As some of you may know, my son was let go from Amazon (he was a manager, not a driver). He has a family to support, and he is having trouble finding new employment, even though he is making a huge effort. The situation is getting scary.
Now, to back up a little, my ex gave me $6000 a couple of years ago to help me purchase a used car. I promised to pay him back; he kept saying no need, and honestly, our divorce, which was his idea, cost me way more than $6000. So I kept saving money, but didn't jump through any hoops to pay him back. Well, now I can, and I offered it to him. He again said no, and then I floated the idea of paying it forward to our son. So I have started doing that. In April, I gave him $2000. Yesterday I gave him another $1000. The rest I will do in intervals to make sure my savings are not compromised.
All this is to say, my biggest April expense was "Gifts" -- $2080, the $80 being expenditure for Easter gifts to my grandchildren.
Housing and Utilities were next, at $850 and $197. Then I had to renew my license plate, which set me back $154.
My son came to visit in April, a combination of catching up with family and looking for opportunities. I spent $123 on various activities, which I put under Vacation/Travel, since most of it was taking a side trip up to Michigan so he could meet up with family he hadn't seen in a long time.
This month my grocery spending was $112, and another $74 went to household supplies. Eating out was $46, and I put $20 on a Ventra card for transit. Even though I have a ride-free card for myself, I like to have a card available for visitors. Other expenses were pretty typical.
I spent $3782, which is a little high for me, but it's been quite a month, and I'm sure things will settle down in May. Hopefully, with a job offer for my son.
May 2nd, 2026 at 02:20 pm 1777731638
May 2nd, 2026 at 03:34 pm 1777736062
May 2nd, 2026 at 05:04 pm 1777741460
I didn't know you were divorced, but it does seem like you and your ex are both amicable so that's great. It was also rather gracious of your ex to refuse any payments back, and that you can forward it to your son instead, who does seem like he could use it in the near future.