As I did my monthly review, it reminded me that I am living a simple life. And for the most part, I love it.
Per usual, my biggest expense was housing, but it's cheap considering what housing costs go for in this area. With my mortgage and assessment fees, I am just under $800. I'm so glad I bought this condo when the housing market was low.
My medical expenses were the next most expensive, mostly due to a $250 copay for an ultrasound that I had to have. My most recent blood test showed that my kidneys' filtration rate has dropped, pushing me from stage 3 to stage 3A in chronic kidney disease. That means I need to go back to the nephrologist after a seven-year hiatus, so medical expenses are probably going to go up. However, I can't see the NP until July, and the doctor not until September, so none of this is going to happen quickly.
Utilities were higher than usual, but that was because for some reason my electricity bill didn't hit last month, but fell on the first of this month, so I had two electricity bills.
I had to renew my license plate to the tune of $151. I used to be able to pay only $25, but my income has crept a little too high to be in that "impoverished senior" bracket anymore.
My gifts/charity spending was about $136. Most of that was a graduation gift for my grandson.
I was able to hit my goal of spending less than $100 on groceries. I had some help, however. I had $35 in credits from my Medicare Advantage plan. This month, the most I can earn is $10, so it's going to be more difficult. However, I will persevere. I think I can do it.
Other various expenses: I got an oil change, I treated my other grandson to lunch after a tournament, I bought new filters for the aquarium.
My total spending was under what I get from Social Security, so the RMD's from my retirement fund can go into savings. My EF savings are just under $10K right now. I would like to get up to $15K to feel comfortable.
June 4th, 2025 at 08:31 pm 1749069113
June 4th, 2025 at 09:40 pm 1749073249
June 8th, 2025 at 07:50 pm 1749412256
I think you wanted to see photos. https://imgur.com/a/uAXuE3Q
June 13th, 2025 at 06:32 pm 1749839555