Monthly Spending – January 2019

I’m excited to disclose all of my expenses for the last month.  It’s been a long time since I’ve kept a detailed record of my spending, and it’s been fun so far!

I feel like I should give you some notes to understand this month’s expenses.

First of all, my property taxes are for the year 2018.  I’ll be paying my 2019 property taxes at the end of this year.  I bunch my deductions and itemize on my tax return every other year.  I’ve been doing this for several years because I pay so little interest on my mortgage since it will be paid off in eight years.  So, I’m taking the standard deduction on my 2018 tax return, but I’ll be itemizing on my 2019 return.

Secondly, I buy in bulk when something is the right price.  So, my monthly expenses can fluctuate tremendously.  There are several items that I bought in 2016, 2017, and 2018 that I might not need to purchase in 2019.  I do get excited when something is the “right price.”  Today, for example, my favorite frozen pizza was on sale for the price that I like ($1.99), so I bought five of them (max allowed for the sale).

Thirdly, I eat a salad almost every night before my dinner.  That’s why I grouped lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.  When olives are the right price, I use them instead of cucumbers.  I buy iceberg lettuce which normally runs between $0.79 and $0.99 and lasts 2-3 weeks.  Tomatoes are usually $0.69 – $0.99 per pound.  Cucumbers are usually $0.39 – $0.50 each, and I love when I get big ones for $0.39.

Lastly, I only support myself.  These are only personal expenses, not business.

So, here’s the breakdown of what I spent last month!  How does it compare to your expenses last month?

• Alcohol                                               46.66
• Automobile: fuel                              30.98
• Beef jerky                                          7.99
• Bread                                                  0.89
• Carrots                                               1.56
• Chips & pretzels                              3.57
• Cosmetics                                         14.04
• Crackers (saltine)                           0.75
• Fast food                                           1.78
• Home: maintenance supplies     6.25
• Home: mortgage                             745.83
• Home: property taxes                    4,739.20
• Hot dog wieners                              2.99
• Hummus                                           1.89
• Lettuce, tomato, & cucumbers    4.52
• Milk                                                    3.78
• Orange juice                                     1.79
• Pizza (frozen)                                   2.19
• Salad dressing mix (powder)       9.38
• TV dinners                                        2.50
• Utilities: cell phone                        38.88
• Utilities: electricity                         30.46
• Utilities: internet/cable                 92.73
• Utilities: natural gas                       18.58
• Utilities: water/trash                      41.97
• Vegetables (canned)                       1.38

Total      $5,852.54

Linda 🙂