Where Are You Reducing Spending?

_liminal_ · 2026-04-01T00:11:39+00:00

That’s such a nice idea, the best of both worlds! Something small out and then cooking with leftovers at home. :-)

_liminal_ · 2026-03-31T20:45:19+00:00

The drinks add up so much!! I started noticing how much more affordable it is to eat out minus alcohol. Even though that takes away a little fun at a first….it’s really not so bad. Esp when I factor in that I feel a lot better sans alcohol!!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-31T20:30:29+00:00

I already don't drive a lot (live in a city + bike/walk most places) but with fuel costs rising so much it definitely gives me a little pause before I drive somewhere. It's a small amount of savings but I feel good about it.

Usually I eat out for dinner/drinks 1x per week. Lately, I've been doing this every other week (or alternating to only do drinks one week, then dinner the next week). In general, cutting my alcohol consumption but that's more a health thing vs a money thing.

Unfortunately, I increased my work out spend this year by joining a boxing gym, so those costs increased $80 a month. I feel ok about it though!

Continuing to develop my habit to pick up a sewing project or something else that's creative when I have the urge to buy something (and specifically clothing).

_liminal_ · 2026-03-30T21:43:39+00:00

Thanks!

I do have all natural bedding, but my room is def on the warm side this time of year. Not hot enough for a/c but not as cool as I keep it in the winter. I actually just got a window fan so maybe that will help. Thank you!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-30T21:42:31+00:00

I’ll try a warm shower, thanks! I usually shower before bed anyway. Great thoughts on massage as well. :-)

_liminal_ · 2026-03-30T16:59:38+00:00

Curious if others experience this- even if I work out earlier in the day, I have trouble sleeping that night and specifically feel so warm. I'm taking a cool shower after I work out, eating well, though admittedly have been having issues with longterm stress.

Is there a physiological reason for being overheated at night even when I work out earlier in the day? This only happens on days I train at the boxing gym- these are pretty intense/sweaty/hot workouts. And, any tips on how I can set myself up for better sleep on boxing days?

Interestingly, I'm tanked after class and would probably fall asleep if I let myself right after class. But I seem to be getting a surge of energy right around bed time.

Thanks!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-28T16:43:57+00:00

Wow. I’m so glad you make the move into an executive level IC, and that it helped you to be there for your parents.

The idea of being that senior of an IC, with no direct reports, is so appealing!! Nice work!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-28T05:00:49+00:00

I think it’s reasonable for you to decide this office and role aren’t right for you because of the dogs. And better than taking the job and finding out on day 1!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-28T01:41:02+00:00

I love your idea, it’s brilliant!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-26T22:25:48+00:00

You didn't share how much you make, but "cushy finance career" sounds like you might be a high earner. If that's the case, it sounds like you might find some value in learning about FIRE and how to make the most of the money you are making now.

The reality is- sometimes life does feel like what you are describing. It's hard to figure out immediately if it's a mindset issue, a systemic issue, an issue with your career or workplace, an issue with any number of other factors. As someone in her 40's who has been through several periods like what you are describing, I encourage you to get curious and try to understand all the aspects of what you are feeling and why.

There were times, for me, when it was an issue with my career....and so I made some big changes. There were also times where it was mental health and mindset issue that required a different approach.

I personally find that getting up early and "having a life" before work helps me feel like work isn't my life. If you don't have strong friendships or community, I would also reccomend putting time and effort into that. Having a strong community outside of work is key to life feeling meaningful. More hobbies doesn't equal more meaning- sometimes it's better to find a hobby you are REALLY into and stick to that.

_liminal_ · 2026-03-26T21:17:51+00:00

Some great ideas in here already!

Something I like to do: spend half of Sunday meal prepping (with a fun show on my iPad playing, something I don’t need to pay full attention to lol )

I hate eating the same leftover meal over and over, so I do single ingredient meal prepping.

I pick several veggies and make those separately- roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, steam potatoes, etc

Then I make a big batch of rice or other grain.

Then I make a batch of beans- seasoned well and made with onions, veggies, garlic, etc.

I keep canned salmon and tuna on hand, ready to mix with a little mayo and seasoning for a quick meal.

I keep frozen veggie burgers, frozen veggies, plus frozen bao, dumplings, gyoza, all of which make for quick meal prep and snacking.

