Treat Opportunity

klfairy

We're going to be staying with MIL for a few days while builders do buildy things to our kitchen and living room. As we'll have a babysitter Right There, it seems like a wonderful opportunity to go out. We haven't been out for a long time... a friend's wedding reception at the beginning of August was the last time. Before that it was spring time I think.

I've kind of gone a bit obsessive about counting all the pennies and tracking where everything goes. I've budgeted each month for "entertainment" but yet I'm struggling to feel ok about this. It feels reckless and wasteful.

Is this normal? Or am I right and it is reckless and wasteful?

MFWannabe

If you've budgeted for it and can pay for it with cash / money out of your account and not on credit then go for it and enjoy yourself:)
As you said the last time was August and if you miss this opportunity how long is it going to be before you get chance again?
Also as long as it is budgeted for then you should treat yourself; otherwise you may become resentful of the debts and end up having a massive blow out one day

Buffythedebtslayer

GO OUT.

I wish I had your dedication to the cause but fun times are very important to be had. free baby sitter v rare.

xxx

backinbusiness

It's a balance - but you must live life whilst paying down those debts!

Have a really good time!

Swans1912

My wife and I have cut back in a huge number of areas with dinning one of them - we were eating out and having take-aways way too much!

We had a sneaky McDonalds tonight (I know LOL) and I had a sudden feeling of guilt but then remembered I budgeted for a small about of dinning. It did feel "reckless and wasteful" but taking the emotion out of it... we allocated money for it and still sticking to our budget!

Technically as you have a 'free' baby-sitter surely you should take the chance to have a cheaper night out otherwise you won't be very money saving if you then go out in a few weeks times If you set yourself challenging goals and you then hit them... why not have a treat that is in budget? I understand the guilt as I experienced it tonight - lets face it... it shows us we are taking the right approach with our money!

Boris_Allen

No don't go out and spend!!! You've done so well at being strict, if you let go you'll find things quickly spiral out of control. One night out will turn into two or three... treats will become more frequent and more expensive and you'll find yourself in debt again very quickly. Stay at home and pay attention to your kid instead!

*zippy*

Are you serious Boris :rotfl: You can have a life while paying off debt. If you can meet your bills and put food on the table its up to the individual at what rate they want to pay their debts off. I'm not sure what one night out has to do with their parenting either. I'm guessing you don't have children or you would know how nice it is to have a few hours to yourselves now and again.

VfM4meplse

My advice would be to visit a nice dark bar somewhere no-one knows you, buy a cheap drink and spend the whole night snogging! (as you may well have done whilst you were dating ).

A guilt-free cost-effective date indeed, and guaranteed to have you feeling like a teenager all over again!

klfairy

Thank you all

Boris you're such a larf :rotfl:

Tixy

If you've budgeted for it then go for it I say.

Maybe see if you could find a deal such as a restaurant voucher from here - Restaurant Vouchers or what about a cheap cinema night - Cheap Cinema Tickets that way you can still feel the money saving buzz, whilst having a night out together.

cottonhead

If you have a budget for entertainment and going out is not going to A - cause more debt or B - prevent you from paying a bill or repaying your debts then go out !! You are still allowed to enjoy yourself. In fact I would say its more beneficial because if you never go out, the point might come where you get so fed up you end up having a reckless spending spree. I would anyway.
Just do something that still feels like a bargain then. I started shopping in Tesco even though I hate it and when my vouchers come I exchange them for resturant vouchers and usually get enough for a meal for 2. That way we get a nice meal for 'free'. Check out pubs and restuarants deals - there are so many with people trying to win business. A meal and a drink for £7 in some places or an eat as much as you like place ?