East Coast Saver (Wink)

2018 has been a very challenging year. Thanksgiving this year reflected that I'm afraid. My brother and SIL always host Thanksgiving and we all usually have a wonderful time. This year I think everyone was just tired and stressed. We had a very nice meal, but it just seemed that people were a little edgy and snappy with each other. My nephew is still recovering from the stroke and he was tired and got a little frustrated with having trouble navigating the passing of food etc. When dinner was over we usually watch football well into the evening but this year people left earlier then usual. Then there was a misunderstanding that blew up on social media and resulted in hurt feelings. Sigh...I really hate it when people air family tussles on facebook.

We decided this year not to buy gifts for Christmas. There really is nothing I need or want and there aren't any young children in our family. I will still be hosting our usual Christmas Eve dinner and get together but without all the pressure of everyone trying to figure out what to buy each other! I think everyone was thinking the same way but no one wanted to be the first to say it. But when I suggested it to my brother he immediately agreed and then it just spread from there. I think everyone was relieved. We will focus on each other and being together over good food and company. Isn't that what it's supposed to about anyway?

I'm trying to find my holiday spirit and think about getting the condo decorated and my menu for Christmas Eve but it's just not there yet. Hopefully it will kick in soon. I usually love the holidays.

It is pouring down rain right now...I'm thankful it isn't snow!

Total Spending $1018.14

Total Savings: $3300 (not retirement, this is cash to savings account)

Here is a breakdown of October spending. My goal was to stay under $1000 for the month. Just a tad over this month.

Fixed Expenses
Verizon Bundle: 154.36 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: 59.37
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 20

Variables:
Utilities: 85.16
Gasoline: 34.91
Groceries: 180.03
Health: 142.52 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 101.32
Other: 27.52 (shopping)

Health included my cost of a medical test so this category was higher this month.

Dining out was high this month. I had several dinners out with friends! (and a few drinks).

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

Finally some good news. My nephew who had the stroke was released over the weekend, and he is home. He is able to walk with a cane, but has not regained the use of his right arm and hand. He will continue with in home physical therapy. We are all just thankful he is home and continues to make progress. I feel like I can breathe again.

Time to get back on track with watching my budget. I took a quick look at October spending and I think I'm doing well this month so far. It finally got cold in my area and the heat kicked on one time overnight but I'm still pretty much in that sweet spot where I don't need much heat yet. Time for me to get some things ready for the work week. I hope everyone has a good week!

Total Spending $1046.43

Total Savings: $2000 (not retirement, this is cash to savings account)

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

Fixed Expenses
Verizon Bundle: 153.52 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: 59.29
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 40

Variables:
Utilities: 98.56
Gasoline: 35.60
Groceries: 240.21
Health: 60.56 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 41.77
Other: 103.97 (This includes McAfee yearly renewal and some gifts for my nephew in the hospital)

This was a pretty good month for spending. I was just over my goal. With everything going on this month I thought my spending would be higher.

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

The last few weeks have been so busy. My nephew who had the stroke is now in inpatient rehab and is working hard on regaining the use of his right side. He is working so hard, and has a great attitude, but it's very hard. I go to see him as often as I can to provide him with support and help him with his exercises. They really encourage family members to be involved. In addition, his mother (my sister in law) is having health issues so my poor brother is just stretched way too thin. I've been helping him with some basics around the house, just trying to keep things somewhat manageable for him. Work continues to stress me out and I'm pretty wiped out. I took a sick day today to get some of my own chores done, like laundry, and grocery shopping and cleaning. Then a much needed nap! I still need to update my September spending which I'm sure is way out of whack with all the eating out and just not having the energy to pay much attention to the budget.

I have been reading the blogs when I can, and I'm wishing everyone who is struggling with their own challenges some strength to get through. Life can be really difficult at times!

