Guilt-free Indulgences

Everyone deserves an occasional indulgence, but the added expense can wreak havoc on a budget and lead to feelings of guilt. Say goodbye to the guilt, and hello to these budget-friendly indulgences.
       
Eating out- We all have days when we don’t feel like cooking, or simply crave a break from kitchen clean up. However, deserved or not, it’s not always easy to justify the expense of a meal out. To lessen your guilt, find ways to reduce the impact these meals will have on your budget. Keep an envelope with coupons to local restaurants at the ready or dine at establishments that offer punch cards. You’ll feel better about the expense if your occasional indulgence leads to a free meal every six visits. If you’re truly budget strapped, fill out online surveys, and then redeem your earnings for restaurant gift cards.

Beauty treatments- It can be fun to indulge in a fancy hair cut or a bottle of designer shampoo, but often these indulgences come with a hefty price tag. To enjoy a bit of primping minus the guilt, just employ a bit of out-of-the-box thinking. For example, a full size bottle of designer shampoo may be a budget wrecker, but a trial size bottle probably isn’t. Hit the trial size section of a discount store, and you’ll be amazed at the low-dollar indulgences you turn up—single application face masks, scented foot scrubs, even pint-sized bottles of nail polish.

If it’s professional body treatments you crave, skip the high-priced salons. Beauty training centers can be found all over the country, and offer professional-level treatments without the high cost. Many even offer free cuts and colors once a month. Check the yellow pages to see if such a center exists in your area.

Shopping- Retail therapy tops the list of indulgences for many people, but it only takes a few swipes of the old credit card to do some guilt-worthy damage to your monthly budget. If you enjoy shopping there’s no reason to deny yourself the pleasure. Instead, change where and how you shop. Instead of heading to the mall, head to a thrift store where the prices will be cheaper and your money will go farther; or, if you really prefer to buy new merchandise, head to the mall, but stick to the clearance racks or only buy items that you truly need.

Opt for a budget-friendly indulgence, and you’ll enjoy all of the pleasure without any of the guilt.

-Erin Huffstetler

  Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.