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Mommy’s Hidden Savings Fund
By: Jamie Ellis
Updated: Sep. 7, 2015
What does a woman who loves the finer things in life do when she’s faced with a budget? Remember the days when you could stroll into the salon for a quick mani-pedi whenever your nails needed a touch-up? Or when splurging on a fresh set of highlights didn’t make you raise an eyebrow? Those were the blissful days of youth, where spending was the norm and saving for retirement was a distant thought. Now, as an adult, those luxuries are often overshadowed by the demands of life, like IRA contributions and mortgage obligations.
For a mom, it’s even tougher. Staring at chipped nails and roots that have grown out two inches, she grapples with the guilt of treating herself while school supplies and other family needs beckon. Personally, I view hair maintenance as a non-negotiable expense, but when it comes to designer handbags, well, that’s a different story.
There are moments, like when the dentist informs you that your 6-year-old needs braces, or when your air conditioner decides to quit in the middle of summer, that spending on new jeans feels a bit selfish (even if they do make you look fabulous!). When I found myself on the brink of a fashion crisis, I stumbled upon a clever strategy to maintain financial happiness—right at my grocery store’s checkout.
It’s a given: I can’t walk into a grocery store without dropping at least $100. I might enter with a short list, yet somehow leave with a cart overflowing with goodies. My shopping trips often veer off course, starting in the gourmet cheese section and spiraling out of control in the wine aisle. My husband rolls his eyes at the receipt, and the age-old debate about grocery spending becomes tedious.
But now, I’ve implemented a little savings trick during my grocery runs that has made a world of difference. You know that option on the card reader that asks, “Would you like cash back?” Well, I say yes to that! Just grab $20. When you get home, stash it away in a discreet spot—one that’s not easy to access and that you won’t check regularly.
For an entire month, I took out $20 each time I shopped. By the end, I had nearly $200 tucked away in my secret stash. This little experiment revealed a couple of things: first, I shop way too often, and second, I hardly missed that $20. It’s akin to finding forgotten cash in an old pair of jeans—money you didn’t even realize was gone!
This method isn’t about hiding money from my partner; it’s more about shielding myself from temptation. If there’s cash in my bank account, I’m likely to spend it, especially on the adorable little ones who call me “Mommy” and always need new shoes. I realized that because I love those little money-suckers, their needs often come first, leaving little room for my wants. I began saving my grocery cash, and a few months later, I had enough for a spa day! If it ever puts a strain on the family budget, I can always return to the community fund, but if no one notices the difference, then off to the mall I go!
You might even choose to use your secret fund for thoughtful gifts for a loved one or to donate to a charity. Sometimes I even save up for holiday gifts months in advance. The grocery store is my reliable source for this little savings adventure!
Whatever indulgence your newfound savings allows, it’s entirely yours to enjoy, guilt-free! So yes, those new sunglasses may be in my future after all.
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Summary
This article shares a clever budgeting strategy for moms who want to pamper themselves without guilt. By taking out a small cash amount during grocery shopping, one can create a secret savings fund for personal treats. This approach allows for indulgences while managing family finances responsibly.