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Home > Almost end of the month roundup

Almost end of the month roundup

April 29th, 2015 at 01:33 am

Well, I didn't do as well with the budget this month as I'd hoped but I had a couple of surprises pop up. Isn't that what happens, though?

I went over my food budget by $25. That's the same amount I cut it for this month so that tells me the $175 I originally planned might be a more realistic amount. I really do think I can do it on $150 and will try it again in May.

I went over on gas by $24. The original figure was just a shot in the dark so I'm not too concerned with that and will increase that category a bit for May.

I went over on pet food and supplies by a little over $5. I hadn't budgeted much for that, though, and bought sifting pan liners and some treats that Sammy doesn't usually get. I hope he really enjoyed them. Ha ha!

In miscellaneous, I went over almost $62. I need to dump that category and be specific with those expenses so I have a more accurate picture of where that money goes.

And here's the biggie - I went over my budget by close to $100 in vape supplies! My old unit stopped working so I bought a new one. I know, that might be considered a luxury to some but right now vaping keeps me from smoking (which is certainly more expensive and, in my opinion, much harder on the lungs) and it's worth the expense to me. I hope to give it up this year but until I do, I need to budget $30 or so a month for juice, coils, and such. A few days ago a friend gave me a unit she no longer uses so I now have that for a backup.

And that's it for my overspending. Although I could have done better and will bust my hiney in May to spend better, I know it could have been much worse.

I've been working on my "attitude of gratitude". Right now I'm thankful for my humble apartment and its furnishings, my cat, my wonderful family, my job, and the raise that will soon show up on my pay checks. I'm also very thankful I was able to add $75 to savings and not withdraw from it!

And now I'm off to work on that May budget!

3 Responses to “Almost end of the month roundup”

  1. snafu Says:
    1430282110

    Are you ok making small changes that have potential to keep you to your original budget?

    I wonder if you use store flyers and their 'loss leaders' plus whatever you already have in pantry, fridge and freezer to develop a meal plan. It needn't be a major project, just 5-6 meals each week that you like to eat and one day for leftover buffet or over or plan stuffed in a Pita. It really does work to lower food costs in spite of the fact that prices in the supermarket are rising so fast.

    Would you be willing to seek best price in your area via Gas Buddy or an equivalent? It doesn't make a lot of difference each week but cumulatively over a year with prices inching up, you'll spend less.

    In my experience there are promotions and discount coupons on-line for quality pet food nearly weekly. Have you priced on-line sellers? I suggest a line item/specific category for pet costs and research which outlets have the best product for the least cost. Skip buying pet toys unless they are sale priced.

  2. VS_ozgirl Says:
    1430294157

    Your "attitude of gratitude" is a great attitude to have Smile Be grateful for what you have, and aspire for more things to be grateful of along the waySmile

  3. ThriftoRama Says:
    1430319329

    Stick with the grocery budget. Some weeks I find I'm way under, and some weeks the bill seems huge. Those are usually the weeks when I have to restock all the things I've run out of over the course of the month. It seems to all even out in the end.

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