East Coast Saver (Wink)

Income Total: $1405.00

     * $1200 Recurring monthly retirement account distribution  

     * $200 Swagbucks and My Points earnings (cash out to PayPal) 

     * $5 Amazon credit through Swagbucks for a product review

Total Spending: $1222.79

Total Savings: $182.21 (difference between monthly income and monthly spending) 
 
Fixed Expenses: 
Verizon bundle (internet, cable, home phone): $170.57

Cell phone: $59.90
HVAC and water heater contract: $29.95 
Condo Fee (includes water) $190.00 

Health Care: (includes health, dental, vision, prescription plans) $476.37 
 
Variables: 
Utilities: $82.56
Gasoline: $0
Groceries: $69.33
Health: $24.99 (co-pays, scripts refills, vitamins and personal health care items) 
Take Out and Dining Out: $13.56 (my share of cost of pizza for football gathering)

Shopping and Other Spending $105.56 ($47.69 was a Christmas gift, the rest was clothes)

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

Notes: The monthly food distribution I receive from the senior center has had a significant impact on my grocery spending. And, probably $20 of what I spent was on food for the family when they come over for football sundays (snacks and drinks). 

I am very happy that I was still able to save something with my lower monthly income ($1500 down to $1200 from my retirement distribution)

October Senior Center Food Giveaway (once per month) 

Just a reminder. This is not income based (not a food bank), the only requirements are that you are a member of the senior center, you live in the qualifying neighborhood zip codes, and are a senior (age 60 and up). None of the food is USDA (government subsidized). Everything is donated by local grocery stores and are store brands or name brands. Nothing was expired, opened, or damaged. Everything is aleady bagged up, they just load it in your trunk. I have no idea what I am getting until I get home and unpack it all. 

I got there right at the end of the distribution time and they still had a LOT of food left. I asked what they do with anything left over and she said they donate it to local churches that have food pantry’s.  

Here is what I received: 

5 lbs. of frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (amazing)! I searched around in my pantry and had everything I needed to make some BBQ crock pot chicken. I am using half the chicken for this. Yum! 

1 gallon of milk 

1 box of cereal 

1 box of hot wheat cereal (like oatmeal) 

4 cans of low sodium spaghetti sauce 

2 boxes of spaghetti pasta 

1 box of rigatoni pasta 

2 cans of sweet corn 

3 boxes of mac and cheese 

1 small package of instant mashed potatoes 

2 beef ramen noodle soups 

1 cup o noodles chicken soup 

1 box of graham crackers 

1 64 ounce bottle of apple juice 

2 cans of tuna 

1 can of green beans 

1 can of sliced potatoes 

1 can of diced tomatoes 

1 can of Beefaroni 

1 can of vienna sausages 

1 can of mixed vegetables 

1 large can of pork and beans 

2 cans of tomato soup 

1 can of mixed fruit 

1 can of unsweetened applesauce 

1 can of sliced peaches 

1 can of kidney beans 

1 can of sliced pears 

4 small jars of peanut butter 

2 jars of grape jelly 

4 small individual cups of apple sauce 

1 can of luncheon meat  

1 15 ounce bag of raisins 

1 (2lb) bag of brown rice 

1 (1.6 lb) package of instant non fat dry milk 

1 (6 pack) of bakery sandwich rolls 

1 loaf of unsliced bakery sesame bread 

1 (6 pack) of bakery sour cream cookies 

1 large pouch of Market Street Beef stew 

2 pouches of Market Street chicken (like canned chicken but in a pouch) 

2 toothbrushes 

2 rolls of TP 

2 bars of bath soap 

1 large (32 ounce) bottle of 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner 

1 tube of toothpaste 

I am VERY grateful for this program, and will be sharing with my family.

