Tax Planning How to Spend Your Week on a $40 Budget Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Written by TurboTaxBlogTeam Published Dec 20, 2017 2 min read With the holidays approaching, it’s a great time to pad our pockets with a little extra cash before gift giving season arrives. So we tried out a little experiment: only spending $40 dollars for the whole week! Even though it was a tough feat, we were able to make it work by cutting a few of our everyday costs. Think you’re up for the challenge? Here are a few ways to spend your week without spending too much cash. Walk or bike everywhere. Instead of paying for parking, bus passes, or Uber rides, choose to either walk or bike everywhere you go this week, if possible. Whether it is to work or a friend’s house, this gives you a free mode of transportation, with exercise as an added bonus! Don’t live in a walkable environment? Try asking a friend for a ride or carpooling to work. Meal-prep on Sunday. On Sunday, we went to the grocery store, and then made enough food to last us for the week. By preparing these meals before the business of the work week started, we didn’t spend $12 on a salad or sandwich when our stomach started rumbling. Websites like BuzzFeed and RealSimple.com offer great make-ahead meal recipes. Drink the office coffee. I know it’s not your favorite, but those daily lattes can really add up throughout the week! Take advantage of the free offerings from your employers, and get a free caffeine boost in the mornings on the house. Skip the workout class. Instead of over-paying for spin, Pilates, or yoga, do an at home workout or go for a run outside. The Nike+ Training Club app offers tons of free workouts you can do in your living room while watching a trainer walk you through the process on your phone or iPad. It may take a little more motivation than usual, but the extra spending money will be worth it! Make free plans with friends. Have a movie night at your place, throw a potluck, or actually go to that block party you neighbors are throwing this week. Making new friends is free! Are you working on lowering your weekly budget as well? Tell us your favorite ways in the comments. You know your small business—we know business taxes. Our self-employed and business tax experts will ensure you get every tax break with 100% accuracy, guaranteed. Start for free 100% free to start. Pay only when you file. Previous Post How Will a Big Move Across the Country Affect My… Next Post Your Personal Tax Prep Checklist – Check Off These Documents… Written by TurboTaxBlogTeam More from TurboTaxBlogTeam Leave a ReplyCancel reply Browse Related Articles Tax Help How to File a Business Tax Extension: Deadlines, Forms, and Penalties Tax Tips The White Lotus Tax Lessons: Navigating Gift Taxes, Lump Sum Payouts, Hush Money, and the IRS Tax Questions What Day Are Taxes Due? April 15! How to File for a Tax Extension or Pay Taxes Online Tax Questions What Happens If You File Your Taxes Wrong? Late Filing Penalties, Interest, and More Tax Questions What’s Tax Deductible? A Guide to Mortgage Interest, Long-Term Care, Funeral Expenses, Student Loans, and Roth IRA Contributions Tax Questions Is it Better to Get Your Taxes Done or Do Them Yourself? (And Other Tax Questions Answered) Tax Forms What is a 1099-K Form? How to Report Payments on Your Tax Return (2024) Tax Forms What is a 1099 Form? A Guide to Understanding Your Tax Obligations Income Tax by State Wisconsin State Income Tax in 2025: A Guide Income Tax by State West Virginia State Income Tax in 2025: A Guide