by Jeanni Ritchie
What are some of your must-have wants?
You’ve got your needs- housing, electricity, insurance- but what about that disposable income left over?
Many of you may be saying “What leftover?” With rising prices at the supermarket and raises that don’t accelerate at the same rate of inflation, budgeting has become an art form for many.
You have to balance your budget, often making what few extra dollars you have pull double duty. Whether you are looking for entertainment, fellowship, or mental health benefits, spending must be a mindful activity.
Here are some ideas to make the most out of your disposable income:
Make a Difference While Eating a Meal: I pulled triple duty at Streams of Mercy Tea Fundraiser last month. The $10 ticket I bought helped raise funds for the church’s new equipment. Philanthropy in the Kingdom? Check. They were serving scones and tea cakes. Brunch? Check. And Lipton recently discontinued the instant black tea I’d been drinking my whole life. An opportunity to find a new tea? Check check.
Many restaurants like Wildwood Pizza and (the soon-to-be-opened) Freddy’s have nights where a portion of the proceeds go to local organizations like Hope House and Fostering Community. Several restaurants like Pizza Hut sponsor school evenings where profits go toward the school.
Paying It Forward While Investing in a Loved One: I recently found out that my honorary niece Olivia Henderson was participating in her school’s Glow Run to raise money for repairs and new PE and playground equipment. I remembered all the relatives and neighbors who pledged my Read-a-Thons and supported my Jump-a-Thons. It isn’t just an investment into the organization raising money, it’s an investment into a child’s life. $36 doesn’t even come close to Olivia’s value in my life.
Mental Health Rewards and Lighter Housework: A writer’s work is never done so I have to schedule some downtime and mental health breaks. One afternoon, with a to-do list largely unchecked, I was headed home to cook dinner when I decided to stop at Texas Roadhouse instead. I was able to enjoy a fairly inexpensive meal by choosing a burger and drinking water, treating myself to a rare dinner out. Grocery money saved and doing dishes avoided. Worth the $14.38.
Entertainment and Making Memories: Any contribution to an arts event in your community helps ensure its longevity. But entertainment is often one of the first budget cuts and understandably so. While disappointed, I understood why my Arts in Education funding dried up after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But arts events currently straddle the center of my Needs/Wants Venn diagram.
My mother and I have been attending all of NSU’s theatre performances over the last year. We go on opening night; I write an article afterward. In between we share memories of shows we attended when I was a child and she shares stories of when she was a Northwestern grad student. I pay $10-$20 a ticket and make memories with my mom that are priceless.
Luncheons cure Loneliness: When I moved back to Central Louisiana last year, I was largely untethered. I had my parents and both my sisters (the human and canine one) but I didn’t have a friend group. I hadn’t lived here in nearly two decades and while many Facebook friends were still in town, I needed real “face time” friends. I joined a Sunday School class at Calvary, my childhood church. I became a member of Stonecroft’s local Christian women’s group, Cenla Women’s Connection. I went to an ACTS retreat with St. Rita’s Church, the ACTS alumni akin to sorority bonds. Most of the gatherings revolve around a meal, from potlucks to luncheons to dutch treat dinners. My budget doesn’t allow me to accept every single invitation but it’s imperative that I set aside money for at least three a month. They keep me connected and combat loneliness, one of the leading causes of depression. $20-$80/month. Cheaper than a therapist and it comes out of the grocery budget!
Little Luxuries for Big Benefits: Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. For others, I love to keep a stack of note cards and a roll of stamps to drop an encouraging note to a friend or send a funny memory to roll back time. A small investment in materials, a huge investment in people.
For myself, I like to splurge on a new scent of Epsom salts or a colorful bath bomb. An evening at home with the ringer off, book in hand, and tub full of suds shows that my well-being matters. One of the least expensive luxuries I indulge in but also one of my favorites!
No matter the number in your disposable income column, make the most of it by investing in people, yourself included!
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