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

I was having a conversation with my niece about finances over the weekend. She and her boyfriend are trying to save more, so I gave her a few tips that work for me. One was to find frugal ways to have fun. On Friday night after work, I joined a few friends at a local park where a free music festival was being held. There were also vendors selling various crafts and art items, and food and drinks. It was a nice evening weather wise and we had so much fun strolling around and listening to the music. I spent $10 on a pulled pork sandwich and a lemonade. On Saturday I spent the day with my best friend. She works at a grocery store and has rare weekends off, so we took advantage of a free Saturday for her by going to various antique stores and thrift stores in her area. I didn't buy anything because I didn't need anything, but we loved browsing. We spent the day catching up on life, and belly laughing more times then I can count. She lives in a more rural area and we stopped for lunch at an out of the way place we hadn't tried before. I got the best BLT with garden fresh tomato, crispy thick cut bacon, on home baked fresh bread. It came with cole slaw and a pickle and was delicious! With a drink and tip I spent $11.47. We also stopped at a few farm stands and purchased some corn on the cob, tomatoes and peaches. My Friend paid for mine as she owed me some money I had lent her a while back. I spent a few hours on Sunday at my brother's and had lunch there, and the conversation with my niece. I had a fantastic weekend, and only spent $21.47. Overall a very fun and frugal weekend! I am off work this week, using up some vacation time and I intend to try and and keep the frugal fun going all week!

Total Spending $930.79

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

Fixed Expenses
Verizon Bundle: 146.47 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: 59.29
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 40

Variables:
Utilities: 94.77
Gasoline: 37.03
Groceries: 226.65
Health: 0 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 67.56
Shopping: 46.07

I had a credit this month on my Verizon Bundle. They did an upgrade on the cabling in our entire complex and everyone had to schedule a tech to come and upgrade the cable connection to fiber optics inside our units. My first appointment was a no show, so I got a credit.

This was a good month for spending and I was able to stay below my goal.

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

I had a rather quiet weekend. Yesterday it poured rain almost all day so I stayed home and did some cleaning and other chores. I went through a box I had in the closet of collectible angel figurines my mom had given me. I'm still undecided on what to do with them. They probably have some monetary value, and lots of sentimental value so for now I will keep them. I did get together a box of other random things to donate to the goodwill and will drop them off this week after work. Today I did some cooking, reading, and relaxing. I find I really need peaceful, calm Sundays to prepare myself for the work week. Work is just such a drain these days.

In my last paycheck I got my annual bonus. Since I am at the top of my pay range I no longer get % of salary increases. Instead, I receive a once yearly bonus. This year it was $1200. After taxes I realized about $830. This went straight to savings. I cashed out $125 from SwagBucks so far this month. I decided to just set up a PayPal account and start getting cash instead of gift cards. Not sure yet if I'll just send this savings or use it to pay a bill this month.

I made up a mixture of the blue Dawn dish soap and vinegar. I put it in a spray bottle, shook it up, and used it to clean my shower. It really works! I've been meaning to try this out for a while and finally got around to it. My shower was sparkling clean!

I have possible jury duty this week on Wednesday. My # seems to be right in the middle of the range so I'm hoping to not have to go. I wont know until the day before.

Not too much else happening. Have a good week all!

I received my yearly property tax bill of $3157.49. I save for this so I have the money ready in my account.

We had a wonderful 4th of July. My brother and I jointly hosted a party and had a great turn out with friends and relatives. Even though it was still pretty hot we still managed to play some yard games and cycle in and out of the house for some air conditioning when needed.

My brother and his wife have decided to move south to the Northern Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area within the next year or so. They are both retired, and have been mulling over moving to warmer climates and a place that is more financially friendly to retirees. After lots of traveling to various destinations, they decided this was the best fit for them. Their adult son will also be going. We had a very long talk and I'm seriously considering joining them in a few years after I retire. My brother and I are very close, and I would want to retire close to family. I would miss my friends very much, but they can always come and stay with me for long visits! It's very exciting to think about. I've been there a few times for vacations and have always loved the area as well. When we were breaking the news to everyone at the July 4th party, my cousin and his wife also expressed interest! It would be so fun for all of us to be together after we retire!

