July Recap
August 2nd, 2025 at 12:59 amIt was higher-spending month than usual, but that was because my semi-annual auto insurance payment was made. It was $1977. I also had some fees to pay -- $116 to renew AAA and $40 to replenish my tollways pass. Medical was a bit high, with a copay to a kidney specialist and the purchase of a blood pressure monitor. Other costs were quite reasonable, and I only paid $60 for groceries! About midway through the month I decided to challenge myself to eat exclusively from my pantry and freezer, and I did so. I also had some help from a friend who gave me some groceries she did not want -- canned goods, some mac and cheese, some peanut butter she didn't like, and a bag of flour. All very welcome, and I put them to good use.
My total expenditure was $3539, which is above my income. But I won't be making a big payment like this every month, so I'm not worried.
I grocery-shopped at Walmart this morning, specifically so I could buy the $1 French bread from their bakery. I was disheartened to find that the price has risen to $1.47. Still a great price, but I was disappointed. I spent $28 in total, getting eggs, coffee, creamer, salt, butter, crackers, milk and two loaves of French bread. And some of these items were on clearance! Obviously no fruits or vegetables, but I have frozen, canned and dried varieties and that will get me through until next week.
I also filled up the tank for $27, saving .03 per gallon with my Kroger loyalty card.
I am reeling from the news that the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics was fired today because a factual jobs report didn't flatter our fearless leader. My son works for that department, and, in fact, his division provides the major data for the jobs report, tracking employment of the top corporations. Hey Don, they ain't hiring! No one is cooking the books to make you look bad. You look bad all by yourself. And killing the messenger just makes you look like a fool. Imagine that.