracted with wine and going from place to place spending money you have no choice but to look at yourself and your life. When my worries become overwhelming my mind quickly goes to the easiest distraction, which for me is going out to dinner and a few drinks.  So far that hasn’t ever fixed any of my problems.  Stripped of the ability to spend money to fix all my problems I’m having to actually address them.

This challenge has turned out to be about so much more than money.  I always thought my weight loss goals and financial goals were separate, but everything in life is intertwined.  I hope to look back on this someday as a physically and financially fit family.

Do your thrifty best!

Lisa