Comments on: When a Treat Stops Being a Treat – and How to Get It Back http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:23:36 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Ryan G http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-429329 Ryan G Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:17:42 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-429329 Another great post by The Simple Dollar (as usual) Cheers. Another great post by The Simple Dollar (as usual) Cheers.

]]> By: Scott http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-428511 Scott Sun, 30 Nov 2008 02:58:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-428511 My wife and I came to the same conclusion several years back as we both ordered Venti drinks at Starbucks, which with tip was at least $10/day...sometimes more. Probably, $4,000/year between the two of us, ignoring the unnecessary gasoline consumption for coffee that was frequently awful. So we instead bought a nice $700 machine that we've had for over 3 years. Our total 3-year cost (including coffee beans, milk, electricity, and water) is less than what we used to spend in a single year. The coffee is now consistently good and we share more time at home. My wife and I came to the same conclusion several years back as we both ordered Venti drinks at Starbucks, which with tip was at least $10/day…sometimes more. Probably, $4,000/year between the two of us, ignoring the unnecessary gasoline consumption for coffee that was frequently awful. So we instead bought a nice $700 machine that we’ve had for over 3 years. Our total 3-year cost (including coffee beans, milk, electricity, and water) is less than what we used to spend in a single year. The coffee is now consistently good and we share more time at home.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-426361 Kevin Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:59:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-426361 I've been doing the same thing recently, making a stop nearly every morning to get something to drink on the way in to work. I think mine is out of boredom though. Work has been slow lately and that was literally the highlight of my day, sad I know. I used to have a pledge to myself to not do a Starbucks/McDonald's/Panera Bread coffee stop more than once a week - so I'm going back to that starting now. I'll try to time it on a day I feel most wiped out, so the caffeine actually helps me that morning. I’ve been doing the same thing recently, making a stop nearly every morning to get something to drink on the way in to work. I think mine is out of boredom though. Work has been slow lately and that was literally the highlight of my day, sad I know.

I used to have a pledge to myself to not do a Starbucks/McDonald’s/Panera Bread coffee stop more than once a week – so I’m going back to that starting now. I’ll try to time it on a day I feel most wiped out, so the caffeine actually helps me that morning.

]]> By: aevans http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-426053 aevans Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:15:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-426053 During a recent VERY tough time financially, my husband and i allocated $6 a week each for "walking around money". Lunches had to be brought, no dinner out, no buying anything outside of our budget. It became VERY amusing to see how our "walking around money" got spent. A trip to Taco bell was NIRVANA. Before however, eating out was a routine. We talked about how we felt like kids getting our allowance and dreaming of how we'd spend the money. That was as much fun as spending it. Once we got into an argument about who a musician was on a song. He suggested we bet a dollar on it. " A DOLLAR? Are you nuts?" was my reply. No F-ing wway dude. That was MY walking around money! We still laugh about it. Simlpy changing your routines and what is a norm and what is a treat is relative. Things are a little looser now but we still think fof Taco bell as a "treat". During a recent VERY tough time financially, my husband and i allocated $6 a week each for “walking around money”. Lunches had to be brought, no dinner out, no buying anything outside of our budget.
It became VERY amusing to see how our “walking around money” got spent. A trip to Taco bell was NIRVANA. Before however, eating out was a routine.
We talked about how we felt like kids getting our allowance and dreaming of how we’d spend the money. That was as much fun as spending it.
Once we got into an argument about who a musician was on a song. He suggested we bet a dollar on it.
” A DOLLAR? Are you nuts?” was my reply. No F-ing wway dude. That was MY walking around money!
We still laugh about it.
Simlpy changing your routines and what is a norm and what is a treat is relative.
Things are a little looser now but we still think fof Taco bell as a “treat”.

]]> By: Nick http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-426028 Nick Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:03:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-426028 I liked how you touched on it being the routine you liked, not necessarily the coffee itself, which was the real money waster. If it was their coffee you were addicted to, this might be a different story. I liked how you touched on it being the routine you liked, not necessarily the coffee itself, which was the real money waster. If it was their coffee you were addicted to, this might be a different story.

]]> By: Lamb http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-425584 Lamb Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:04:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-425584 I liked your insight...I realize that the reason I eat fast food for lunch (when I could be bringing in leftovers) is that it serves as an excuse to get out of the office alone, and away from the stress there. I think I'll bring a meal and a book instead. now I just need to go buy groceries... I liked your insight…I realize that the reason I eat fast food for lunch (when I could be bringing in leftovers) is that it serves as an excuse to get out of the office alone, and away from the stress there.