I have had this week off from work and have thoroughly enjoyed being off. My retirement countdown app says I have 1 year, 9 months, 25 days, 9 hours, 49 minutes and 5 seconds.... (not that I'm counting or anything)!

Not too much else to update. Time to head out to run a few errands. Have a good weekend everyone!

Total Spending $1234.80

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

Fixed Expenses
Verizon Bundle: 172.71 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: $51.38
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 60

Variables:
Utilities: 77.12
Gasoline: 29.95
Groceries: 272.82
Health: 10 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 68.08

Shopping: 221.44 (household items, make-up, clothes)
UPS shipping package to mom: 18.35
Ticket: 40

This was a 3 paycheck month and I did some shopping. I also sent $3000 to my savings account, so I'm OK with a little shopping this month. My grocery bill was so high due to pitching in with my brother for a 4th of July party we are jointly hosting this week. I could have put this in July spending but I already bought the food so I'll just include it now. I also had 2 other gatherings I went to with friends and brought desserts and other potluck contributions.

I got a $40 speeding ticket. Ooops! It was mailed to me, looks like I was traveling a bit too fast on the beltway and got a camera ticket. I think this is my first ticket in like 20 years!

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

I confess. I have a stockpile. I estimate I have a good six months worth of TP, paper towels, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, trash bags, batteries, tissues. I don't stockpile a lot of food though. And I purchased all of it with Swagbucks gift cards, so it was all free. My best friend teases me about it (good natured kidding). I got to thinking why I do it. Some people talk about being influenced by parents or grandparents who were effected by the depression. In my case, I think it was the last great recession. I saw so many people come into the career center who had lost jobs, were going to lose their homes, who actually felt they were doing things the right way by having a six month emergency fund but who still could not find employment and were running out of money. It was heartbreaking and it also scared me. I set my mind to paying off my house so I wouldn't be homeless. I saved up a very large emergency fund just in case I ever lost my job. When I recently bought my car I payed cash so I wouldn't have a car payment. I think stockpiling things gives me a certain sense of safety. It's all neatly organized in my storage room. I guess some would call it odd, but I just like having it. Anyone else profoundly effected by a particular economic circumstance?

I took a week of vacation time this week. It was "use it or lose it" and I certainly wasn't going to lose a full week of vacation time. So I have been thoroughly enjoying a staycation. It's been wonderful to be able to sleep in, enjoy some lazy mornings, catch up with some retired friends over lunch, and get some things done. I marveled the other day at how quickly I was able to complete some errands because there were no lines! I was in and out at the bank, the grocery store, JC Penny for a return, and the car wash at the dealership.

June is a 3 paycheck month so that extra check will go to savings. I redeemed $61.99 in credit card rewards (cash) and a $9.11 check for a faulty product reimbursement. I did some shopping today for some much needed household items and spent $65.67 at Target so that was about equal to the cash in.

Not much else to report. Work continues to be challenging but I'm staying out of the drama and tussling as much as possible. Day by day! Overall life is good and I'm happy and content.

Total Spending $1125.35

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

Fixed Expenses:

Verizon Bundle: 172.71 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: $59.35
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 0

Variables:
Utilities: 61.63
Gasoline: 36.24
Groceries: 239.25
Health: 78.80 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 15.60

Mom's Medications: $177.82
Dryer vent cleanout $70

The $70 dryer vent cleanout is a required maintenance item by the condo board, agreed upon by the owners. A company comes in and professionally cleans out the dryer filter in the dryer, they remove the tubing that vents to the outside and vacuums that out and reattaches it to the wall, and also vacuums out the vents on the outside of the building. Dryer fires are one of the leading causes of home fires and I'm glad this is required. We have it done once every two years. Please remember to clean out your vents!

Every so often my mom needs some help paying for her medications so my brother and sister and I always chip in. That expense put me over my goal of staying under 1000.00 per month, but that's ok.

I still need to get my grocery spending under control, so I'm following Lucky Robin's lead and will be using the envelope system for June. I get $175 firm!! It's just too easy to go in and swipe the card.

