There’s no need to cut your favorite café or store completely out of your budget. Instead of depriving yourself completely, purchase a gift card at the top of the month. When you run out of money on the gift card, your shopping comes to an end.
When friends or family members ask what you want for your birthday, request a gift card to the café or store where you have a self-imposed spending cap. If you already stop at Starbucks a few times a week, they—and you!—know you’ll enjoy every cent of that gift card, no matter the amount.