I think I’ll bring a meal and a book instead. now I just need to go buy groceries…

]]> By: Amie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-425231 Amie Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:41:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-425231 Thank you. This was a great article - good topic, well-written. This is why I read The Simple Dollar. Thank you. This was a great article – good topic, well-written. This is why I read The Simple Dollar.

]]> By: ayesha http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-425227 ayesha Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:29:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-425227 Thank you for that eye-opener. I'm guilty of both - the breakfast & online book treats. The latter hasn't quite become a hard habit yet..so thanks for helping me catch that one especially just in time. Thank you for that eye-opener. I’m guilty of both – the breakfast & online book treats. The latter hasn’t quite become a hard habit yet..so thanks for helping me catch that one especially just in time.

]]> By: Writer's Coin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-425182 Writer's Coin Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:37:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-425182 I used to go to a coffee shop before work a few years ago to write for an hour and a half or so. I would buy a coffee for $2 and I'd get a lot of work done. There was something about being out and about that made me take is seriously, almost like work. Which I liked. But then I moved in with my wife and there is no coffee shop close enough, so I make coffee and write in our living room. It's easier to get distracted, believe it or not, because I'm on my computer...but I've created a new routine that saves me some money. I used to go to a coffee shop before work a few years ago to write for an hour and a half or so. I would buy a coffee for $2 and I’d get a lot of work done. There was something about being out and about that made me take is seriously, almost like work. Which I liked. But then I moved in with my wife and there is no coffee shop close enough, so I make coffee and write in our living room. It’s easier to get distracted, believe it or not, because I’m on my computer…but I’ve created a new routine that saves me some money.

]]> By: Chris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-425109 Chris Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:02:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-425109 Great post--both insightful and very impactful. For readers that want to expand on this very topic you can read "The Latte Factor" by David Bach(which Trent has already posted on!). Cutting out items like your morning coffee, can add up to a small fortune. Try it! Quickly see where you are headed financially at www.buildmybudget.com Great post–both insightful and very impactful. For readers that want to expand on this very topic you can read “The Latte Factor” by David Bach(which Trent has already posted on!). Cutting out items like your morning coffee, can add up to a small fortune. Try it!

Quickly see where you are headed financially at http://www.buildmybudget.com

]]> By: Rob in Madrid http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-2/#comment-425103 Rob in Madrid Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:45:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-425103 I tend to eat out alot because the wife is on the road most of the week. I solved the issue wasting money on coffee by giving myself a weekly budget and not going over it. As an aside for me my Epiphany moment came when I walked into a starbucks with mirrors, caught a good sideways glimpse of how that extra weight is looking and decided then and there no more cookies, anyways at €1.90 they are way overpriced. I tend to eat out alot because the wife is on the road most of the week. I solved the issue wasting money on coffee by giving myself a weekly budget and not going over it.

As an aside for me my Epiphany moment came when I walked into a starbucks with mirrors, caught a good sideways glimpse of how that extra weight is looking and decided then and there no more cookies, anyways at €1.90 they are way overpriced.

]]> By: Jenzer http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-1/#comment-425081 Jenzer Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:56:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-425081 This might help some folks break the rich-coffee-drink habit. Starbucks' web site says a 16-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte has 380 calories, 13g of fat, and 51g of carbs (of which 49g are sugar). McDonalds' web site says a 16-ounce Triple-Thick Vanilla Milkshake has 550 calories, 13g of fat, and 96g of carbs (no breakdown for sugar content). In other words, that Pumpkin Spice Latte has just as much fat as a thick milkshake. I've often referred to Starbucks' beverages as "hot milkshakes for grown-ups." Now I see I wasn't that far off the mark. This might help some folks break the rich-coffee-drink habit.

Starbucks’ web site says a 16-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte has 380 calories, 13g of fat, and 51g of carbs (of which 49g are sugar).

McDonalds’ web site says a 16-ounce Triple-Thick Vanilla Milkshake has 550 calories, 13g of fat, and 96g of carbs (no breakdown for sugar content).

In other words, that Pumpkin Spice Latte has just as much fat as a thick milkshake.

I’ve often referred to Starbucks’ beverages as “hot milkshakes for grown-ups.” Now I see I wasn’t that far off the mark.

]]> By: Johanna http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-1/#comment-425063 Johanna Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:57:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-425063 Another thought: This article is a perfect tie-in with the "fulfillment curve" that they talk about in "Your Money Or Your Life." In posts about the fulfillment curve, a lot of people seemed dubious about the idea that you could actually get more fulfillment by consuming less. But this article explains it perfectly. Another thought: This article is a perfect tie-in with the “fulfillment curve” that they talk about in “Your Money Or Your Life.” In posts about the fulfillment curve, a lot of people seemed dubious about the idea that you could actually get more fulfillment by consuming less. But this article explains it perfectly.

