[traci in training]

I read a "helpful hint" in Shape magazine about not keeping change or dollar bills at work so you are unable to use the snack machines. I'm not one for snack machines, but it got me thinking that I am spending a lot less on snack stuff - especially the stuff I would pick up when I got gas or stop by the store on the way to work to munch on while I was there.

So I decided to put all my change in a jar while I lose these pounds. Scale goes down, change level goes up. When I'm where I want to be I'll bet there will be enough money in the jar for a couple of plane tickets. DH is working as hard as I am, so we will have earned a nice trip for ourselves. Somewhere with a beach.

[ToriLeigh]

That's a great idea. I always have change on me, so when I go to class, I end up with a soda and a candy bar. Once school starts up again, I have decided to take water and fruit since my class runs right through lunch time. That way I won't be caught hungry and wanting something sweet. But leaving the change in a jar is an even better idea. I think I will use mine to fund some new clothes when mine are too big!

[SNMomof1]

Great tip. I'm not a cash person, so that's usually not an issue for me. I keep 20 bucks in my purse for emergencies, but that's it.

[Michelle98272]

I've purposely started leaving my debit card at home to prevent temptation. I make sure I've brought a lunch, filled the tank with gas. It has helped. I often would stop at McD's on the way to work for a coffee (6 creams and 1 splenda) paying $2.24 which I felt was the cheap way to get coffee in the am. I've switched habits to having my coffee for free when I get to work. I don't use 6 creams (180 calories) and save $480 a year.

If I bring my debit card to work even if I have a lunch, I will often not feel like eating what I brought and cave in to co-workers pleas to go out for Thai or Chinese. I don't need to spend the $ or take in the calories.

[Beverlyjoy]

That's a wonderful idea!

I took a hint from MJ and now every five pounds get myself something special (not food) like a lipstick, socks, etc.

I bet it will add up faster than you think.

[ubergirl]

I'm saving a TON not buying all the crap I used to buy on the run...

[Gracie789]

Originally Posted by Michelle98272

I've purposely started leaving my debit card at home to prevent temptation

That's what I do. It's so easy to stop for fast food, so I make sure I don't have the money on hand to do it, lol.

[ToriLeigh]

Originally Posted by Michelle98272

I've purposely started leaving my debit card at home to prevent temptation.

My husband always steals mine since he lost his. Annoying when I need gas, but it prevents me from giving into cravings. Just can't put snacks or fast food on my credit card, seems stupid to pay interest on getting heavier.

[HeidiNicole]

I am on a self imposed spending freeze for everything but groceries and weight loss/fitness related items (just bought new resistance bands), and it is SO NICE. I love to see that money adding up, and don't miss the junk I would have bought anyway.

[bluebutterfly]

My city library has a wonderful coffee shop inside. They make a yummy hot chocolate that temps me in winter and fruit smoothies (lots of sugar added) in summer. Each is about $3.00 and tons of calories. I started not taking any money inside with me.

Thanks to your good idea - I'll start putting some of that money into a "going to the beach in October" jar

[jigglefree]

I started doing that as well. I have the coworker challenge to got the cafeteria and if I have cash I go. They only take cash and since I refuse to use a ATM machine that doesn't belong to my bank I can't go with them. The awful thing about the cafeteria is you can eat all you want for $4. THE DEVIL. The food is great and even though they have healthy choices it's too easy to eat too much of that as well. So I leave the money at home. My goal is to not eat there all year.

[traci in training]

So DH told me today the only way I was going to be able to afford a trip to the beach was either to put silver dollars in my jar or lose weight SLOWLY. I told him I'd like to the lose the weight as quickly as I can and if I only have enough money for one plane ticket he'll have to buy his own. He decided maybe he'd put some change in, too. :-)

[JustBeckyV]

We don't have a vending machine here except for pop and I don't mess with that in the afternoon lol I have my fill of pop in the am.

That is a great way to save your money though to buy yourself a new outfit when you have lost your weight!