This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Fun activities will eat your budget alive
Every month, it’s critical to review your spending in all categories to ensure your recreational activities aren’t negatively affecting your short and long-term financial objectives.
One couple I knew had an exceptionally high recreational budget, but they were also on the brink of bankruptcy, living paycheck to paycheck, and often behind on their bills. At some point, they will crash financially if they don’t make a 360-degree turnaround.
What’s your habit that you invest in monthly? Maybe it’s one of the activities below, or maybe it’s something else:
Cigarettes
According to the National Cancer Institute, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $6.28, which means a pack-a-day habit sets you back $188 per month or $2,292 per year (Very Well Mind).
Cannabis
The average annual expenditure is $645. However, almost half of cannabis consumers spend between $500 and $2,500 a year. According to Larisa Bolivar, who authored the Cannabis Consumers Coalition study, full marijuana legalization could result in 41 million American users (Way of Leaf).
Food
The average American dines out 5.9 times per week, and according to BLS data, the average household spends about $3,500 on eating out every year, or just shy of $300 per month, according to YouNeedABudget.com.
Shopping
Women spend approximately $1,800 to $4,800 each year on clothing, which equates to $150 to $400 per month, according to ICSID.
Subscriptions
The average consumer spending is $273 per month on subscription services. People are spending 15% more than they did in 2018, equalling an extra $430 spent each year, according to ZDNet.
Cars
The average American now spends nearly $800 a month on their car(s), according to motor1.
We all have recreational activities costing us our hard-earned dollars every month. Are these activities hurting or helping us financially? More importantly, are they hurting us in other ways that impact our minds and bodies? But the focus of this article is financial, so here are some questions to ask yourself about your activities below.
Questions To Ask Yourself Concerning Your Recreational Activity:
Which habits need to go?
Which habits are out of control?
Which habits are beneficial and add value to my life?
Which habits are costing me considerable savings every month?
Am I on track financially with my savings and investment goals?
Are my recreational habits putting me in the red?
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.