A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Should I feel guilty about this? For several years now I have got on very well with a local shop where I buy my lunch. They treat me like a daughter. But this year I need to conserve my money as I know I have some big expenses later this year. So for this first two weeks of this year I am no longer buying my breakfast nor am I buying my lunch. Instead I have been having some joghurt and fruit for breakfast (no coffee) at home and then I have been making my lunch and including another piece of fruit to go with my lunch, (no coffee again) and I take that lunch with me to work.It has already saved me lots of money in just two weeks.And as long as I can handle my guilt at not shopping at the local shop then all will be well.But I feel like I am being so disloyal to the local shop owners. Because those people at the lunch place are doing it tough and I know they appreciated my loyalty.And I know that times are tough for everyone.I feel terrible about just going cold turkey and not buying anything from their shop. I've also cut out buying my daily newspapers and instead check out the news online or watch the evening news. It's not the same but it is cheaper.I am eating healthier food and I am happy with the choices I am making. But the people in the shop are always so especially nice to me. Even giving me a Christmas card.How do other people handle guilt like I am feeling. I know some people might think I sound weak and that business is business. My daily expenses now are just my travel costs. I thought that maybe once I have saved up enough to cover the expense I am facing in the future that maybe I will go back to buying lunch, coffees etc. But so far I am enjoying my varied lunches.
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male
reader, The Realist  +, writes (17 January 2013):
 It's understanding that you feel some sort of responsibility to them but I think they will understand. It sounds like they value you as a person more then a customer. Maybe next time you feel like a coffee you can stop in and say that you're trying to save money but you still want to visit.
I have gone into my old work (grocery store) just to say high to the people every now and then because I enjoy seeing them.
I am sure their business isn't riding on you buying lunch from them so they won't be hurt by it. They are probably wondering if everything is ok from not seeing you for so long.
A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused  +, writes (15 January 2013):
 GREAT fiscal move on your part.
I would stop in and let them know that it's NOTHING they did and you miss them but it's your way to save money.
and maybe you could treat yourself once a week or so to something from the shop
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A
male
reader, Sageoldguy1465 +, writes (15 January 2013):
 It's not YOUR job to keep THEIR business bustling.....
HOWEVER, if you feel it would be a "nice" gesture - in light of how much you like them, and you've had a good relationship in the past..... it wouldn't hurt you to take a breakfast or a lunch there ONCE IN A WHILE... would it?
That's what I'd do.....
Good luck....
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A
female
reader, Just_Me_200  +, writes (15 January 2013):
There's no need to feel guilty, everyone has financial trouble at some point and you are being sensible enough to realise by saving up now you'll avoid a problem later. I'm sure as a business owner they would fully understand such preparation and I'm also sure you are not the only customer they serve, local cafes and the likes have a lot of regulars.
But, if you find yourself feeling too guilty or simply missing their company and the atmosphere there isn't anything stopping you from say having one lunch a week with them, I doubt it would break into your budget much and you could consider it your treat that you can look forward to each week. It's your life to live at the end of the day though, do what YOU need to
good luck
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A
female
reader, Anonymous 123  +, writes (15 January 2013):
 This is simple. Just tell them whatever you've told us. That you want to cut down on expenses and that's why you wont be buying food from them. But you will always be like their daughter and they mean a lot to you and this move of yours will have no effect on your relationship with them. You can always drop in and say "Hi" once in a while, just because you dont buy food from them doesn't mean that you have to cut off all communication with them.
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A
female
reader, person12345 +, writes (15 January 2013):
 Not eating out and buying coffee can save you thousands of dollars a year in food costs. You should NOT feel guilty. Your business was not keeping their business afloat. If they aren't selling something that attracts enough people, you won't make or break their business. Times are hard, but the good lunch places near my office have lines out the door still because they offer a good product that people are willing to pay for.
You are both eating healthier and saving money, that's a good thing! Don't feel bad for it. What I do for myself is I eat out for lunch once a week as a special treat but bring my food the rest of the week.
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