April was a rare month where my spending was higher than my income for the month. While I was only over by $87.03, and I have a very healthy emergency fund to cover it, I began thinking how easy it can be to fall off the “frugal” wagon and suffer from belt tightening fatigue. 

An unexpected dental bill of $102.40 was the main culprit, but I still did some shopping, dining out, gift giving and grocery stocking up while some foods were on sale (chicken). A few of the things I bought were wants, not needs. And while I am not really concerned about overspending a little one month, it just goes to show how easy it is to do. It seems to be getting harder and harder to balance staying out of debt, saving money, and still being able to enjoy life.

I know I’m not alone in feeling frustrated with inflation, the continued rising costs of food, and other consumer goods. Not to mention gas prices, utility costs, and well, pretty much everything!  

Here is my monthly spending update for April:

I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things this morning and checked on the price of eggs. An 18 count of large store brand eggs was tagged at $4.15. Yikes! Just 10 days ago on 4/4 the price was $3.39. That’s an increase of .76 cents in just 10 days! They were well stocked though so no shortages yet.  

My store is still running the club card deal where you can get an 18 count of store brand large eggs for just .99 cents when you use 100 club card points. I bought 2 cartons of 18 back on 4/4 to stock up and paid just $1.98 for both. I’m glad I did! I really wonder if they will continue to run this deal. I usually have an egg every morning for breakfast but now I am having oatmeal a few times a week instead.  

I also usually buy Hellman’s mayo as my preferred brand, but it was up to $4.99 (and I think that was a sale price). I bought the Weis store brand instead for $2.99 for the same size and it tastes just the same to me, so I’ll be purchasing that instead from now on. 

They are still running the ground meat deal, so I got one pack priced at $12.26 for just $2.71, and a second pack priced at $12.46 for just $2.75. I made a meatloaf with some of it and froze the rest. I also wonder how much longer they will be able to offer this club card deal too. 

Yesterday I put together 2 canned goods storage racks that I bought to organize my pantry. They are great! They are stackable and hold 36 cans each. They were really easy to assemble, are pretty sturdy and are angled so when you take a can out from the front the rest of the cans roll forward. I also wrote the use by dates in black marker on the cans so I can easily see them. Love it! 

My brother and I went out to lunch yesterday, my treat. We always have fun and good conversation, and it was nice to get out on a beautiful, warm sunny day. The weather here hit the mid 80’s yesterday with the same for today, then it will plummet and get chilly again over the weekend.  

My cousin and his wife are having us all over for dinner on Easter. It’s been a while since the whole family has been together, so I am looking forward to it.  

I also did my first senior center volunteer free grocery delivery to the seniors who are unable to drive or have no transportation. I just text or call them when I am on my way. 2 of the ladies were out on their front porches so I got to meet them (at a distance and masked) and chat for a few minutes. They were so nice, and it was such a pleasure to be able to help them. The other 2 people did not come out, so I left their groceries at their front doors. I really enjoy doing this and will continue for the foreseeable future.  

I hope everyone has a great day and upcoming weekend!