Do your reinvention goals include saving money?
The cool thing about saving at this particular time in your life is the money you stash can support your life’s purpose. Think about how your savings, cooking, and purpose can feed your personal power.
I’ve put this idea to the test several times over the years as a short-term experiment and witnessed impressive results. Taking on expensive purpose-driven ventures inspired me to think more seriously about how much I could actually save over an extended period of time by not eating out.
How often have you been ordering takeout and purchasing not-so-healthy snacks over the last few months?
Perhaps you haven’t paid close attention to your credit card statement, but I have been keenly concentrated on mine.
I use a credit card when I eat out and shop for groceries because I like to accumulate reward points and calculate my food expenses. I compared my last three statements and was astonished! I had saved $600 over the last month by not ordering carryout and not grabbing quick comfort foods at the local grocer. When you’re using a credit card, you don’t realize what’s going on until you analyze your statement.
Restaurant costs add up quickly.
I have dietary restrictions and choose establishments that offer organic, gluten-free and vegan choices. These places tend to be a bit more expensive. For example, gluten-free vegan pancakes with vegan butter and a small side sets me back nine bucks. And there’s an upcharge for gluten-free pizza with vegan cheese. A dinner at one of my favorite diners could run $15-20. This wallet-whittling cycle resulted in a whopping $150 in one week. I could certainly use this money to help fund my creative business goals.
Now I’m not saying you should never eat out. I like to support my favorite restaurants, as many of you do. And I enjoy joining others for a lunch and chat. But if you want to save on food, think about preparing your own meals most of the time and decide to dine out once a week. You’ll still delight over the extra cash in your stash, which will come in handy when paying for your extension classes.
Test this for yourself...
Check your bank and credit card statements for food expenses. Here’s the bottom line: If you purchase your own groceries and prepare your own food versus eating out or taking out, you’ll save a bundle. And a gratifying extra benefit is you’ll be supporting a healthier lifestyle — less salt, less sugar, less fat, less processed food — and a more radiant you!
Be mindful of what you’re putting in your grocery cart.
Replace the costly cases of pop for fresh lemon and basil, and make a quick, fragrant hydrating infusion. Avoid the multiple family-size bags of chips, and dip with veggie sticks instead. Save on cakes, pies and other sugary treats by making your own scrumptious desserts for a fraction of the cost. You’ll be rolling in dough.
Subscribe to my mailing list to get the latest nutritious and delicious recipes. You don’t need an elaborate plan. Cook at home often and select wholesome products. Your new savings strategy is a lifestyle investment that enables you to fund your purpose through healthy meal planning.
Consider This
What other things can you do with the money you save? Let’s say your family is saving $250 a week on food. That’s $1,000 a month or $12,000 a year. Yow! You can invest in your business, earn an advanced certificate, travel, donate to your favorite philanthropic organizations, pay off credit cards, contribute to your grandchild’s college fund, and more.
Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Set a loving intention to prepare wholesome meals at home, most of the time.
• Begin by filling your grocery cart with healthy selections and eating out less often.
• How will reducing the number of carryouts and preparing your food at home help you to save money, improve your health, and support your purpose?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help investing in your plate?
It can be challenging to maintain momentum on your own. My Sprout Your New Life™ course will give you the tools and the strong spiritual foundation to make lasting change in your life. Click here for more.
In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.