Spending – Page 2 – JOURNEY TO RETIREMENT

Weekly financial update.

June 13, 2022 Sharon

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. Also, to see my true savings, I am tracking items I was tempted to buy but didn’t.

This week I received the two wallets I ordered last week. The Fossil wallet arrived damaged, missing its’ strap. The Italian wallet came in the wrong color. I have already returned the Fossil wallet (free return), but unfortunately, Italy will charge me a return fee. I will lose $30. (Rest assured I will be taking extra caution before I purchase items from now on, especially with regard to their return policy.)

Wasting money these days actually hurts. In fact, as I evaluate this week’s spending, I’m disappointed that I ‘impulsed’ the tech purchase. I will be returning it, as I wasn’t paying attention to the details of the charger pod. My IPhone 11 is not ‘magsafe’, so the charger may not work as well. Returning items is such a hassle, as you have to wait several weeks before they credit your account. The by product of impulsivity, I suppose. 😦

Here is my spending for June 7 – June 13:

Eating Out: $78.09
Groceries: $157.00
Gas Fill Up: $64.60
Auggie: $6.00 (dog treats)
State inspection: $20.00
OTC meds: $5.00 (Vitamin D prescription)
Clothes: $103.89 (Replacement Tshirts, leggings)
Tech: $52.01 (phone case and charger pod)
Misc.: $59.04

Total: $545.63

RETURNS:

Fossil Wallet: ($79.50)
Italian Wallet: ($145.00)

Total Returns: ($224.50)

Total Spending: $321.13

With inflated prices everywhere, it’s more imperative now than ever to be extra vigilant in my everyday spending. I’m committed to keeping our retirement timeline, and every dollar saved is going to help. To that end, I’m giving myself a new challenge. For the month of JULY, I will be having a NO SPEND. Details to follow!

How was your week? Any wins? Losses? Please share!

Budgeting, Impulsive Spending, Spending, Weekly Update

A new month, a health update, and this past week’s spending.

June 6, 2022 Sharon

I can hardly believe it’s June already! We will soon be halfway through 2022. Crazy.

I had such wonderful plans for the summer, but, unfortunately, they are all dissolving quickly as I anticipate the possibility of foot surgery. Since breaking my foot last November, recovery has been a slow process. The fracture did start to heal and there was some bone growth. Every month I went for an x-ray, and every month the doctor reported that “it was still cooking”. It was promising. Until it wasn’t. Two weeks ago I went and he did not give me my usual update. Because it’s been over 7 months, I have what is called a ‘non-union’. As long as there is still pain, surgery may be the next step. I will be getting a second opinion, for sure, because the thought of starting all over with crutches and a boot depresses me. But I do not want to live with the pain either. I guess we will see.

As far as spending for the first week in June, it was a mixed bag. I had two impulsive purchases, an ‘oh crap’ moment, and a few regular expenses.

June 1 – 6th Spending:

Groceries: $166.00 (a two-week shop)
Eating Out: $5.00
Hair Cut and Color: $120.00 (includes tip)
Charitable/Spontaneous giving: $200.00
Ticket: $97.00 (expired state inspection — good grief I deserved this one!)
Car Maintenance and state inspection: $694.00
Household: $38.04 (kitchen towels, oven mitts, and cleaners)
Auggie: $22.00 (shampoo, conditioner, and dog toy)
Clothes & Accessories: $297.69 (a new shirt and two new wallets!)
OTC meds: $21.00 (Tylenol/Advil)

Total weekly spending: $1,660.73!!!

Wow. $791.00 of the $1660 was my car. Because I hardly drive these days, I totally missed getting the state inspection, which was due last October. I totally deserved that ticket, and quite frankly was embarrassed that it had expired 8 months ago! I definitely dropped the ball on that one. My car was due for maintenance and ended up needing a few things, hence the $700 bill.

