

8 Things You're Definitely Spending WAY Too Money On Every Month
How much do you think you spend on nonessentials? On average, Americans spend nearly $18,000 a year on nonessentials. If that sounds like a lot of money, it's because it is. Over time seemingly small splurges, like $5 here and $7 there, add up.
The money you impulsively spend could be put to better use. Often, we don't recognize how much we're spending because it's easy to swipe your card and not think about your declining bank account. You may have to put in extra work to cut back, but it's possible when you identify the ways you're overspending.
1.Coffee
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Coffee gives most adults that boost of energy to help get them through the day. Buying a daily dose of caffeine can easily become a costly habit. The few dollars spent on that delicious latte can really add up without you taking any notice. Spending four dollars a day on coffee can add up to $28 dollars a week and that's $112 per month. By the end of the year, you could save $1,344 by cutting back on your coffee habits. Making your coffee at home in a travel mug is more cost-efficient than spending money at a coffeehouse to get your daily fix.
2.Food Delivery
Takeout is on the rise, especially with the addition of food delivery services. Research showed 47 percent of respondents feel they overspend on takeout and 52 percent are usually hit by guilt after doing so. Everyday there's a new app that will personally deliver your favorite eats to your door, but not without added fees. The convenience of takeout comes at a price. It might be better for your wallet to personally pick up your food to avoid any extra fees and to prepare homemade meals.
3.Ride Sharing
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Everybody's using ride sharing apps these days because it's so convenient and hassle-free, but frequent use of ride sharing apps can ruin your attempts at saving money. The amount of money you can save on transportation by using public transportation or driving your own car is astronomical.
4.Cable
These days, it's possible to stay in the know about trending shows and movies without even paying for cable. The options to replace your cable bill with a streaming bill continue to grow by the day. Most people don't watch every single channel in their cable package anyways. If you find yourself watching less and less cable, then it may be time to ditch it all together.
5.Subscription Services
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In the US, consumers subscribe to three subscription services on average and 34% of respondents plan on subscribing to more services within two years. Subscription services are popping up everywhere and it's tempting to sign-up for every single one that sparks your interest. When you sign-up, the rate seems like a steal because it's just $10 a month, but this adds up throughout the year. Sit down, and add up the annual amount you're paying for subscription services and it may surprise you. Oftentimes, we are subscribed to services we don't even use.
6.Buying Lunch
Making your lunch everyday will save you money and probably help you to eat healthier. Let's be honest, eating healthy can be more costly than eating cheap processed food. It's cheaper to make healthy food at home, so you don't have to buy an easily overpriced salad. Spending over $10 a day on lunch for five days of the week is $50 per week. You work hard for your money, there's no point in eating it away.
7.Gym Memberships
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It seems like there's a gym around every corner with a plethora of amenities and features. A gym membership is a great investment in your health and wellness, but do you need an expensive membership when you only use a few machines? Also, if you signed up for a gym membership during the new year and you haven't used it in months, then it might be time to cut your membership.
8.Dining Out
Americans spend an average of $209.38 on restaurants per month. Restaurants are the number one luxury Americans choose to splurge on. It's not because the food is simply amazing, it's also the social component. People like to get together Saturday nights with their friends and family and forget about their worries, but this can come at a cost. If you can limit your dining experiences, then you'll be sure to have more money by the end of the month. Think about hosting dinners at your home by cooking or having guests come together to have a potluck.
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Aaliyah Sydonie Williams is a lover of pomegranates, intimate concerts, fluffy socks and all things R&B. She's a founder of a college advice blog, Her Little Corner, where she dishes helpful advice for college students to slay their college experience. When Aaliyah isn't eating at Starbucks, she's studying for her courses in finance, discovering new spots in the city, and brushing up on her photography skills. Keep up with her at Aaliyah Williams (@aaliyahsydonie).
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Chief Mom Officer: 23 Quotes From Working Moms Finding Their Balance
The truth is, Black moms create magic every single day. Whether we're juggling motherhood with a busy 9-5, a thriving business, or staying at home to run a household, no day is short of amazing when you're managing life as a mommy. This Mother's Day, xoNecole is giving flowers to CMOs (Chief Mom Officers) in business who exemplify the strength it takes to balance work with motherhood. We've commissioned these ladies, who are pillars in their respective industries, for tidbits of advice to get you through the best and worst days of mothering. Here, they share their "secret sauce" and advice for other moms trying to find their rhythm.
Emmelie De La Cruz, Chief Strategist at One Day CMO
"My mom friends and I all laugh and agree: Motherhood is the ghettoest thing you will ever do. It's beautiful and hard all at the same time, but one day you will wake up and feel like 'I got this' and you will get the hang of it. After 4 months, I finally felt like I found my footing to keep my kid and myself alive, but it took vulnerability to take off the cape and be honest about the areas that I didn't have it all together. The healing (physically and emotionally) truly does happen in community - whatever and whoever that looks like for you."
Alizè V. Garcia, Director Of Social & Community Impact at Nike
"I would tell a new mom or a prospective mother that they must give themselves grace, understand and remember there is no right way to do this thing and have fun! When I had my daughter three and a half years ago, I was petrified! I truly had no clue about what to do and how I was going to do it. But with time, my confidence grew and I realized quickly that I have all the tools I need to be the mother I want to be."
