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Home > Mid Month Update and Some Changes

Mid Month Update and Some Changes

September 15th, 2021 at 10:23 pm

After reviewing my assets and expenses, I made a few financial changes: 

 

I reduced my monthly recurring retirement account distribution amount from $1500 to $1200. This will go into effect in October. After a thorough review of my investments by my sister who is a CPA and CFA, and independently by my friend and tax preparer, who is also a CPA, both made similar recommendationsMy basic bills are covered monthly by this reduced amount. I also consistently earn between $200 and $250 a month through Swagbucks and My Points. This amount will be used for any other expenses I may have each month. I feel confident I can continue to live modestly, but happily on this amount. 

 

I reduced my monthly Verizon bundle expense by dropping my land line phone that I wasn’t using. I also increased my internet speed. This reduced my monthly bill from $174.51 to $160.43, a savings of $14.08 per month. 

 

I contacted my cell phone provider (Verizon) to see if there were any discounts for my current account. I could save $5 per month if I signed up for auto pay, but for various reasons I prefer not to. I am considering switching providers, but I’m just not sure yet. I am very happy with my service, and since I dropped my land line phone it is important that my cell phone and service works well. I have heard both pros and cons about other providers. So, for now I am staying with my current provider and plan, even though it is more expensive than others. I may change my mind as I continue to investigate other choices. 

 

My grocery spending at mid-month is $42.50. The grocery give away from my senior center has had a real impact on my ability to significantly reduce my grocery spending this monthI spoke with the Director of the senior center, and she said this program is solidly supported and will continue well into the foreseeable future.  

 

I will continue to shop for deals, use senior discounts, use coupons and always search for ways to reduce my expenses.

 

Next up will be reviewing my car insurance and condo insurance plans.  

 

On the spending side, I purchased a backup wireless mouse and a phone charger. My electronics are now all new or newish, so I’m in good shape there.  

5 Responses to “Mid Month Update and Some Changes”

  1. LivingAlmostLarge Says:
    1631750060

    Sounds amazing that you can live so well on so little. Does your $1200 a month include the medicare premium and supplemental?

  2. Wink Says:
    1631754095

    LAL: I'm not old enough yet for Medicare. I get healthcare through my former employer. They pick up about 50% of the cost every month. I pay $480 per month for medical, dental, vision and prescription plan. It does come out of the $1200 per month. It's my biggest expense every month.

  3. Lots of ideas Says:
    1631757845

    Do you pay your insurance by check, or do you have the option to put it on a cash back credit card? It might be just a small savings, but it is a big amount in your spending. $50 is a nice amount for a treat…

    Same question with your Verizon bill. Does autopay include the option to put it on a credit card? You would save the $5 per month, plus get $1 cash back each month, and still control when you pay the actual bill. Another $72.

    I played around with what meals I could make from your grocery box and it was 22 lunches/dinners plus 36 snacks and a few weeks worth of breakfasts, Adding eggs, bread, milk got me ten more meals. That is a really great benefit,

  4. Wink Says:
    1631792058

    Lots Of Ideas: I do put my insurance payment on my cash back credit card so I do benefit from that. I just made a batch of delicious vegetable soup using the food items I received. I froze half and have several servings for lunches and dinners this week. It's kind of fun getting creative with what I have.

    GratefulSaver: Thank You! The key to making this work is having a paid off condo and car. Wow your property taxes are high! Mine are about $300 a month but, I have a dedicated savings account that I pay my property taxes from so that expense doesn't need to come from my monthly income. Thankfully I should qualify for an income based property tax break next year so it should go down.

  5. rob62521 Says:
    1632246516

    That's fabulous you can live on so little. You are to be commended for finding ways to save money. Glad that grocery give away happened and certainly helped your grocery bills.

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