tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358116482991097285.post-72441097954583828552007-02-28T20:44:00.000-05:002007-03-01T23:10:13.635-05:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_TAIxKvY2H5I/ReZgD2aqSdI/AAAAAAAAAFY/H9b_CJxSw68/s1600-h/office20.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036818852523690450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_TAIxKvY2H5I/ReZgD2aqSdI/AAAAAAAAAFY/H9b_CJxSw68/s400/office20.gif" border="0" /></a>Believe it or not, keeping the dishes washed can save you money. It could have saved me $18 tonight.<br /><br>For whatever reason, the dishes don't get done and instead of washing the ones you need, you eat out. I think we all do this at one time or another. I know I do! With two small children and other obligations, it becomes harder and harder to get things done. My bad habit is not thinking about dishes until I need one. Then I think: "Oh yeah, I need to load the dishwasher." <br><br />That happened tonight and instead of doing it, I ordered pizza. I used the last of my money for the week, but it was worth it because I was tired. I went to Papa Juan's online and used a coupon for a large one-topping with a free order of cheesesticks for $12.99. Of course with tax, delivery fee and tip, the total spent was 18 bucks. But I knew we would have enough pizza leftover for lunch tomorrow so I view it as paying $18 for two meals, possibly three. <br><br /><div>It's ok to do this sometimes, but just make sure it doesn't become a steady habit because it's one that can cost you big. We allow eating out about once or twice a week in our budget, but it's these extra unplanned ones that can start adding up if it becomes a frequent thing. If you do find yourself in this situation of just not wanting to deal with cooking and cleaning, try to get the most for your money by using a coupon or take advantage of restaurant specials. </div>Melanienoreply@blogger.com