May I have very few months like this one! My total spending was not only above income, but above several months' income.
Of course, the main reason was buying a new (to me) car. But that wasn't the only thing.....
Here's the recap:
Auto Expenses - $7548 (down payment, repairs)
Housing - $769
Utilities - $234
Medical/Health - $204 (Urgent care, x-ray, MRI, prescription)
Gifts/Charity - $107 (birthday, gift to AHA)
Groceries - $101 (inclues Girl Scout cookies)
Vacation/Travel - $37 (day trip to Indiana)
Gas - $33
Phone - $32
Furn/Equip/Decor - $32 (Goodwill finds, new phone holder for car)
Eating Out/Takeout- $30
Laundry - $18
Entertainment - $17
Personal - $15
Clothing/Accessories - $7
Fares/Parking - $3
Grand Total - $9187
My car cost was offset by a generous $2K gift from my ex-husband, plus he paid off the balance beyond my down payment and trade-in. I am very grateful, as there is no way I would have been able to swing a new car on my own. Of course, it is not a new car; it is used. But I hope it will be the last car I have to buy.
I hope March will not bring so many surprises. I do have one nice thing to look forward to -- I'm going to go down to BFF's house for the weekend, where I'll go see her granddaughter in a high school production of "Guys and Dolls." Should be fun!
March 1st, 2023 at 08:28 am 1677659314
March 5th, 2023 at 07:55 pm 1678046137
Sorry about the spendy month with the car, but it is important to have reliable transportation!