Income Total: $1700.00

     * $1500 Recurring monthly retirement account distribution  

     * $200 Swagbucks and My Points earnings (cash out to PayPal) 

Total Spending: $1475.14

Total Savings: $224.86 (difference between monthly income and monthly spending) 
 
Fixed Expenses: 
Verizon bundle (internet, cable, home phone): $174.51

Cell phone: $59.97
HVAC and water heater contract: $29.95 
Condo Fee (includes water) $190.00 

Health Care: (includes health, dental, vision, prescription plans) $476.37 
 
Variables: 
Utilities: $97.70
Gasoline: $39.84
Groceries: $105.58
Health: $61.82 (co-pays, scripts refills, vitamins and personal health care items) 
Take Out and Dining Out: $49.11 (most was birthday dinner for bff)

Shopping and Other Spending $63.10 (birthday giftcard for bff, wireless mouse, phone charger)

McAfee yearly renewal: $127.19 (multiple devices)

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

Notes: Starting in October my recurring monthly retirement account distribution decreases from $1500 to $1200. The dental expenses (ongoing) will be paid from my emergency fund, so I do not count it against my monthy spending. Likewise, I have a seperate savings account specifically for paying yearly property taxes, car insurance and condo insurance. Prior to retiring I funded this account for at least 10 years of payments. I do not count these expenditures in my monthly spending. Thanks to the monthly food giveway from the senior center, my grocery spending was a lot lower, and I expect it to be even lower in October. 

I went to CVS today and took advantage of the following deals:

Buy 2 name brand toothpastes for $7.98 

I used a CVS store card coupon for $7.98 off 2 of these toothpastes 

These were free, except for tax which was .48 cents 

Buy one name brand deodorant on sale for $2 

I paid $2.12 (.12 cents tax) 

Received a $2 CVS Extra Buck back to use on a future purchase 

I received a CVS app coupon to purchase any hair, cosmetic, or nail product up to a $5 value for free. I chose a bottle of name brand shampoo that was $4.29. This was completely free. 

I purchased: 

3, eight packs of name brand toilet paper (mega rolls, 24 total) 

1 pack of name brand tissues (48 count) 

After applying coupons and CVS extra bucks earned on previous purchases, I paid $5.15 out of pocket (.86 cents of that was tax) 

My receipt said this was a 91% Savings Value 

I also received a $10 CVS extra buck to use on a future purchase. 

Total out of pocket for all of these products (and tax) was only $7.75. And I received a total of $12 CVS Extra Bucks back to use for future purchases. 

Disclaimer: I do not work for CVS! 😊 

Last week I needed to go into the dentist and discovered that I had a cracked tooth. After 2 visits and some significant pain I am happy to say that I am finally feeling much better, with just some minor soreness. This not only physically hurt, but it hurt my wallet too. Even with decent dental insurance I’m still estimated to owe around $1200. A large portion of this is the cost of the crown I will need. It also includes another small procedure on another tooth and an upcoming cleaning.  

Fortunately, I have a healthy emergency fund to pay for this expense, so while I will put it on my credit card to earn cash back points, I can pay it off in full when the bill is due.  

I’m looking forward to having my family over tomorrow on Sunday for football watching and lunch. My cousin is bringing pizza and wings, and I’ll be serving homemade apple pie for dessert. We always have such a good time on our football Sundays. It’s a low-cost way to have a great time with family. 

The weather here on the east coast has turned cooler and I am loving it. It felt so good to open the windows and turn off the AC for a bit. Fall is my favorite season! 

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 recommendations. My 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 month. I 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.  

I mentioned in a previous post that my neighborhood senior center sent members an email notifying us they will be having a monthly food giveaway. The only requirements are that you live in the qualifying neighborhood zip codes and are a senior (age 60 and up).  I organized what I will be donating, keeping, and sharing. Here is what I received: 

Donate Items 

1 large (64 oz) bottle of Apple Juice  

2 small snack packs of Welch’s fruit snacks 

1 box of Farina hot wheat cereal 

2 boxes of mac and cheese 

1 can of cheese ravioli 

1 box of devil's food cake mix 

1 large box of instant mashed potatoes 

1 can of red kidney beans 

1 jar of grape jelly 

1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup 

1 jar (15 oz.) of Alfredo sauce 

Keep Items 

1 package of salted caramel cookies (from the bakery) 

1 individual pack of cheese crackers 

2 Quaker granola bars 

1 small snack size of Ritz cheese crackers 

2 packs of Ramen Chicken Soup 

2 cans of chunk light tuna 

1 box of graham crackers 

1 half of a bakery marble cake (gave this to my neighbor) 

