As a reminder, my husband pays the "big bills" like mortgage, phone, and electricity. I pay for groceries and the pets and that's relatively even.
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Groceries ($703.28) - People gotta eat. Could we bring this number down? Maybe. Are we going to? Probably not.
Entertainment ($374.82) - Last year I spent just over $200 on entertainment all year. This year, I'm already over that because my BIL and his family are coming to visit in a couple of weeks and I made reservations at a smash room and bought tickets for a college basketball game. Woot woot! No regrets.
Bills ($242.32) - Car and home insurance and water.
Pets ($212) - Ha ha. Dr. BB took Zelda to the vet in January, so he is the one who shelled out that $800. The only things I paid for in January for the girls was a probiotic for them, a bath card for Hannah (5 baths for $40), some Interceptor Plus for Hannah, and a new bird feeder. If it makes you feel better, I've already spent more than this in February on the girls.
Savings ($200) - It's like spitting into the wind, isn't it?
Travel ($192.40) - I was in Michigan for a few days in early January and had to get a hotel room for a couple of nights.
Eating out ($134.17) - Again, that trip to Michigan. I had dinner out a couple of times and I stopped for a coffee a couple of times.
Personal care ($122.21) - New insoles for my cross trainers and a haircut.
Gifts ($122) - A few birthday presents for niblings and I bought Valentine's Day cards.
Cars ($88.83) - Gas. The trip to Michigan included a few fill-ups. Next month I'm doing an oil change on the "new" car, so this will inevitably go up.
Tech ($42.15) - I bought a case for my new phone. I was trying to get along without a case, but after I dropped it about three times in one day, my husband "suggested" that maybe it was time.
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I'm most happy about my entertainment purchases this month. We're going to have so much fun when they come to visit! What's the purchase you made in January that made you most happy?
I bought a grip strength trainer, one of those exercise gadgets that you squeeze with all your might and your hand, finger, wrist muscles get stronger. It's oodles of fun to use, spontaneously, with no set plan so I grab it whenever and do 10-ish reps. I believe it's effective, I'm feeling stronger.
ReplyDeleteThose experience-entertainment gifts are awesome and you're going to have so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI bought my favorite people calendars early in January--I love matching people up with their interests...
Your grocery bills seem totally reasonable and honestly enviable to me! I spent $2800 on groceries last month, and it's really only the three of us since Mark is only here like once a week for dinner. I think that I bought a lot of big supplies so hopefully that's reflected in this month's number. I bought some clothes that fit in January, so I guess that was my best purchase? I love going on fun experiences and that sounds like a perfect way to spend some money. Wait. Wait. I just reread that. $200 on entertainment for the whole year? Yes, it sounds like you have some room to do some fun things this year for sure. No regrets indeed!
ReplyDeleteEntertainment is a good category to splurge on! Let's see... January already seems so far away, ha. I don't think I bought a whole lot because I was still reeling from the Christmas expenses. Let's say I bought some books (one of them being The Blue Castle) and that always makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteRick just opened the electric bill and made a funny noise, so I'm going to say that we spent more on electricity in January that he would have expected/liked. I could have mentioned that he leaves a trail of lights on wherever he goes, but I am Practicing Patience And Tolerance Since He Retired, so I did not.
ReplyDeleteI think your grocery bill is about right, considering Dr. BB's dietary restrictions and rising prices despite certain individuals promising to lower them on Day One. I went to the grocery store yesterday and virtually everything I bought had gone up in price since the last time I bought it, some since just last week.
Yay for the new bird feeder! It will pay you back with enjoyment for years to come.