There have been a string of serious health issues in my family the last few weeks. My mom, who is now 92 and lives with my sister half way across the country was in the hospital for 2 weeks. She's back home now, but it was dicey for a while there. There was a lot of uncertainty about if I should travel there, and it was a lot of "wait and see" but just when I was planning to go she turned the corner and rebounded. Then my sister-in-law had a hospital stay, she's also OK now thank goodness. But I think the worst was my nephew, who is only 38 years old, had a minor stoke. He's still in the hospital, but doing well. Hopefully there won't be any lasting damage. Sitting in hospitals is just so draining, and the constant worry about my family has just been exhausting. I took a sick day off from work today so I could get caught up on some things, then head back to the hospital to visit my nephew.

I haven't been paying much attention to my spending the last few weeks, but more stopping for food and gas money I'm sure.


In a previous post I talked about possibly relocating to the Northern Myrtle Beach, SC area when I retire in a few years. I'm watching the possible effects of Florence on that area and it's really frightening. I'm just not sure I could handle that threat, having to evacuate, possibly losing my home etc. I'm well north of there now, so those plans may be changing. Just not sure yet.


That's about it for me. I'll try and drop in more often again when things settle down. Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Total Spending $1048.35

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

Fixed Expenses
Verizon Bundle: 153.91 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: 59.29
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 20

Variables:
Utilities: 97.36
Gasoline: 37.30
Groceries: 251.35
Health: 77.19 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 75.41
Other: 63.59

I attended 2 birthday parties this month and had some friends over for dinner, so my grocery spending is high. I took food to both of the parties.

My health category includes 90 day refills on 3 scripts.

The "Other" category includes shipping cost to send a package to my mom and a gift card for one of the birthdays.

This was a pretty good month for spending. I was just over my goal.

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