1 can of white chicken 

1 package of Market Street Chunk Chicken Breast 

1 small can of Carnation evaporated milk 

2 cans of vegetarian beans 

1 box of Quinoa blend 

1 can of pears 

1 can of tomato sauce 

1 can of condensed tomato soup 

1 can of sliced peaches 

1 can of condensed vegetable soup 

1 can of diced tomatoes 

1 can of chili with beans 

1 box of honey nut cheerios 

1 box of rigatoni 

1 box of thin Barilla spaghetti 

2 lbs. of ground beef 

2 lbs. of American cheese (I will be sharing this with my brother) 

1 jar of peanut butter 

1 loaf of rye bread 

6 Kaiser rolls (gave these to bff) 

2.5 lbs. of frozen peas (gave half of these to bff) 

1 small chocolate parfait 

Personal Care Items (all keep) 

2 Palmolive bath bars 

2 rolls of TP 

1 tube of hand cream 

1 tube of lip balm 

1 large nail file 

1 pencil eye liner (gave this to bff) 

1 bottle of laundry soap (64 oz.) 

I large bottle of 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner 

75% of this was from my local grocery store chain; it was their store brand or still had their labels on it. Everything was very fresh, and nothing was expired. Some meals I have planned to make are pea soup, chili, grilled cheese and tomato soup, PB&J sandwich, tuna and chicken salad. I already used some of the ground beef to make some meat sauce for spaghetti. I had stopped buying ground meat because it is just too expensive now. 

It makes me very happy and grateful that the grocery stores in my area are donating food to the community instead of just dumping it in the dumpster. This will really help me to reduce my grocery spending. I will mostly just need to buy some fresh produce, eggs, and chicken on my next grocery trip. 

Income Total: $1829.00

     * $1500 Recurring monthly retirement account distribution  

     * $225 Swagbucks and My Points earnings (cash out to PayPal) 

     * $104.00 Credit Card Cash Back Rewards

Total Spending: $1411.13

Total Savings: $417.87 (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: $29.95 
Condo Fee (includes water) $190.00 

Health Care: (includes health, dental, vision, prescription plans) $476.37 
 
Variables: 
Utilities: $114.71
Gasoline: $0
Groceries: $153.35
Health: $70.00 (co-pays, scripts refills, vitamins and personal health care items) 
Take Out and Dining Out: $20.72

Shopping and Other Spending $52.49 (birthday gift for my brother)

Eye Exam: $69.00

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

I had challenged myself to stay below $160 for groceries this month and came in just under at $153.35. 

I went to CVS early this morning for some items. Here is what I purchased: 

2 Colgate toothpastes (these were 2 for $7.98, but CVS sent everyone a digital coupon for $7.98 off 2 to your CVS card, so these were free) 

1 pack of 4 Charmin TP (mega rolls) (on sale for $4.99) 

1 small bottle of Palmolive dish soap (on sale for .99 cents) 

7 cans of Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore tuna (on sale for .99 cents a can) 

5 boxes of Special K Cereal (on sale for $1.99 a box) 

After using coupons and CVS Extra Care bucks earned on previous purchases, and my $10 CarePass Bucks for the month, I paid zero out of pocket! The only thing I had to pay was tax of .54 cents. The Trip Summary on the bottom of my receipt indicates that I saved $62.54 for a Savings Value of 100%.  

I am well stocked now on personal care products and paper products, so I am focusing a little more on food items. With this purchase I am nicely stocked for breakfast and lunch for a few weeks. This really helps me to keep my grocery bills down as food prices keep rising.  

I received an interesting email from my senior center. It said that they will be doing a food give away this Wednesday for members of the center. They intend to do this once a month for the foreseeable future. This senior center was brand new and opened back in 2019 just a few months before Covid hit. Then it closed because of the virus. It reopened a few months ago before Delta, but I haven’t been visiting due to an increase in the positivity rate of late. I think I will take advantage of this though. Anything I receive that I won’t use I will donate back to the food pantry where I volunteer.  

Praying for everyone in Hurricane Ida’s path. We expect to have a lot of rain here from the remnants of the storm later this week.  

