The $500 Reality Check that Changed My Budget
In September I spent $492.17 on Door Dash. That’s a damn car payment.
After budgeting for the last couple of years, I still never seemed to have much wiggle room. I finally took an honest look at my bank statements to identify the major leak.
I found it…Ordering extra groceries, meals, and toiletries on Door Dash. :-|
How I Got Into this Mess
I’ve been using Door Dash consistently for many years.
I used to think I was just paying for dinner or saving time by ordering my groceries, but really, I was paying for my own laziness on repeat.
Also, when I was a heavy drinker, I leaned on Door Dash to get me food (and more alcohol) for those times when I didn’t need to get behind the wheel.
Believe it or not, this number used to be higher. I checked my statement from December 2024 and it was $571.85.
The Hidden Costs
About a week ago I needed hair dye, so out of routine, I went on the app to order it.
My $35 purchase quickly turned into $50 after all the fees and tip. I paused before hitting submit and told myself, “Enough is enough,” hopped in the car and went to get my own damn hair dye.
Not only are there service fees and tipping the driver, but Door Dash (or the retailer/restaurant) charges an upsell for each item.
So, a $3 loaf of bread in the store can actually cost $3.35 or more when you purchase it via the Door Dash app.
How I Am Stopping the Leak For Good
I am in no position to waste money on this convenience.
I decided to finally move on and deleted the app and my account forever.
I have to admit that I was a little nervous to delete my account completely. Silly, I know - but I love relying on the app for those weekends when I don’t feel like leaving my apartment.
A Better Way
Before heading home Friday, I stocked up for the weekend. My first weekend without the app wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it would be.
Door Dash might not be your leak. Maybe it’s Amazon or subscriptions you forgot about. But we all have one.
For me it was $492 in a single month. That’s nearly $6,000 a year.
Six grand isn’t small money.
That’s an emergency fund, a debt payoff, or my mom’s birthday trip to London.
I refuse to hand it to Door Dash anymore.
