I have a serious problem.

Well, two of them actually. Target and Starbucks.

I don’t know what it is about these two establishments that completely erodes any willpower I might have had, but I can’t seem to stop spending money there!

And it’s gotten to the point where I’m just fed up with myself.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not in debt to either store ((Thank God I’ve avoided getting the Target credit card. That would be a Bad Idea.)) but I spend substantially more there each month than I should. And I need to cut it out and start squirreling that money away for something more useful than a latte or a new shirt. ((Although the latte was delicious and the shirt was on clearance for $6.98. I’m just saying…)) Like, oh I don’t know, a savings account? Or so that I have spending money when I’m on maternity leave? Or even something as crazy as my kids’ college fund?

Stop the madness. I don’t know if I can handle such crazy talk.

But I need to stage a self-intervention. So here’s the plan: I get $20 out – in cash – each week. And I can use it however I want but once it’s gone, that’s it. No charging things. No “It’s just a couple of bucks!” rationalizations. Zip. Zilch. Nada. For a month. ((Obviously I still have to put gas in the car. That will be charged just so I get the points. But NO Starbucks or Target!))

So long, my delicious friend

I think it will be interesting to see where I stand and if I feel deprived at the end of the month. Somehow, I doubt I will. And who knows? Maybe next month I can get by in less than $20 a week…

Now that is crazy talk!

But check back around the end of March to see if I managed to do it.