I went to CVS this morning and got a pretty good deal on these items: 

2 Lady Speed Stick deodorants 

2 Colgate Max Fresh Toothpastes 

After using coupons and CVS Extra Bucks that I earned on a previous purchase I paid: 

$3.46 out of pocket (includes tax of .77 cents)  

My receipt says that I saved $13.87 for an 83% savings rate. Plus, I earned $5 in CVS extra bucks to use toward a future purchase. So, I technically earned more than I spent. These are products and brands that I routinely use. 

At mid-month my total spending so far is at $1106.68, with only my cell phone bill and any grocery spending left for the month. I do have an eye exam appointment tomorrow and there will be some cost for that but not sure how much yet.  

I had challenged myself to stay at or below $160.00 total spending on groceries this month and so far, I am at $72.42. Right on track. I also already earned enough grocery club card points for another $5 off a $25 purchase coupon which I will use this coming week.  

On the fun side, I went to my brother’s last night to celebrate his birthday. We had pizza and cake and he opened his gifts and cards. Then we had a great time watching our NFL team win its first preseason game!  

After an oppressively hot week with temperatures near 105 degrees with the heat index, it is finally much cooler today, and it is predicted to stay cooler for most of the upcoming week. I’ll take it! 

I decided to do a grocery challenge for myself for the month of August. My goal is to stay below (or at) $160.00 for the month. Food only. 

On 7/31 I noticed that I had some grocery store club card points that were going to expire, so I ran over to the store and picked up a carton of 18 large eggs. These were priced at $2.49. After using my points, the cost was just .99 cents. I eat an egg every morning for breakfast, so I am set for a while. 

Total spent: .99 cents 

Total saved: $1.50 

On 8/3 I did my weekly grocery shop and spent $39.74. By using my club card and e-coupons I saved $7.50. I used a $5 coupon off any total over $25 that I earned from July’s points and $2.50 in e-coupons through the store’s app.  It really pays to just spend a few minutes here and there filling out the surveys at the bottom of the receipts to earn points, and by clipping the app coupons before I go.  I also earned 50 Fetch points by scanning in my receipt. I am almost halfway toward earning another $10 CVS gift card through Fetch. For anyone interested, my main grocery store is Weis. I think this is a mainly east coast grocery chain.  

Total Spent: $39.74 

Total Saved: $7.50 

I also did a pretty good deal at CVS on 8/1.  

I bought: 

4 cans of Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna (on sale, 4 cans for $5)  

2 packs of Cottonelle TP (9 mega rolls per pack, 18 rolls total) 

3 pack of Kleenex tissues (each box has 144 tissues).  

I used a combination of coupons, CVS extra bucks earned on previous purchases and a $10 CVS gift card earned through Fetch. And, I earned a $5 extra buck to use on a future purchase.

Total out of pocket spent: $5.18 (includes tax) 

My trip summary at the bottom of my receipt says that I saved $35.88 or a 71% savings rate.

I don’t know if people are interested in these types of small savings posts. I am pretty low income these days and these types of small savings here and there really help me. Maybe they will help, or interest others too.  

Income Total: $6545.34

     * $1500 Recurring monthly retirement account distribution  

     * $250 Swagbucks and My Points earnings (cash out to PayPal) 

     * $5919.34 Federal Tax refund

     * $336.00 Remainder of 3rd Stimulus check

     * $30.00 Medical Refund Check

     * $10 CVS gift card redeemed from Fetch

Total Spending: $3230.26

Total Savings: $3315.08 (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: $29.95 
Condo Fee (includes water) $190.00 

Health Care: (includes health, dental, vision, prescription plans) $476.37 
 
Variables: 
Utilities: $122.74
Gasoline: $35.45
Groceries: $169.90
Health: $25 (co-pays, scripts refills, vitamins and personal health care items) 
Take Out and Dining Out: $0

Shopping and Other Spending $1891.31 (includes new laptop, printer, virus protection, 2 year warranty, fridge repair, AARP renewal, Amazon purchase)

Haircut and tip: $55.00

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

I lumped all the random spending under "shopping and other" instead of a bunch of seperate line items. The medical refund check was unexpected, it was for 2, $15 co-pays. I'm happy with my grocery spending, I have been really making an effort to lower it in spite of rising prices.

