Every Monday during 2022, I am posting an update on what I spent for the week (variable spending only) as a way of keeping myself accountable for my impulse spending disorder.* Also, in order to see my true savings, I am also tracking items I was tempted to buy but didn’t.
I’m writing these spending posts – both to keep myself accountable and to catch myself from impulsively purchasing items I truly don’t need. I think it’s important, especially in these highly inflated times, to make sure I am spending my money wisely and getting value out of our hard-earned money. If nothing else, these posts will most likely make you feel better about your spending when you see mine. 😉
The first week in May turned out to be a bit of a spendy week. I hope expenses will slow way down for the rest of the month.
Here is the May 1 – 7 spending:
- Groceries: $120.00
- Eating Out: $62.00 (dinner out)
- Personal Care: $179.00 (shampoo, conditioner, make-up — IT Cosmetics)
- Dog: $131.28 (monthly dog food and bully sticks)
- Hair cut & color and tip: $135.00
- Home repair: $25.12 (Hubby fixed a sink)
- Mom: $75.75 (dinners sent)
- Gifts: $250.64 (1st Holy Communion, Father’s Day (early), Birthday)
- Charitable Giving: $50.00
- Deposit on 90th birthday cruise for my Mom: $300.00
Total Spent: $1,328.79
As you can see, there were some hefty charges already in the first week. Lots of gift-giving, for sure. And there is still more to come! I’m hoping my cosmetic purchase will last for at least 6 months. Otherwise, I’ll have to switch products. The costs are just too prohibitive.
There was really nothing I wanted but didn’t buy — I pretty much broke the bank in April, so it’s no wonder I didn’t really want anything.
How was your first week in May? Feeling much better about what you spent when you look at mine? 😉
JOURNEY TO RETIREMENT 
I am seeing trends. Might it help if you kept totally specific categories and looked at them? When I was really looking at my spending I categorized. Then I just made those expenses as a known amount.IE- I figure I spend about $400 a year per person on gifts in a year. I now have a savings account for those presents and “front fund” them. It is not about justification…it is about me knowing what is a norm and feeling more control of my budget. My Mother’s budget in my budget is pretty large right now since she needs more visiting and stuff….
It took so much pressure off of me. And don’t low ball…. This is about your reality not someone else’s.
Personally , I would break out my “personal care” (hair and cosmetics) into one lump and out of the house care stuff. Again, not about guilt, about empowerment.
I do that and also have a monthly allowance that goes just to my stuff—- my husband has the same. I know this is appalling to people who are working from a different income- but it is what it is…. Now I just look at percentages and see if I am over or under instead of specific amounts. (BTW- the last two months were terrible for me).
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