Oh blog, how I've neglected you over this holiday season. Although I have not visited, I have not forgotten the reason I started this - accountability over our finances.
I'll start off admitting that we completely blew it this month. It was a horrible month in terms of spending. At first I was reluctant to post this, because it was so bad. But if I did that, I would be avoiding my mistakes and not owning up to them. And if you don't admit to them, how do you make improvements? So here goes:
Some details on these number:
1. Gifts - Exactly what it was, holiday gifts. There will be a few remenants of additional gift in January's numbers.
2. Since we had a guest at our place this holiday season, we ended up eating out alot while entertaining. I still can't believe we spent that much though!! That was a real big shocker.
3. Career Costs - as stated last month, this was expected. Nothing we could have done to prevent or reduce.. sigh.
4. Clothing - Believe it or not, I did not buy any new clothes the month of December. Well, at least not willingly. This was the cost of a bridesmaids dress for a wedding in May.
It was a pretty bad month all around, but I am making progress with our savings simultaneously. I will post these details shortly.
Beyond Your Horizon
Showing posts with label monthly spending. Show all posts
Showing posts with label monthly spending. Show all posts
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Monday, December 1, 2008
November Spending
Now that November has come to a close, posted below reveals our spending for November, and provides a comparison to Octobers' number's to see if there were any improvements.
It's obvious that the additional travel expenses related to work put us way over budget. This temporary expense will be duplicated again next month, with nothing much that can be done to curve it. The clothing category saw a big jump, as I'm trying to increase my work wardrobe. Overall, I am happy the trend we saw in most of the other categories.
We'll have to wait and see our progression next month!
Beyond Your Horizon
Saturday, November 1, 2008
October Spending
As part of improving our finances, it is important to understand where our money is being spent. Below is all of our expenses for the month of October. Seeing these numbers in black and white was really shocking, and really points out the need to change our behaviors.
Monthly Expenses:
Auto: $169.96
Restaurant: $199.21
Bills: $236.15
Entertainment: $219.50
Grocery: $304.24
Clothing: $13.08
Household Supplies: $63.08
Postal: $34.22
Gifts: $99.68
Total: $1339.12
Wow. Even though this is for two people, it is obvious which categories we can cut back in!
1. Our restaurant, grocery and household expenses totals to $565.53. I know that we can do better in this category. I would like to get this combination down to $350 or less. Since I start working on Monday, I hope to see this total decrease since I will have less time to go to the grocery store. I currently go every few days and do small shopping trips, which will probably change to once a week soon. Currently, we tend to eat out once a week. I don't see a change in that pattern right now. And until recently, I have not encorporated coupons into my shopping. I hope for a big change in this number next month!
2. This months auto included a new battery for my car. As long as there are no unexpected car expenses, this category should see a decrease in November.
3. Entertainment: As addressed in my last post, this was the cost of traveling for vacation. I have a planned expense for November, but this category should also see a decrease.
3. With the holidays coming, I expect the gifts category to be a little higher. We haven't yet set a budget, so will have to work on that before purchasing gifts.
Totaling up our spending was really an eye opener. After seeing this, I am sure that there is room for improvement. I look forward to minding our expenses throughout November and posting our progress.
BeyondYourHorizon
Monthly Expenses:
Auto: $169.96
Restaurant: $199.21
Bills: $236.15
Entertainment: $219.50
Grocery: $304.24
Clothing: $13.08
Household Supplies: $63.08
Postal: $34.22
Gifts: $99.68
Total: $1339.12
Wow. Even though this is for two people, it is obvious which categories we can cut back in!
1. Our restaurant, grocery and household expenses totals to $565.53. I know that we can do better in this category. I would like to get this combination down to $350 or less. Since I start working on Monday, I hope to see this total decrease since I will have less time to go to the grocery store. I currently go every few days and do small shopping trips, which will probably change to once a week soon. Currently, we tend to eat out once a week. I don't see a change in that pattern right now. And until recently, I have not encorporated coupons into my shopping. I hope for a big change in this number next month!
2. This months auto included a new battery for my car. As long as there are no unexpected car expenses, this category should see a decrease in November.
3. Entertainment: As addressed in my last post, this was the cost of traveling for vacation. I have a planned expense for November, but this category should also see a decrease.
3. With the holidays coming, I expect the gifts category to be a little higher. We haven't yet set a budget, so will have to work on that before purchasing gifts.
Totaling up our spending was really an eye opener. After seeing this, I am sure that there is room for improvement. I look forward to minding our expenses throughout November and posting our progress.
BeyondYourHorizon
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