Income Total: $1675.00
* $1500 Recurring monthly retirement account distribution
* $175 Swagbucks and My Points earnings (cash out to PayPal)
Total Spending: $1471.83
Total Savings: $203.17 (difference between monthly income and monthly spending)
Fixed Expenses:
Verizon bundle (internet, cable, home phone): $174.51
Cell phone: $60.03
HVAC and water heater contract: $27.95
Condo Fee (includes water) $190.00
Health Care: (includes health, dental, vision, prescription plans) $476.37
Variables:
Utilities: $109.48
Gasoline: $0
Groceries: $220.94
Health: $54.37 (co-pays, scripts refills, vitamins and personal health care items)
Take Out food: $0
Shopping (on-line): $125.34 (Clothes, free shipping)
Priority Mail Charge: $12.84
Cash Withdraw: $20.00
* Condo is paid in full
* Car is paid in full (2017 Camry)
* No other debt
*Notes: I exceeded my goal of spending $200 for groceries each month by $20.94. Some of the clothing I purchased was a need, some were just wants. My gasoline spending continues to be very low since retirement and staying in more due to COVID. My utilities cost is a bit higher then last year, also due to being at home more.
February 28th, 2021 at 08:16 pm 1614543372
February 28th, 2021 at 08:26 pm 1614544013
I saw your priority mail cost. It is just crazy how much it costs to mail stuff anymore. I mailed two packages for Christmas on November 30 and it took 39 days for them to get to their destinations. One was two hours away from my house and one was across the country, but they arrived within a day of each other. I was not a happy camper.
February 28th, 2021 at 10:56 pm 1614552994
I think we really have to look at the postal system - most of what I get in the mail goes straight in the trash. I am at the part of my life when I think about who will have to dispose of my things, and I made myself throw away years and years worth of cards - for the most part, I am now sending greetings electronically. My bills come electronically and payment is automated...
I would be happy with mail delivery three days a week but I know most people hate that idea. But it would reduce costs and we could adjust, I think.
February 28th, 2021 at 11:44 pm 1614555883
March 2nd, 2021 at 04:00 pm 1614700825