I finally received my federal tax refund! It was e-filed back in early March. I received $5919.34, and of that the IRS paid me a whopping $37.34 in interest 😊. I also received the remainder of the last stimulus payment for $336.00. Because they initially based that payment on my 2019 tax return, I didn’t receive the full amount because I was still working in 2019 and my income was too high. They recalculated it based on my 2020 return once they finally processed it and sent me the rest. So, a grand total of $6255.34.  

Now for the spending. My refrigerator started leaking water every few days a few weeks ago from the bottom freezer drawer. Not a large amount but I needed to get it checked out. Turns out it was a defective drain that needed to be replaced. Cost for that was $270.13.  

I purchased a new laptop and laser printer. This was a planned purchase as I really needed an upgrade. My old laptop was limping along and my printer broke a while ago. I decided to invest this time in really good quality devices. I spent a total of $1855.92. This includes the laptop, printer, anti-virus software, and a two-year warranty. Set-up was actually easier than I anticipated. I’m fairly good with technology but certainly not an expert so I was relieved to only have a minor headache after everything was completely set up and working. I just love it so far! Well worth the investment. I paid for everything with my tax refund money. 

My sister and BIL left last week after their three-week visit. I miss them already, but I am glad to get back to my normal routine.  

The weather continues to be extremely hot for this time of year. We have been under excessive heat advisories with the heat index over 100 degrees for the past week. Certainly not as bad as what the west coast is dealing with but hot enough. I have been taking care of running any errands in the morning when possible and just staying inside the rest of the day. I am really looking forward to fall, my favorite season. Have a great weekend everyone! 

2021 Financial Goals  

These are the spending/income goals I set for myself for 2021: 

Here is where things are at mid-year: 

It's interesting to check in and see where I am at mid-year. It's easy to forget about yearlong goals, and how easy it is to get off track. This will help me re-focus and try to make at least some of those goals! 

Income Total: $21,775

     * $1500 Recurring monthly retirement account distribution  

     * $275 Swagbucks and My Points earnings (cash out to PayPal) 

     * $20K gift from my sister and BIL (totally unexpected, this goes straight to savings)

Total Spending: $1445.31

Total Savings: $20,329.69 (difference between monthly income and monthly spending) 
 
Fixed Expenses: 
Verizon bundle (internet, cable, home phone): $174.84

Cell phone: $60.05
HVAC and water heater contract: $29.95 
Condo Fee (includes water) $190.00 

Health Care: (includes health, dental, vision, prescription plans) $476.37 
 
Variables: 
Utilities: $75.43
Gasoline: $0
Groceries: $207.10
Health: $113.84 (co-pays, scripts refills, vitamins and personal health care items) 
Take Out and Dining Out: $85.93

Shopping (on-line): $31.80

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

I am a bit surprised that my spending wasn't much higher this month due to my sister and BIL visiting. Dining out is higher, but groceries were not. I had a really good earnings month from Swagbucks and My Points.

1 pen 

1 roll of paper towels 

2 rolls of Scott toilet paper 

1 pack of cheese and peanut butter crackers 

1 nature valley granola bar 

1 nutrigrain mixed berry bar 

1 quaker oats granola bar 

1 box of stove top chicken stuffing 

1 box of cereal 

1 1 pound bag of white rice 

1 box of pasta 

1 jar of Prego pasta sauce 

1 can of green beans 

1 can of mixed vegetables 

1 can of mandarin oranges 

1 can of ravioli 

1 can of chicken soup 

1 can of vegetable beef soup 

3 individual packs of quaker oats maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal 

1 reusable grocery bag 

Anything I don't use I will donate but I think I will use most of it. I had a pack of the oatmeal for breakfast this morning and it was delicious! None of the food items were anywhere close to expiration and weren't damaged in any way.

I also used some of the digital coupons I am now using from the grocery store app on some things I bought, saving me $6.56. Some of these coupons are pretty high value. I am determined to do everything I can to keep my grocery spending down in spite of rising costs. 

I also discovered that I can earn 100 grocery reward (store card) points just by going on line and filling out the customer satisfaction survey that is printed on the receipt. You can do this once every 7 days. It only takes about 2 minutes to fill it out. Points add up for the month and expire on the 4th of the following month. Points can be used for money off certain products, or, if you have 500 points to use you can get $5 off your next $25 purchase. You earn one point for every dollar you spend during the month, but these survey points make it possible for me to get up to that 500 point mark. I will certainly take advantage of the $5 off. 