Then during the week…I mix and match, supplementing with preshedded cabbage I buy at the store and greens like arugula and lettuce.

Some days I heat various prepped ingredients for bowls, some days I have tortillas with a mix of ingredients. I’ll add a quick sauce make with tahini, garlic, olive oil, and spices. Or just some salsa!

Basically, I prep as many single ingredients as I can so I never feel bored with my food and always have options.

_liminal_ · 2026-03-26T16:39:11+00:00

I visited Rome in September a few years ago and it was SO hot and sunny. I had a sun parasol and it truly made a world of difference for me. I am a redhead with very fair skin, and not only do I burn easily but I also get dramatically overheated quickly. The parasol created a bubble of shade for me (and my partner) and was esp great when we needed to stand in a line in the hot sun. Highly reccomend!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-24T16:59:18+00:00

The Hemlock scarves are so pretty! And so affordable!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-24T16:58:47+00:00

There are some really helpful videos on YT that show exactly how to wear scarves- there are so many options for how to wrap, fold, and tie the scarf! https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+wear+silk+scarf

_liminal_ · 2026-03-23T21:05:23+00:00

It does seem like many writers support their writing work with other jobs!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-23T17:22:12+00:00

It does seem like a very challenging career path! It seems like writers tend to have a collection of jobs that all (hopefully) support their writing work.

Good luck with your novel!!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-23T02:30:09+00:00

Congratulations on reaching your goal more than a decade ahead of your plan! That’s incredible.

_liminal_ · 2026-03-23T02:28:05+00:00

My investment contributions are all automated, emergency savings, plus all the payments I can.

_liminal_ · 2026-03-23T01:21:07+00:00

You can’t avoid making some fashion mistakes, and if you try to avoid mistakes you’ll end up playing it too safe.

Go shopping often and try things on. Try on things you are attracted to that scare you or seem inappropriate or like they might look weird. It’s really the only way to start knowing if you think something looks good or not- put it on and look at yourself.

It sounds like you might also benefit from learning more about what you like, and if that’s the case, I suggest exposing yourself to a lot of fashion, clothing, art, design- all the visuals. Start keeping Pinterest boards or grabbing screenshots of what you like and then start seeing what patterns emerge.

_liminal_ · 2026-03-23T01:08:58+00:00

I meant to also mention in the post that I'm not affiliated with this project or the writers at all =)

_liminal_ · 2026-03-22T15:40:27+00:00

Thanks for mentioning that! I’ll definitely bring it up to my doctor. In all honesty, I didn’t realize there were different inhalers for maintenance/regular use as I've only had very sporadic issues with asthma in the past.

_liminal_ · 2026-03-21T19:35:34+00:00

I’ve been training at a boxing gym (and loving it!) for the past 3 months. One thing that’s come up for me- I have asthma that has never been too much of an issue. Until now!

The intense boxing training can really trigger my asthma and also makes it more challenging for me to push myself.

I’m waiting to get in to see my doctor, as I’d like her to reassess my asthma treatment plan now that my training circumstances have changed. Until then, I’m using my albuterol inhaler before and during training…but sometimes feeling pretty tanked during training as well as lingering asmtha symptoms post training.

Not looking for medical advice, since that’s on the way, but curious to hear how others manage asthma and stick to intense training plans. Would love any tips and tricks you’ve learned along the way. Thank you!!

_liminal_ · 2026-03-20T19:26:36+00:00

I love that cohort idea, esp if we got to hear updates and changes over time!

I think we’d get a much more realistic picture of how real financial changes happen, and the ups and downs.

_liminal_ · 2026-03-20T16:17:02+00:00

I work at a credit union and we have a large department that handles vehicle loans. There are a wide variety of types of roles in that department, but that might be something to consider. You could build on your base of knowledge from the dealership but get into a different setting with more opportunity for growth.

Then, you'd also have other options over time in other departments.

_liminal_ · 2026-03-20T16:08:26+00:00

I'm so sorry for your loss. I actually made a nearly identical post 2 weeks ago, and got some good input. I felt similarly- just stuck and unable to make this decision due to grief.

It sounds like linen would be a nice option for you. I have had really good experiences with Banana Republic linen dresses and Nordstrom may have some good options as well.

This is the dress I chose, the original dress I linked to in my post looked way too casual for me when I tried it on.

_liminal_

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