I did something that made me really sad… I uninstalled my Dunkin Donuts app.

Coffee is one of my weaknesses. I don’t do it every day, and while I love a good latte I buy when they have the $2 afternoon special.

But here is the thing, for several reasons I decided I needed to come up with a plan for my family. We live in Massachusetts and right now it is cold! The cold came on fast this year. I will absolutely bundle up my kids on a mild winter day and go to a park or zoo. In fact zoos are super fun after the snow. However I have a limit on the cold, and the last few winters have been pretty bitter so I need some options for indoor fun.

We go to the library at least 3 or 4 days a week. We have a membership to an indoor play area, however it is better suited for my younger kids and the hours are 9 to 5pm. Friends of mine go to another indoor play area that is for all ages, and they are open 7 days a week until my kids bedtime! It’s also a place my oldest had wanted to check out with this friends. A monthly membership is cheaper than a single visit. That being said it is still one more monthly expense.

Being frugal isn’t spending no money. Being frugal is being intentional with your money. Sometimes being frugal is choosing one thing over another. So I gave up my take out coffee. I admit to spending probably a good $10 a week there , because when you go for a coffee of course your child wants a treat. It adds up. I did the math on the memberships (each child is individual). I could easily afford it by giving up my coffee. I decided to delete my app. It makes it too easy. You tap to add money and tap to pay… almost removing the thought that hey I’m spending money! I thought about leaving it for the occasion when I do get a coffee like when I drive down to help a relative that’s an hour and a half ride because you gets points etc. I unfortunately know myself too well and I would probably find other reasons to treat myself. Not that I am undeserving of the occasional treat, but I could just make my coffee and take it with me, or get coffee for a dollar and change at McDonalds. Plus what will give me more enjoyment? A cup of coffee I will finish in 30 minutes or watching my children enjoy hours and hours of fun?

In my journey to be more frugal.and intentional with our finances I have learned giving up everything doesn’t always get results. You get temporary gain, but my children are young and only with me for so young so family fun and memory making will be a line item in my budget. By trading my coffee for a fixed expense I will have fun with my children and probably save money in the long run.