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Archive for July, 2018

July Spending

July 29th, 2018 at 05:33 pm

Total Spending $930.79

Here is a breakdown of July spending. My goal was to stay under $1000 for the month.

Fixed Expenses
Verizon Bundle: 146.47 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: 59.29
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 40

Variables:
Utilities: 94.77
Gasoline: 37.03
Groceries: 226.65
Health: 0 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 67.56
Shopping: 46.07

I had a credit this month on my Verizon Bundle. They did an upgrade on the cabling in our entire complex and everyone had to schedule a tech to come and upgrade the cable connection to fiber optics inside our units. My first appointment was a no show, so I got a credit.

This was a good month for spending and I was able to stay below my goal.

* Condo is paid in full
* Car is paid in full (2017 Camry)
* No other debt

Sunday Update

July 22nd, 2018 at 08:05 pm

I had a rather quiet weekend. Yesterday it poured rain almost all day so I stayed home and did some cleaning and other chores. I went through a box I had in the closet of collectible angel figurines my mom had given me. I'm still undecided on what to do with them. They probably have some monetary value, and lots of sentimental value so for now I will keep them. I did get together a box of other random things to donate to the goodwill and will drop them off this week after work. Today I did some cooking, reading, and relaxing. I find I really need peaceful, calm Sundays to prepare myself for the work week. Work is just such a drain these days.

In my last paycheck I got my annual bonus. Since I am at the top of my pay range I no longer get % of salary increases. Instead, I receive a once yearly bonus. This year it was $1200. After taxes I realized about $830. This went straight to savings. I cashed out $125 from SwagBucks so far this month. I decided to just set up a PayPal account and start getting cash instead of gift cards. Not sure yet if I'll just send this savings or use it to pay a bill this month.

I made up a mixture of the blue Dawn dish soap and vinegar. I put it in a spray bottle, shook it up, and used it to clean my shower. It really works! I've been meaning to try this out for a while and finally got around to it. My shower was sparkling clean!

I have possible jury duty this week on Wednesday. My # seems to be right in the middle of the range so I'm hoping to not have to go. I wont know until the day before.

Not too much else happening. Have a good week all!

Property Taxes and Possible Move

July 6th, 2018 at 07:13 pm

I received my yearly property tax bill of $3157.49. I save for this so I have the money ready in my account.

We had a wonderful 4th of July. My brother and I jointly hosted a party and had a great turn out with friends and relatives. Even though it was still pretty hot we still managed to play some yard games and cycle in and out of the house for some air conditioning when needed.

My brother and his wife have decided to move south to the Northern Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area within the next year or so. They are both retired, and have been mulling over moving to warmer climates and a place that is more financially friendly to retirees. After lots of traveling to various destinations, they decided this was the best fit for them. Their adult son will also be going. We had a very long talk and I'm seriously considering joining them in a few years after I retire. My brother and I are very close, and I would want to retire close to family. I would miss my friends very much, but they can always come and stay with me for long visits! It's very exciting to think about. I've been there a few times for vacations and have always loved the area as well. When we were breaking the news to everyone at the July 4th party, my cousin and his wife also expressed interest! It would be so fun for all of us to be together after we retire!

I have had this week off from work and have thoroughly enjoyed being off. My retirement countdown app says I have 1 year, 9 months, 25 days, 9 hours, 49 minutes and 5 seconds.... (not that I'm counting or anything)!

Not too much else to update. Time to head out to run a few errands. Have a good weekend everyone!

June Spending

July 2nd, 2018 at 12:39 am

Total Spending $1234.80

Here is a breakdown of June spending. My goal was to stay under $1000 for the month.

Fixed Expenses
Verizon Bundle: 172.71 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: $51.38
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 60

Variables:
Utilities: 77.12
Gasoline: 29.95
Groceries: 272.82
Health: 10 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 68.08

Shopping: 221.44 (household items, make-up, clothes)
UPS shipping package to mom: 18.35
Ticket: 40

This was a 3 paycheck month and I did some shopping. I also sent $3000 to my savings account, so I'm OK with a little shopping this month. My grocery bill was so high due to pitching in with my brother for a 4th of July party we are jointly hosting this week. I could have put this in July spending but I already bought the food so I'll just include it now. I also had 2 other gatherings I went to with friends and brought desserts and other potluck contributions.

I got a $40 speeding ticket. Ooops! It was mailed to me, looks like I was traveling a bit too fast on the beltway and got a camera ticket. I think this is my first ticket in like 20 years!

* Condo is paid in full
* Car is paid in full (2017 Camry)
* No other debt