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!