Some things are a real waste of money, like appetizer trays from the supermarket or deli. (What, you can’t chop a few vegetables?)
Other expenditures may seem like splurges, but are well worth the money. Here are my nominations; feel free to add yours in the comments.
Valet parking at the mall in December. They could charge me $20 or even more, and I’d think it was a bargain to avoid the endless circling looking for a parking spot. So far, though, the most I’ve paid is $8 plus a tip, and many places charge less.
Oil changes. I used to do this myself—yuck. Now my trusted mechanic does it, and checks all the tanks and belts and other do-dads while he’s at it. He also has to dispose of the oil properly, another yucky task I’m happy to delegate.
Date night. Even when money was tight, hubby and I went out to eat once in awhile. There’s something about being out of the house, where we weren’t constantly reminded of all the chores we had to do, that helped us relax and focus on each other. Now that we have a kid, date night is even more important.
Preventative care and screenings. We have a high-deductible health insurance policy, which means we pay out of pocket for a lot of our health care. I don’t enjoy shelling out huge wads of money when a trip to Paris isn’t involved, but my mom died of a cancer that could have been detected and cured with a simple screening. So spend it we do.
Charitable donations. MSN contributor Donna Freedman has written frequently about how important she feels it is to give, even on her super-tight student budget. Through thick and thin, we’ve tried to keep up our giving, as well. This year, we feel especially blessed, and it’s been fun to involve our daughter in our end-of-the-year donation decision-making. (She likes cheetahs, so some of our contributions will be going to a cheetah preservation fund.) We’re also making a donation to Heifer.org, so I get to say, “I’m getting a water buffalo for Christmas!”
Whatever holiday you celebrate, may you have a joyous and peaceful one and a happy new year.
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