Today I won't be spending anything, so I did my monthly accounting. I was surprised to find that I spent less than $1900, even though I had to pay for a refrigerator repair and even though I broke my phone. The refrigerator repair was $340. It could have been worse, and I am glad to say that the problem of encroaching ice in the freezer hasn't come back. As far as the phone goes, I only had to pay $49 out of pocket, because I have a service agreement with Best Buy.

I was able to keep my grocery spending just under $100 -- and I hope to continue doing that no matter how food prices rise. Buying ingredients, not prepared food, is the key, I think, and I keep the ingredients simple. It does mean I have to cook all the time, but that's okay. I also refuse to waste any food. This morning I made a breakfast scramble with just one egg -- my last one -- some leftover French fries, chopped peppers and onions, cheese and a little milk. It was pretty good. The leftover French fries were courtesy of my grandson, by the way, so accepting freebies is a factor, too.

I spent $96 on gifts and charity. About half of that was for Easter candy, cards, and cash for the grandchildren. Most of the rest was a political donation. I've never made political donations before, but these are strange and awful times. And I bought a few stocking stuffers at Goodwill.

Also at Goodwill, I bought a frying pan and some casserole dishes, too good to pass up. And I bought some collectibles, which I may sell, I may gift, or I may keep. I haven't decided. A little under $40 altogether there.

It was time for a haircut - $36 - and my dermatologist treated a keloid scar that developed after my skin cancer scare last year. That was only $25. I also paid a $40 copay at Urgent Care to have a questionable lesion looked at. It was nothing, but I needed that peace of mind.

Now that I'm driving again (hurray!), I did have to pay $27 for gas.

All other spending was for routine expenses.

I was able to put $2000 into savings, which I am trying to build up in case things get worse.