Christians around the world mark the Lenten season _ a pivotal part of the liturgical calendar _ with prayer and fasting. Many Catholics and Protestants sacrifice common comforts from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday, just before Easter.
No matter what your religious beliefs, taking a "time out" from little luxuries can seriously help your bottom line. Here are everyday luxuries burning a hole in your paycheck.
YOUR DAILY LATTE
You'll certainly ask to be blessed with energy if you forgo your daily coffee run, but you don't necessarily need to give up coffee altogether. If you're too hooked on caffeine, make your own latte at home or give the free coffee at work a shot.
If you usually buy one Venti drink at Starbucks, you'll save roughly $4 a day. A $12.95 bag of your favorite blend, however, will quash your craving and caffeinate you for weeks.
ALCOHOL
If you're a moderate or social drinker, give up alcohol for Lent. Sip on some sparkling water, soda or order a refreshing, and much cheaper, mocktail if you're out on the town with friends.
From an expensive martini on the weekend to the roughly $15 bottle of wine that normally gets you through the workweek, staying dry will help keep your wallet full.
CABLE TV PACKAGES
If March Madness is your jam and you aren't willing to give up cable altogether, temporarily suspend subscriptions to channels such as Showtime or HBO. If you have major fear of missing out when it comes to a favorite show, remember that most premium cable channels allow you to watch original series on demand, so you won't be behind for long.
Most cable companies allow you to easily add or remove $15 packages as you please. If your main concern with this lack of luxury is a potential social media spoiler, now you have a reason to stay off Facebook, too.
BUS OR SUBWAY FARES
Lent falls during the start of early spring, so you can enjoy fresh air and warmer temperatures by walking or biking to the office. Not only will you save money, but you'll also get in shape for the summer.
Save roughly $2.75 on each leg of your commute by giving up a short bus or subway ride.
DINING OUT
From Sunday brunches to dinners with friends, give up eating out for the Lenten season. If you're worried about your social life, eat before you meet up with friends or opt to host a dinner party. Not only is this a great opportunity for you to save money, but you can also work on your cooking skills at the same time.
Many restaurant menu items are roughly $15, so skipping two meals a week will bring some extra balance to your budget.
SHOPPING
If you're a self-proclaimed shopaholic, take a hiatus from retail spending. Temporarily delete all shopping apps and emails to avoid temptation. Take the time to donate old clothes to those in need and fall in love with your wardrobe all over again without spending a dime.
If you buy a $79 shirt or dress twice a month, you stand to save money and possibly curb your addiction for the long term.
BEAUTY TREATMENTS
Skip beauty treatments without compromising personal hygiene. Paint your own nails or pluck your eyebrows.
After a few weeks, you might discover you're overpaying for services you can easily do yourself. If not, that post-Easter pedicure will be even more of a treat.
SWEETS
From the daily brownie you grab at your office cafeteria to the candy bar that always finds its way onto the conveyor belt at the market, giving up sweets will save you both cash and calories. Unfortunately, you'll face an additional hurdle if you give up sugar _ Girl Scout cookie season is in full swing during Lent.
It's nearly impossible to say no to those adorable Girl Scouts staked out in front your grocery store, but you can always buy one $5 box _ instead of five _ and save it until Lent is over.