I haven't updated in a while, I've just been so busy at work and time just got away from me. But I do always read the blogs.

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

Total Spending $907.86

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

Fixed Expenses:

Verizon Bundle: 172.71 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: $16.99
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 20

Variables:
Utilities: 95.98
Gasoline: 29.03
Groceries: 228.16
Health: 5.70 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 36.34
Tax prep and Financial review: $90.00

My cell phone bill reflects a credit I had due to an error on the purchase price of the new cell phone.

The $90 tax prep fee includes a yearly review that my friend (CPA) does for my retirement accounts. Money well spent.

My grocery bill is still too high. This continues to be a struggle for me so my goal for May is to stay below $200. Should be able to easily do this if I just plan and focus more. I just really dislike grocery shopping.

Overall April was a good month!

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

The weather was sunny but still chilly this weekend. One of the things I really enjoy is having my morning coffee out on my balcony on the weekends. I'm an early riser, even on the weekends, and I love enjoying the quiet before the hustle and bustle starts. So I spent some time cleaning up out there, washed everything down, cleaned the patio chairs and table and put out the indoor outdoor rug. Now I just need it to warm up enough to enjoy it!

Financially, I'm having a good month. I spent $715.97 so far this month and will only need gas and probably one more small grocery shop for some fresh veggies, fruit and bread. All other bills are paid. I took some chili out of the freezer for lunches this week, and have a pretty stocked freezer for dinners.

As I was thinking about the upcoming work week it struck me how many people I saw for appointments last week who were in the 50's - 60's age ranges and having trouble finding full time employment. A common theme seemed to be age discrimination. These were people with solid educations and work histories, who had been laid off (seemingly for no reason beside their age) and just could not find work. It's so prevalent in todays work culture. It's frustrating and discriminatory and almost impossible to prove. I just wish I had an answer for them.

Hoping everyone reading has a good week!

April is going a whole lot better then March so far, financially. At mid month I've spent right around $650.00, and all of my usual bills are already paid for the month. I'll probably need to get gas before the end of the month, and some groceries but don't foresee any other spending. I should easily come in under my spending goal of $1000.00 for the month.

I received the $200 bonus from the Chase credit card offer for spending $500 in 3 months. The total rewards amount was actually $208.13. I also cashed out for another $50 Swagbucks CVS giftcard. It's nice to have these extras coming in.

The weather in my part of the east coast was absolutely gorgeous on Friday and Saturday! Spring finally showed up for a couple of days, although POOF, it's gone today. Back to being chilly and rainy. Yesterday I went to my brother's for a cookout. It always feels like spring when we can break out the grill for hamburgers and dogs! We had a great time relaxing in the backyard enjoying the weather and food. I was sent home with leftovers that will take care of a few dinners this week.

Two of my friends and I have been meeting after work a few days a week to mall walk. The weather has been too crappy to walk much outside so we meet up and do some laps inside the mall. It's really a good exercise routine that includes going up and down the steps, but offers benches if we poop out and need a seat! Every now and then we will get a healthy smoothie afterward for dinner.

Work continues to be so challenging. I'm really trying to just stay out of the drama as much as possible, but am determined to retire from full time work there in 2 years. I will not be flush with cash in retirement, but I'm also not going to be afraid of living on a modest budget to be happier.

Wishing everyone a very happy week ahead!

It's back to work tomorrow after a wonderful week off for spring break. I was able to get some things crossed off my to do list and also have some frugal fun. I took my car in for an oil change, tire rotation and filter change. This maintenance is free from Toyota at the dealership where I purchased the car. I also had the door edge guard replaced (free under warranty) on the passenger door because it had come loose at the top. I also had the HVAC at the condo yearly service done at no cost because it's covered under the service plan I have. So not technically free but no additional cost.

I made a crockpot of chili today, and will be having this for some lunches and dinners this week. I froze about half for future meals. I also had some leftover chicken tortilla soup I made on Saturday for a potluck dinner I hosted on Saturday. It was a casual get together with my friends and everyone brought something. We played a few games and had a great time.

