How Do You Manage Money In Early Sobriety?

Now that you’re sober, you may have a little extra cash that you didn’t have to scrape out of the seat cushions for a beer run or to score from your dealer. This may not seem like a big deal to others, but for those of us who had been barely getting by (and by “getting by” we mean surviving by a thread) in our addiction, this is a momentous occasion and for your sobriety.

Getting hired for a get-well job is a great idea in early recovery. For instance, try a coffee shop, retail store, or a florist. If you have miraculously kept your job from pre-sobriety, good on you! Regardless of your situation, now that you aren’t spending cash on drugs and alcohol, there are a few things you can do to take care of your money. To lose some of the stress that comes with not having any.

Managing Your Money Intelligently

1. Not Spend It All in One Place – As addicts and alcoholics, we can be a little impulsive. When you go shopping, plan what you are going to buy, and stick to that plan.
2. Sleep On Purchases – If you’ve been eyeballing a new pair of shoes or a video game, don’t just run out and buy it. Take two weeks to mull it over, and if you still really want it, spend your cash if you choose.
3. Save, Save, Save – Save a percentage of your paycheck. Some companies can direct deposit your check into multiple accounts. If you put a portion into an IRA or a brokerage account, you won’t have it at your fingertips, hence, you’ll be saving for a rainy day.
4. Cook for Yourself – You may not have cooked much in your life, except for ramen and toast, but you should start doing so. Eating at restaurants is incredibly expensive, and not to mention, usually unhealthy. There are many cooking classes around, or you could pick up a beginner’s cookbook to get you started. You will save a lot of money doing this, while learning an essential life skill.
5. Treat Yourself – It may not sound like a good money management tip, but if you occasionally treat yourself to something you’ve wanted, or a nice meal, you have something to look forward to—which may prevent you from spending frivolously on other indulgences.

There are so many life skills we need to learn in early recovery, and you will as you go along. If you are still struggling to get sober, call The Lakehouse Recovery Center. We will get you sober so that you can start your own journey in recovery. You are not alone in this. Give us a call, we are available 24/7, toll-free at (877) 762-3707. Change your life and change the way you live. Call today.