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It was a crazy year

January 1st, 2008 at 03:59 pm

I say it was a crazy year because I retired in the middle of it, which makes my annual financials a bit crazy.

But I'll start with December 2007. My biggest expenditure was $331 for vacation/travel. I took a weekend trip to Chicago and and a two-week trip to Florida, so all in all, it wasn't bad. There were no hotel costs, and a lot of my food was provided by relatives.

My next biggest expenditure was $318 for car insurance -- a semi-annual payment.

I spent $286 on gifts -- probably unavoidable, considering the season. But spending on gifts is something I need to address in the coming year.

Vet/pet supplies was only $69. I say "only" because I've been averaging $262 a month in that category since retiring. I have only two pets but they've had lots of issues. My 13-year-old dog, especially, has had a lot of trouble, and I'm afraid I haven't seen the end of it.

I spent $50 on my cell phone bill. It is usually $45, but I bought a ring tone, and I guess there were some extra taxes, too.

I spent $31 on an oil change. Could have done better, but I was in Florida and didn't know where to go.

Gas was $28 (not counting the gas I spent on vacation).

I spent $24 on miscellaneous items, and $16 on groceries. For most of the month my cousin was providing the food, but she is staying in Florida this winter, while I stay here, so I will have a grocery bill again till she comes back in the spring.

I spent $15 on clothes -- two long-sleeved tops I found in Florida, about 75% off.

I spent $24 on personal items, household supplies, entertainment, and fees & services.

All told I spent $1191 -- $542 in monthly expenses, and $648 for big-ticket things.

My annual spending was interesting.

My largest expenditure was $16,520 on credit card repayment. Whoo-hoo! (I was able to do this because I sold my house.)

I also paid off my car for $6343.

I paid $4500 in mortgage payments before I sold my house in June.

I paid $3623 in home improvements before selling my house.

I spent $3139 on vet/pet supplies. As I said, it was a tough year for my animals.

Spending on my own health was $2841.

Vacation/travel cost me $2434.

I paid $2311 for utilities.

I spent $1563 on gifts (and charity).

Car insurance was $1413.

Moving expenses were $1010.

Groceries were $633. That was from January to June.

I spent $600 on lawn care. That was also from January to June.

Eating out cost me $548.

Gas was $476.

Fees & services: $410.

Clothing: $385.

Miscellaneous: $238.

Entertainment: $225.

Personal items & haircuts: $204.

Car Repair & maintenance: $131. (Wow, what a good year! Buy Toyota!)

Garbage: $107.

Snacks: $17. (This is just things I pick up to eat while I am out, doesn't count meals out).

The grand total was $51,073. Monthly average was $4256, which is about $1000 more than it was last year. However, paying off my credit cards really jacked up the total. And I'm sure glad I did it!

I can hardly wait to see how 2008 falls out.





3 Responses to “It was a crazy year”

  1. Ima saver Says:
    1199203403

    Wow, you keep track of everything!

  2. Dido Says:
    1199242303

    Congrats on paying off the debt, and good luck keeping the pet costs down--hope those furkids stay in good health. I can relate--my average spending on my 3 (one dog, two cats) is about $335/month, mostly on the dog, who has chronic health problems. But they're so worth it.

  3. Carolina Bound Says:
    1199281470

    Julie, I DO keep track of everything -- have for years. It keeps me afloat.

    Dido, thanks for the good thoughts about my pets. It is so hard when they get old.

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