I'm Not Spending Any Money Today

It's not entirely by choice, and I realize that this is an auspicious beginning for a personal finance blog. But I forgot my wallet at home. So I'm at work, trying to convince my stomach that it's not yet time for lunch. I feel like I'm a member of the Congressional Food Stamp Challenge

Things are not as bad as they could be, by any means. I ate breakfast this morning. In addition to the standard water cooler, my office provides free coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Luckily, I packed a string cheese in my bag for a snack and also a packet of almonds and some cookies. There is a yogurt in the refridgerator from last week that I didn't eat and a packet of instant oatmeal to take the edge off in a pinch. So really, I am fine. In fact, I'm wondering why my original plan for the day was to include buying an $8 salad as a treat.

What's interesting to me is the profound anxiety I'm feeling about not having my wallet with me, about not having the potential for spending power even though I clearly have no need for it right now. Food and transportation costs are covered. My forgetfulness will lead to a little more hassle later on this evening - I had planned to go to the grocery store on my way home from work and now I'll have to stop off at my apartment first - but no real harm was done. A lot of the stress is self-imposed and comes from how I think others will perceive me: what if someone had asked me to lunch today and I had to refuse? What assumptions will people make if they see me eating oatmeal out of a cup instead of over-priced vegetables when 1pm roles around?

I'm choosing to look at this experience as a useful exercise. Lunch spending is definitely one area of my budget where I can trim a little excess. Maybe there is more potential than I thought.