Reminiscing about all the money I’ve saved

Since moving up the career ladder, I’ve gotten more financially literate, spent money more intentionally, and made some lifestyle adjustments that are definitely saving me money. <br><br>My mind kept wandering to how I used to throw money around like it was nobody’s business before I found this sub. <br><br>Before:<br><br>* I would eat out more than cooking (sometimes 5 times a weekügen)<br>* I had a $100/month gym membership I barely used and ended up cancelling after 5 months.<br>* I spent over $1,000 on a last minute trip to Miami for a weekend with my friends. I could have easily been an ass and cancelled, but I didn’t want to disappoint them. It ended up being a fun trip (til the thunderstorm that ruined the beach day)<br>* I allowed my Apple phone bill to renew automatically at the end of my contract, when I could have moved to Mint, or cancelled the insurance plan (which I never used)<br>* I had a bad habit of buying things I didn’t need simply because it was on sale. This usually turned into me losing them or using them once and never again. Most of my makeup collection it’s completely untouched. <br><br>Now:<br><br>* I still eat out, but not as often. I try to limit myself to once or twice a week. <br>* I have a free gym membership through work (thankfully, I didn’t have to pay for this one), and actually go pretty often.<br>* I probably spend around $300-$500 for my vacations. Since it's been so long, I actually have all the gear I need (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, etc.) <br>* I moved to Mint and cancelled my insurance plan. I now have an android phone, which was significantly cheaper (and I love it). <br>* I very rarely purchase things on sale anymore. I actually had to take a step back and realize that saving money was not about finding deals, it was about not spending money. I save so much more now and actually enjoy doing so.