A few other tips.
She could probably have saved 30% or more by shopping at Aldi’s.
The public library has movies for free.
I haven’t bought any shirts or pants from a retail store for five years. I hit the Salvation Army once a week on the 50% off day and see what they’ve got in my size that’s any good. I have a very extensive wardrobe now of business casual shirts, most of which would cost $50 to $100 retail. I paid $2 to $3 each. Also found amazing buys on linens, cutlery, cookware, etc. The key is to hit the store regularly.
Admittedly the SA bit isn’t for everybody, as what I’ve done is trade time for money.
No need to apologize for clothes shopping at thrift stores. I do that from time to time; people give away T-shirts that are just fine. I snap ‘em up for two bucks and nobody’s the wiser.
FWIW, I can’t believe that somebody would give away a perfectly good official ABC “300 Bowler” shirt. I didn’t pick that one up as I would have some explaining to do.
I buy nearly all of my clothes second hand, save for underwear, socks and shoes (hard to fit feet, dammit!) But, even then, if they’re NEW I make the occasional exception.
I once worked with a woman that was married to a very wealthy man. She never ONCE wore the same outfit twice in the five years I knew her. Never! And she wasn’t mixin’ it up to make new outfits, either. EVERY piece was new, every day!
Mind blowing.
Now, if she had just invested that extensive, ‘Wardrobe Allowance’ in a solid Mutual Fund she’d have had PLENTY of money when her husband traded her in for a Newer Model. ;)
*SNORT*