Sara9009

Do you actually notice the money you save from not drinking? Is anyone collecting it for something special like a vacation?

CarolD

I did many interesting things with the cash I saved.
Too darn many to list...

Do you have a special plan?

Mar13

I dont really see the diference,
i dont spend much money in alcohol
maybe 8 $a week if i drink and if im in spain
I can of beer cost 28 cents and a decent wine 2 euros
but i mean i dont really drink
and if depends how much people drank
also here in the us alcohol its ridiculos expensive
i know in england its even more !
Thanks why british go to spain and get soooo drunkkk

Mar13

I meant thats why some of the british people go to spain and get so drunk
they pay like 20 $ for a flight to spain stay the weekend get really so drunk
everybody in spain knows about some of the british
lol

Jfanagle

I bought a condo after 1 year. True story.

Jon

Astro

For the first 1/2 of the year I set it aside for summer vacation with my kids, for the second half it's saved for Christmas gifts. It took me awhile when I sobered up to figure out where the extra pocket money came from. Duh for me!

GlassPrisoner

Potters Vodka is $8.00 for a 1/5th.......

But yeah, considering I was drinking 7 5ths a week, plus all the little "airplane bottles" at $1.50 each (sometimes a dozen a day), and all the money that just "dis-appears".

I was jobless when I first got sober, and I could afford a 2 bedroom apartments for me and my daughter, food, gas and clothing on $450.00/week. There's NO WAY I could have done that drinking.

I'm still catching up. My budget seems to indicate I'll have some reserve eventually.

Mar13

you see i dont drink vodka no nothing like that
i know some people hate here
or its all or nothing
thats its only that point of view
but why????

kelsh

When my daughter and I were on our own I somehow managed on $550.00 a month. That was child support and my wages from a part time job. I always paid the bills first...rent $250, PUD Budget Plan $38 a month, then groceries, gas for my car, something my daughter needed and then my booze and cigarettes. To this day I don't know how I stretched it. I was going to college at night after work and it was paid for by grants. I did not take any loans. So you figure it out....this was back in 1989 so cost of living and economy different than today. I did it and ended up with a good full time job after getting my BA Degree!!!

kelsh

Sara9009

I haven't really decided yet. I have cigarette and alcohol money so... not sure.

CarolD

The first extra money I had...
I went to E. Ardens Salon for a spa day.

New haircut..Massage...Steam room...Pedicure
Manicure...Facial and Make up.

I wanted my outside to match
the new happy inside....

Enjoy your new healthy life Sara

MNGirlyGirl

Sara, you should do something to make yourself feel good -- like Carol's spa thing or use it to do good for someone else!

Tazman53

I know we have a lot more money for my wife to spend, even more since I quit smoking! I don't spend it any more, all I know is that it has been over a year since I had my debit card turned down when buying gas which just happens to coincide with when I quit drinking so I guess I am saving enough to allow my wife to spend more then ever yet we are no longer broke!!!

snowgoose

If I attend an AA meeting every day and put a dollar in the basket each time, I am actually spending more than I did when drinking. My habit was to drink a quart of Genesee Ale each evening and they cost me 88 cents each. Hee hee.

snowgoose

BUT - and it's a big but - had I kept drinking, the cost in several ways would have become far higher. Let's say I made out well in the trade.

Steve58

I rarely buy booze on credit, I always knew that would be a bad idea. It is amazing how fast cash can evaporate from your pocket. I'm not much of a spender, other than my bad habit. So when I am behaving (which has been lately) I usually marvel at the fact that the same $ 100 in my pocket just seems to last & last.

Sounds like no matter how little money people have, there always seems to be a few bucks available for their DOC. Too bad its not as simple as removing someones money.

Years back, when I was somewhat broke, I would go to the liquor store and try to figure out how much alcohol I could purchase for the least money. Doesn't everyone?

I wish everyone the best with their new found fortune! For Sure, do something good for yourself.!!! I got my first full body massage this week!

S

Tazman53

Oh yea, once I started buying 12 packs and cases it was always the cheap stuff, why waste the money on taste when I wasn't drinking it for the taste!

nandm

Yes, I definately see the difference in the amount of money. Ironically I made considerably more money when I drank but always seemed to never have enough. Sober I have been able to afford to do the things I have dreamed about. Have taken vacations in Hawaii, Canada, several U.S. states, and am looking forward to an Alaskan cruise next spring.

Steve58

Taz, you remind me of years back, a drunk was available for $ 5.25, a 6 of natural light and a pint of popov. That I determined to be the best bang for the buck at the moment.

I may not have had my last drink, but I have had my last drink of that swill.

Best,
S

billwfriend

Hi everyone. I just found this site a couple of days ago. I probably have less money now than when I was drinking( I have just over 17 months sober). There seems to be a never-ending list of things that need to be done, especially around the house......renovations, small jobs, etc.... Things that always "didn't need to be done", that I've been putting off for years.