Odd Budget Buster.. not enough sleep

[pigletto]

This one is a little odd but I thought I'd mention it in case someone could relate.
When am I most likely to bust the budget? When I don't have enough sleep.
Being over tired fouls everything up. It's thins my patience, makes me lazy and I end up spending more than I intended to.

For example I have been starting my work day at 5am. If I don't get at least 7-8 hours of sleep there is no way I want to cook ..so take out it is.
But it's not just meals. I noticed last week when I was dead on my feet I threw any old thing in the cart at the grocery store because I couldn't even imagine baking or preparing.. so it was all prepacked and "instant" and individual size junk. I never do that usually!!

Then I had to book another night at Disney. I could not get the Special Offer to work online no matter what I did (it wouldn't drop the tickets) so I just booked it without the discount rather than sit on the phone.

I only lost about 17 dollars on that one but I'm calling to correct it today.. it's a stupid waste.

Rather than drive accross town to the library after dinner to take back the books that were due.. I opted to take them in the morning and got fines.

The list goes on. So feeling really rested after the weekend I sat down and thought about it today and was appalled with myself. I might as well pitch money out an open window at the rate I'm going.

And for me it all boils down to no sleep lately. Long story short.. I'm going to try to get in bed at 9:30 instead of 12. Does anyone else find that rushed and tired blows the budget?

 

[Zhoen]

Of course.

Remember we live in a convenience-addicted society, with an unsustainable pace of life being constantly touted as "success." An outgoing boss of mine recently "complimented" us by telling us he's never met such a "driven group of type-A personalities in one place" before."

Nobody buys unhealthy convenience food or drive-thru because they WANT to spend the extra money. But sometimes, it's all people (you and me included) can manage to squeeze into their day.

Try not to be too hard on yourself. You know you have options, which puts you ahead of so many people out there working 70 hrs per week to pay for the babysitter, the dry cleaner, the maid, the carryout, and come home to crash for 5 hrs in the mcMansion they work so hard to afford but can't really enjoy.

You are fixing the Disney discount thing, the library is only $.20 per item per day around here, so not too bad... as for the junk food, put it on your top shelf (since it keeps forever!) and use it on those days you're too tired to cook... it's still cheaper than take-out.

And when you do eat out, don't beat yourself up, enjoy the experience. Savor it... in today's world, how often to people welcome you when you walk in (or drive up), and wish you a nice day?

 

[pigletto]

You are absolutely right! And I appreciate your perspective. I hope I didn't appear to be judging those who really need to do those things!
I grew up in a family of 6 where both parents worked full time, out of town, and my mom was getting her PHD! We were always on the run.
I work from home so have the luxury of not making quick and easy choices out of necessity.. but I absolutlely understand those that have to. I am just mad at myself because I've gotten really off track of my usual habits when all it would take is putting myself to bed like a big girl!

 

[Zhoen]

You are absolutely right! And I appreciate your perspective. I hope I didn't appear to be judging those who really need to do those things!
I grew up in a family of 6 where both parents worked full time, out of town, and my mom was getting her PHD! We were always on the run.
I work from home so have the luxury of not making quick and easy choices out of necessity.. but I absolutlely understand those that have to. I am just mad at myself because I've gotten really off track of my usual habits when all it would take is putting myself to bed like a big girl!

No, you didn't sound judgemental, I just wanted to remind you to cut yourself some slack.

 

[QVCshopper]

I am often soooo tired, to the point I don't even want to shop. I watch my kids full time and work about 60% of full time at night. Plus, I'm in the first trimester--talk about exhausting. Can't wait until I feel better.

I usually renew my books online, so that helps. And my DH is a great help. But, I mostly try to scale back my life when I get this bad. I just do without stuff until I can get it. Or I don't do things until I have the energy. I may have to scale back or give up my job, though. I like it (mostly the money), but at what expense? Good luck, though, I feel for you.

 

[HeatherC]

I feel your pain. Lack of sleep really affects me. I also need 7-8 hours and envy friends who can get by happily on 5 or 6.

Do you have a grocery store that delivers? Here in MA we have Peapod through Stop and Shop supermarkets. You order online and pick a two hour delivery window. They bring it right into your kitchen. It may cost a little more, but you can control your impulse spending by just deleting items from your cart. It may help you out during those exhausted frantic times.

Hope you sleep well tonight!!!

 

[englishteacha]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds tired=expensive. Busy also=expensive around here. Busy+Tired=broke.

 

[indimom]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds tired=expensive. Busy also=expensive around here. Busy+Tired=broke.

Aint that the truth.

 

[LilyWDW]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds tired=expensive. Busy also=expensive around here. Busy+Tired=broke.

I'm the same way...

It has gotten to the point where I have to plan every meal at home ahead of time. If I don't plan my lunches, I stare at the fridge and don't want to make anything because I "don't have the energy". I will then get in the car and go get something, wasting money on both the drive and the food. This way, I know what I have and make sure that I have it on hand to make life easier.

 

[ctink23]

I'm the same way...

It has gotten to the point where I have to plan every meal at home ahead of time. If I don't plan my lunches, I stare at the fridge and don't want to make anything because I "don't have the energy". I will then get in the car and go get something, wasting money on both the drive and the food. This way, I know what I have and make sure that I have it on hand to make life easier.

This is great advice! I can't tell you how many days I go out and buy lunch because I don't want to make anything! Planning could definitely help!

 

[jjsmom]

OMG,
This is SO me right now. I don't know what's going on; I really haven't had a decent night's sleep in weeks and I told DH just today; that my appetite has gone crazy, I'm hungry all the time. You are so right. Lack of sleep has made me impatient and moody. My mind just won't stop from stress and worry.

Online anonymous confession: I've eaten McD's twice in the last 48 hours. Bad for the mind, body, soul, ....and wallet

 

[wide awake]

There is a link between not enough sleep and bigger appetite. If your body can't get energy one way, it will go for another.

 

[princessmorgan]

I can totally relate! I wish I had enough discipline to get in bed by 10:00. When I'm tired I also don't feel like I have the energy to clean the house or take the kids to the grocery store, so we just veg. That's when I peruse the internet and find all kinds of deals I can't possibly pass up. Then not only did I spend money, but I've got Amazon bringing boxes to my door and more mess to clean! It's a vicious cycle.