]]> By: The Penny Pincher http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-1/#comment-425055 The Penny Pincher Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:41:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-425055 I agree with the need to break habits. Mine was getting a cup of coffee and some other treat at Tim Horton's while at work. Now, I brew coffee in my office and try to limit my junk food treats to one per week. Another habit was eating out. I loved going out to eat whether it was McDonald's or Denny's. Now, I have discovered the joy of eating in. I can make better food at home than most of the restaurants I used to frequent, and my wife and I limit our meals out to truly special occasions (anniversaries and birthdays) when we go out to eat what we could not prepare at home ourselves (good sushi, for example). I agree with the need to break habits. Mine was getting a cup of coffee and some other treat at Tim Horton’s while at work. Now, I brew coffee in my office and try to limit my junk food treats to one per week.

Another habit was eating out. I loved going out to eat whether it was McDonald’s or Denny’s. Now, I have discovered the joy of eating in. I can make better food at home than most of the restaurants I used to frequent, and my wife and I limit our meals out to truly special occasions (anniversaries and birthdays) when we go out to eat what we could not prepare at home ourselves (good sushi, for example).

]]> By: Susan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-1/#comment-424959 Susan Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:08:22 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-424959 "Do you shag a fast food breakfast" - great article but this line made me laugh out loud. Shag? Ever seen an Austin Powers movie? Do you know what that word means???? “Do you shag a fast food breakfast” – great article but this line made me laugh out loud. Shag? Ever seen an Austin Powers movie? Do you know what that word means????

]]> By: Renee http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-1/#comment-424958 Renee Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:07:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-424958 What a great idea! You are soooo right. This can apply to most anything. It is a lifestyle change..with money, diet most anything. Like Ice Cream and a Diet. Instead of the norm to have ice cream (and all those calories and fat) every night after dinner, it could be a once a month treat. And much more enjoyable. I love all your emails and don't leave many comments, but this just hit the nail on the head. Everyone thinks that because I am frugal, that I am missing out on something, but in reality, when I do buy something it is much more enjoyable because it makes it a special occasion. Great way to put it! What a great idea! You are soooo right. This can apply to most anything. It is a lifestyle change..with money, diet most anything. Like Ice Cream and a Diet. Instead of the norm to have ice cream (and all those calories and fat) every night after dinner, it could be a once a month treat. And much more enjoyable. I love all your emails and don’t leave many comments, but this just hit the nail on the head. Everyone thinks that because I am frugal, that I am missing out on something, but in reality, when I do buy something it is much more enjoyable because it makes it a special occasion. Great way to put it!

]]> By: Denise http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-1/#comment-424952 Denise Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:53:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-424952 I like this post. I now work two overnight shifts per week on top of my day job. I do stop by for coffee but I have transitioned myself to a cheaper place. i also have realized that when i go out with friends that their company is more important than the food that we get. So, I usually meet them for coffee and enjoy the conversation. We all save money and are still able to get together. I like this post. I now work two overnight shifts per week on top of my day job. I do stop by for coffee but I have transitioned myself to a cheaper place. i also have realized that when i go out with friends that their company is more important than the food that we get. So, I usually meet them for coffee and enjoy the conversation. We all save money and are still able to get together.

]]> By: Inge http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-1/#comment-424941 Inge Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:50:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-424941 I had to do the same thing with Starbucks. It was hard at first because i like you stopped everyday sometimes twice. I also carry my coffee with me now most of the time. Now when I go to Starbucks, it is a treat for me and not just another cup of coffee! I had to do the same thing with Starbucks. It was hard at first because i like you stopped everyday sometimes twice.

I also carry my coffee with me now most of the time. Now when I go to Starbucks, it is a treat for me and not just another cup of coffee!

]]> By: Damon http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-1/#comment-424938 Damon Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:43:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-424938 Excellent post Trent. I've noted before how habits I thought were so essential and special are easily replaced. And usually it only requires a little bit of time and suffering for the changeover. Excellent post Trent. I’ve noted before how habits I thought were so essential and special are easily replaced. And usually it only requires a little bit of time and suffering for the changeover.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/comment-page-1/#comment-424928 Kevin Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:17:10 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/11/22/when-a-treat-stops-being-a-treat-and-how-to-get-it-back/#comment-424928 Sounds like man of us have a simular story. Thanks again for sharing. Sounds like man of us have a simular story. Thanks again for sharing.

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