The other large expense category $300. Some of you who have been following me for a while know I have a weakness for purses and wallets. And, after getting the news about my foot, I was feeling sorry for myself. No excuses, just the truth. I wanted to replace a wallet that was worn out, so I purchased the same one online. I found a coupon code, so I thought I was a savvy shopper. ;). A few days later, I started thinking about a wallet my sister had given me that she purchased in Italy. I still use it, but it is smaller than what I usually use. So I started searching for Italian leather stores and found saw an absolutely gorgeous wallet on Cuoieria Fiorentina‘s website. Without a moment of hesitation, I purchased it. I guess old habits die hard. I may return the first one, but we will see once I have both in my hands. I wasn’t planning on purchasing either, so I guess this falls under the category of ‘impulsive’.

Everything else was spending as usual. I’m hoping this coming week’s spending will be a lot less.

Your turn. How was your spending this week? What are your plans for the summer?

Gratitude, Mom, Spending

Spending Update: May 8 – 14th (Hint: It’s not all about money…)

May 18, 2022 Sharon

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. Also, in order to see my true savings, I am also tracking items I was tempted to buy but didn’t.

This past week was a bit unusual for spending. I was visiting my Mom for Mother’s Day in New York, and brought her back to Virginia to hang out with me for a week. She needed the break from all the anxiety and stress that went with the decision to put my Dad into a Memory Care facility. It’s been a long road, but hopefully we are now on an upswing. It’ll never be normal again, but my Dad is getting the care he needs, and my (almost 90 year old) Mom is finally getting the rest she needs. I wanted to make this week special for her, so most of the spending was all about her.

My spending for May 8 – 14th:

Groceries: $206.65 (My husband did this shopping while I was away 😉 )
Travel Gas: $150.39
Eating on the road: $26.00
Eating Out in NY: $70.00
Mother’s Day Lunch w/Mom: $90.00 (My husband and I took her to a ‘fancy’ lunch)
Gifts: $40.00
Supplies for my Mom & Dad: $244.67
Coffee Machine filters: $20.84
Barnes & Noble: $30.00 (books on retirement, and membership)

Total: $878.55

That seems a bit high for one week, but money well-spent. No regrets this week.

My number one goal this week was not about saving money, but to give my Mom a very special week — a special Mother’s Day lunch out with a bookstore run, visits with my daughters and their children at their homes, watching movies and just hanging out. And, that is exactly what we did.

Below are some pictures I took of my Mom’s visit. She got to see her great-grandchildren (who absolutely ADORE her), Auggie (who wouldn’t leave her alone!), and make it to her my grandson’s First Holy Communion. As an added bonus, she met and chatted with our Bishop at the celebration party. Seeing her smiling and relaxed? Priceless.

As I said, this week was not about money. It was about family. And the realization of how truly blessed I am.

Your turn. How was your week?

No/Low Buy Update, Retirement Journey, Rising Prices, Spending

Spending Update: May 1 – 7th

May 9, 2022May 3, 2022 Sharon

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? 😉

Spending, Using cash, Credit Card Fraud, Cash Only

No online spending and cash only for now.

April 5, 2022 Sharon

We had just gotten back from a trip to NY when I checked my credit card account online. A strange charge from Walmart was showing up. A small amount – $5.58 to be exact. A small enough amount that no one would really notice. It was for a purchase ‘in store’ on a date I was nowhere near a Walmart. Previously, I was in a Walmart, purchasing groceries. I also purchased from Walmart online. Which is why this particular charge could have gone unnoticed.

This is not our first rodeo. Our Chase credit card has been hacked numerous times. With all its usage, it was bound to happen and most likely will happen again. (Thank you Chase for taking care of it so quickly!) Which is why I check all of my accounts every.single.day. Some might say this is overkill, but in today’s crazy world, it is totally necessary.

This is also why I do not use my debit card. It is just too risky. I prefer to give all the risk to the credit card company.

So, for the rest of April, I will be on a cash-only diet. No more online spending, online groceries, or anything I can’t pay with cash. And, once my new card arrives in the mail, I will be much more cautious about using the card. Cash really still is king. 😉

Do you check your accounts regularly?