Remember when President Bush told us to go shopping after 9/11? Somehow spending money doesn’t feel so patriotic now. With the economy in splatters, belt tightening is in vogue.
So I propose an exercise in frugality and reward: the Diet Coke challenge. If I kick my daily Coke habit, how far can I stretch the savings on a shopping trip?
Consider the math. I buy a 20-ounce bottle at work every day for $1.50, plus a 12-pack at the grocery store for $4. If I quit cold turkey, I would save $11.50 in a week.
With all the sales going on now, I bet that money can get me a new shirt, if not shoes or slacks. And my dentist will love me.
Anyone else willing to go a week without Diet Coke, a daily cup of Starbucks joe, or other unnecessary beverage expenses — with the promise of shopping as a reward?