Nikki Osei-Barrett, Publicist + Co-Founder of The Momference
"There's no balance. I'm dropping sh*t everywhere! However, my secret sauce is pursuing interests and hobbies outside of what's required of me and finding time to workout. Stronger body equals = stronger mind."
Lauren Grove, Chief Experience Architect, The Grant Access, LLC
"I try to give myself grace. That’s my mantra for this phase of motherhood…grace. I won’t be able to get everything done. To have a spotless house. To not lose my cool after an exhausting day. Those things can’t happen all of the time. But I can take a deep breath and know tomorrow is another day and my blessings are more plentiful than my pitfalls."
Rachel Nicks, Founder & CEO of Birth Queen
"You have the answers within you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Curate your life to work for you. Ask for help."
Tanisha Colon-Bibb, Founder + CEO Rebelle Agency + Rebelle Management
"I know love doesn't pay bills but when I am overwhelmed with work or client demands I take a moment to play with my baby and be reminded of the love, energy, science, and Godliness that went into his birth. I am brightened by his smile and laugh. I remember I am someone's parent and not just a work horse. That at the end of the day everything will work out for the good of my sanity and the love within my life."
Christina Brown, Founder of LoveBrownSugar & BabyBrownSugar
"Learning your rhythm as a mom takes time and can be uncomfortable when you’re in a season of overwhelm. Constantly check in with yourself and assess what’s working and what’s not. Get the help you need without feeling guilty or ashamed of needing it."
Mecca Tartt, Executive Director of Startup Runway Foundation
"I want to be the best for myself, my husband, children and company. However, the reality is you can have it all but not at the same time. My secret sauce is outsourcing and realizing that it’s okay to have help in order for me to perform at the highest level."
Jen Hayes Lee, Head Of Marketing at The Bump (The Knot Worldwide)
"My secret sauce is being direct and honest with everyone around me about what I need to be successful in all of my various "jobs". Setting boundaries is one thing, but if you're the only one who knows they exist, your partners at home and on the job can't help you maintain them. I also talk to my kids like adults and let them know why mommy needs to go to this conference or get this massage...they need to build an appreciation for my needs too!"
Whitney Gayle-Benta, Chief Music Officer JKBX
"What helps me push through each day is the motivation to continue by thinking about my son. All my efforts, though exhausting, are to create a wonderful life for him."
Ezinne Okoro, Global Chief Inclusion, Equity, & Diversity Officer at Wunderman Thompson,
"The advice I received that I’ll pass on is, you will continue to figure it out and find your rhythm as your child grows into new stages. Trust your nurturing intuition, parent on your terms, and listen to your child."
Jovian Zayne, CEO of The OnPurpose Movement
"I live by the personal mantra: 'You can’t be your best self by yourself.' My life feels more balanced when I offer the help I can give and ask for the help I need. This might mean outsourcing housecleaning for my home, or hiring additional project management support for my business."
Simona Noce Wright, Co-Founder of District Motherhued and The Momference
"Each season of motherhood (depending on age, grade, workload) requires a different rhythm. With that said, be open to learning, to change, and understand that what worked for one season may not work the other...and that's okay."
Janaye Ingram, Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement at Airbnb
"My daughter's smile and sweet spirit help me to feel gratitude when I'm overwhelmed. I want her to see a woman who doesn't quit when things get hard."
Codie Elaine Oliver, CEO & Founder of Black Love
"I try to listen to my body and simply take a break. With 3 kids and a business with 10+ team members, I often feel overwhelmed. I remind myself that I deserve grace for everything I'm juggling, I take a walk or have a snack or even head home to see my kids, and then I get back to whatever I need to get done."
Jewel Burks Solomon, Managing Partner at Collab Capital
"Get comfortable with the word ‘no’. Be very clear about your non-negotiables and communicate them to those around you."
Julee Wilson, Executive Director at BeautyUnited and Beauty Editor-at-Large at Cosmopolitan
"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."
Salwa Benyaich, Director Of Pricing and Planning at Premion
"Most days I really try to shut my computer off by 6 pm; there are always exceptions of course when it comes to big deals or larger projects but having this as a baseline allows me to be much more present with my kids. I love the fact that I can either help with homework or be the designated driver to at least one afterschool activity. Work can be draining but there is nothing more emotionally draining than when you feel as though you are missing out on moments with your kids."
Brooke Ellis, Head of Global Marketing & Product Launches at Amazon Music
My calendar, prayer, pilates class at Forma, a good playlist, and oatmilk lattes all help get me through any day.
Courtney Beauzile, Global Director of Client and Business Development at Shearman & Sterling
My husband is a partner who steps in when I just can’t. My mom and my MIL come through whenever and however I need. My kids have many uncles and aunts and they will lend an ear, go over homework, teach life lessons, be a presence or a prayer warrior depending on the day.
Robin Snipes, Chief of Staff at Meta
"Enjoy the time you have to yourself because once kids come those times will be few and far between."
Monique Bivens, CEO & Founder at Brazilian Babes LLC.
"For new moms, it is very important that you get back into a habit or routine of something you use to do before you were pregnant. Consider the actives and things that give you the most joy and make the time to do them."
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