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Archive for October, 2018

Quick Update

October 22nd, 2018 at 12:52 am

Finally some good news. My nephew who had the stroke was released over the weekend, and he is home. He is able to walk with a cane, but has not regained the use of his right arm and hand. He will continue with in home physical therapy. We are all just thankful he is home and continues to make progress. I feel like I can breathe again.

Time to get back on track with watching my budget. I took a quick look at October spending and I think I'm doing well this month so far. It finally got cold in my area and the heat kicked on one time overnight but I'm still pretty much in that sweet spot where I don't need much heat yet. Time for me to get some things ready for the work week. I hope everyone has a good week!




September Spending and Savings

October 7th, 2018 at 12:23 pm

Total Spending $1046.43

Total Savings: $2000 (not retirement, this is cash to savings account)

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

Fixed Expenses
Verizon Bundle: 153.52 (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: 98.56
Gasoline: 35.60
Groceries: 240.21
Health: 60.56 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 41.77
Other: 103.97 (This includes McAfee yearly renewal and some gifts for my nephew in the hospital)

This was a pretty good month for spending. I was just over my goal. With everything going on this month I thought my spending would be higher.

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

Catching Up

October 3rd, 2018 at 07:32 pm

The last few weeks have been so busy. My nephew who had the stroke is now in inpatient rehab and is working hard on regaining the use of his right side. He is working so hard, and has a great attitude, but it's very hard. I go to see him as often as I can to provide him with support and help him with his exercises. They really encourage family members to be involved. In addition, his mother (my sister in law) is having health issues so my poor brother is just stretched way too thin. I've been helping him with some basics around the house, just trying to keep things somewhat manageable for him. Work continues to stress me out and I'm pretty wiped out. I took a sick day today to get some of my own chores done, like laundry, and grocery shopping and cleaning. Then a much needed nap! I still need to update my September spending which I'm sure is way out of whack with all the eating out and just not having the energy to pay much attention to the budget.

I have been reading the blogs when I can, and I'm wishing everyone who is struggling with their own challenges some strength to get through. Life can be really difficult at times!