I've had my November recap done for a while, but I just keep forgetting to post.
Here's how it shook out:
My largest expense, as almost always, was housing, but right after that was gifts and charity. I donated to two of my grandchildren's college funds, and my son had a birthday.
Utilities were a little low, since my gas bill did not hit until December 1. Right after that was vacation expense, most of which was attributed to my trip to Oregon, which wrapped around the end of October and the beginning of November.
Fees and services were higher than usual, due to my Amazon Prime membership. AARP also renewed, but that was small beans.
Toiletries and a haircut made the personal category higher than usual.
I got an oil change and new wipers -- unexpectedly high!
Medical/health was below average -- my insurance premium and a few OTC drugs. All the other categories were at or below average, too. I did especially well on groceries and eating out. I concentrated on working through the food in my freezer and pantry. I'm still doing that.
I am in the midst of Christmas prep. I'm going to be giving mostly cash this year. My son here in town had a rough fall, being on furlough during the shutdown, and my son in Oregon is feeling the pinch, too. All my grandchildren are old enough to be more excited about money to spend that they are about opening a gift. Time marches on.
But I am preparing small gifts to make things fun -- Christmas tins filled with candy for the kids and whatnots for the grownups, and some family board games.
With inflation so high, Christmas is feeling a little uncomfortable this year. I'm trying to get in the spirit. It hasn't happened yet, but it will.
December 9th, 2025 at 11:54 pm 1765324471
December 10th, 2025 at 01:07 pm 1765372076
I think that you ended up buying from Amazon Wish lists because the family wasn’t excited by thrifted gifts. Maybe now that money isn’t so free flowing, they’d appreciate learning that you don’t have to buy new or pay top dollar.
December 14th, 2025 at 05:44 pm 1765734261