None of these ways to save are new, but they were new to me because I just hadn't taken the time to look into all the ways I can save just by utilizing what was available to me from my grocery store ,their club card, and the app.  All of these small savings can really add up.

Income Total: $1837.47

     * $1500 Recurring monthly retirement account distribution  

     * $225 Swagbucks and My Points earnings (cash out to PayPal) 

     * $112.47 Cashback Credit Card Rewards

Total Spending: $1535.93

Total Savings: $301.54 (difference between monthly income and monthly spending) 
 
Fixed Expenses: 
Verizon bundle (internet, cable, home phone): $174.84

Cell phone: $60.05
HVAC and water heater contract: $29.95 
Condo Fee (includes water) $190.00 

Health Care: (includes health, dental, vision, prescription plans) $476.37 
 
Variables: 
Utilities: $70.53
Gasoline: $0
Groceries: $303.20 (see note below)
Health: $61.67 (co-pays, scripts refills, vitamins and personal health care items) 
Take Out food: $8.56

Shopping (on-line): $68.00

Personal: $44.76

CVS yearly Carepass renewal: $48.00 (see note below)

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

*Groceries were high due to having family over for dinner twice, and having friends over for brunch once. I also shopped on 5/30 and most of these groceries will be consumed in June, but I counted it in the month I made the purchase. It gets too complicated to take out grocery costs that are for entertaining, because I always have leftovers, and I use some things I already have on hand, like spices etc. I am just so happy to be able to entertain friends and family again!

* CVS Carepass Renewal: Once a year I pay $48 for a yearly renewal. For this, I get $10 a month in CVS Extra Care bucks every month automatically sent to my CVS member card, worth $120 dollars a year to spend on anything I want at CVS, free shipping on CVS brand purchases and a 20% discount on any CVS brand purchase. So I net $72 ($120 - $48) in free stuff every year just from the Extra Bucks. I have also started back up on my CVS couponing again, now that products I use are back in stock and on sale (paper and cleaning products).

Income Total: $1700

     * $1500 Recurring monthly retirement account distribution  

     * $200 Swagbucks and My Points earnings (cash out to PayPal) 

Total Spending: $1576.18

Total Savings: $123.82 (difference between monthly income and monthly spending) 
 
Fixed Expenses: 
Verizon bundle (internet, cable, home phone): $159.08

Cell phone: $60.05
HVAC and water heater contract: $29.95 
Condo Fee (includes water) $190.00 

Health Care: (includes health, dental, vision, prescription plans) $476.37 
 
Variables: 
Utilities: $88.09
Gasoline: $30.91
Groceries: $181.47
Health: $78.56 (co-pays, scripts refills, vitamins and personal health care items) 
Take Out food: $36.70

Shopping (on-line): $0

Car registration renewal: $135.00

Tax prep payment: $110.00 (My CPA friend prepares my taxes each year)

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

A pretty unremarkable month for finances, spending was low and I am very happy with my grocery spending for April.

Income Total: $3280

     * $1500 Recurring monthly retirement account distribution  

     * $200 Swagbucks and My Points earnings (cash out to PayPal) 

     * $1064 Stimulus

     * $516 State Tax Refund

Total Spending: $2155.54

Total Savings: $1124.46 (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: $29.95 
Condo Fee (includes water) $190.00 

Health Care: (includes health, dental, vision, prescription plans) $476.37 
 
Variables: 
Utilities: $106.49
Gasoline: $0
Groceries: $280.78 (I spent too much, no real reason why this is high)
Health: $82.02 (co-pays, scripts refills, vitamins and personal health care items) 
Take Out food: $0 

Shopping (on-line): $539.70 (treadmill, other)

Priority Mail Charge: $12.85

AAA yearly renewal: $75.00

Haircut, style and tip: $60.00

Ulta, Make-up stock up $67.84

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

Notes: Spending was up (mostly the treadmill purchase) but income was also up. I did not receive the full $1400 stimulus as they used my 2019 tax return earnings. They have still not processed my 2020 return even though it was electronically sent the beginning of March. 

I totally blew my grocery budget. I try to stay at or around $200.