Afrikan Goddess (AG) Online

For the African Woman of Superior Charm & Excellence...

Find Me the Money

Written By: Christen deMedeiros 

As the seasons change, most women will want to update their wardrobe, buy new shoes, or get a new hairdo. But short of taking up another job, or selling your belongings, how does one find the money to spend on clothes, especially when funds are tight everywhere else in the monthly budget? For starters, if you are running to Starbucks or any other coffee chains at least once daily, you could save yourself at least $15 per week.  Put that double-shot espresso away and brew your own java at home, or try an instant coffee mix. If you just can’t put that latte down, how about cutting back on trips to the dry cleaner? The average woman can spend anywhere from $25-$45 per month on dry cleaning. Paying at least $3.75 per dress shirt and $3.50 per pair of dress pants can certainly add up. Instead try to spot clean the fabric when stains become apparent, or if the fabric is one that does not have to be dry cleaned, try to hand wash it, or put it in the gentle cycle on the washing machine. What about picking up lunch at work?

Depending on where you work, and what you eat, you could find yourself paying upwards of $10 per day. If you eat out each day for lunch, that’s another $50 per week, or $200 per month. By shopping at the grocery store for simple lunch-time options such as microwaveable meals or a good old turkey and cheese sandwich, easier said than done, huh? It is feasible. Just as paying bank fees eats away at hard earned money, over indulgence in expensive treats can do the same. Just a few minimal changes in the way we spend our money can immensely impact the bottom line. Additionally, when you go shopping, live by the mantra “when it’s gone, it’s gone.” Spending cash instantly lets you see how much you can or cannot spend because your stash depletes each time you buy something. It is certainly harder to spend above your means when you are paying with cash versus swiping your card, since using the card can easily help you forget how much you actually intended to spend on clothing. 

Now that you have managed to keep at least $200 extra dollars in your pockets, adjust your budget, save half, and spend the rest wisely!


About the Author
Christen deMedeiros is a freelance writer, graduate school student, and employee of the American Bankers Association. She is married and is the Community Services Director of the women’s social group E.S.T. Unity. Christen is a graduate of Bowie State University, and enjoys cooking, reading, entertaining and creating gift baskets in her spare time.