After my very expensive March, I am really watching my spending carefully this month. I went out to lunch once this week, and met some friends for drinks one evening but only had one glass of wine. The week really flew by.

The weather has still been quite chilly but we should be warming up this week, finally!

I hope everyone has a great week!

Total Spending $4091.62

Here is a breakdown of March Spending. My goal was to stay under $1000 for the month. Way over!!!!

Fixed Expenses:

Verizon Bundle: 172.85 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: 0 (new phone contract starts in April)
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 40

Variables:
Utilities: 80.35
Gasoline: 66.83
Groceries: 279.37
Health: 74.78 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 114.93
Shoes: 63.59

One Time Expenses
Condo Insurance (full year) 458.00
New Cell Phone: 480.00
Water Pik: 63.57
Cell Phone Accessories 103.00
Taxes: 1807.00
AARP renewal (year) 74.00

Some notes: My grocery and eating out categories are very high due to buying groceries for my cousin and his wife, and getting take out while I was at their house after the car accident. I also had to fill up my gas tank twice due to traveling to their house. He has offered to reimburse me, but I'm not considering it. I'm worried about them financially, so I'm just counting it as caring for family. They would offer to do the same for me.

I splurged a bit on a nice case for the new phone, a screen protector, an extra charger, and having the store transfer my information from my old phone to the new one.

My dental hygienist recommended that I get the water pik, and I can already see and feel a difference. A good investment in oral health!

Taxes: Yikes! I'll be making some adjustments!

So, overall a very expensive month, but I had the $$ saved for the condo insurance and I was able to cash flow the taxes. I'm looking forward to a much less expensive April!

I had a wonderful Easter with family today. And I have this week off for spring break!

Have a great week everyone!


Some other notes:
*My condo is paid in full, no mortgage.
*My car is paid off, no car payment
*No Credit card debt

My Verizon Bundle includes a premium sports package.

Condo fee includes: water, trash removal, snow removal, all outside building maintenance, landscaping and a master insurance policy.

March has been very expensive. I owed more then expected on my taxes, I bought a new cellphone (mine finally died) and needed to purchase a waterpik (on the advice of my dental hygienist). I get very regular cleanings but still get a tartar build up in between.

My cousin and his wife were in a serious car accident. They will be ok, but he has a badly broken arm and neck and back strain, and his wife suffered 2 broken ribs and neck and back strain. They are back at home after a few days in the hospital, and I took off a few days work last week to help them. They live about 45 minutes away, so I just stayed over at their house instead of driving back and forth. I made sure they had groceries, prepared a lot of meals to freeze so they could easily just heat and eat, and got the house clean and laundry done. They are feeling a little better every day, and thankfully have some good friends and neighbors who are also assisting them.

I only work Monday and Tuesday next week, then I have 2 vacation days off and then spring break! So, 12 days off total! I'm looking forward to relaxing and also tackling my ever growing to do list.

I spent more money then usual this month on eating out and gas money when I was at my cousin's but I'm not worrying about it. Sometimes life happens and we get off track a little!

I did open the Chase (AARP) credit card to earn the $200 cash back after spending $500 in 3 months. This will help offset the cost of the new phone. I also cashed out of swagbucks for a $50 CVS gift card.

I'll post the final (ugly) numbers for March when the month closes out. I'll get back on track in April!

Have a great week everyone!

Every payday I sweep money into my savings accounts. I have what I call an escrow account (just a regular savings account) from which I pay my yearly property taxes, car insurance and condo insurance when they come due. I currently have just over 16k in this account, which covers about 3.5 years of those expenses. I also have my emergency savings account, which stands at $27,500. I'll update my retirement accounts in a future post.

My $1000 a month spending budget was established mainly to see what I could live on each month to pay my bills and have some fun. It's a somewhat tight limit, but I wanted to see if it was reasonable. So far so good, although I will go over this month.

My 6 year old, Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone is on its last legs. This was my first ever smart phone. It has served me well, but it's time for a new one. I decided on the Samsung Galaxy S7. Not the newest model, but it meets my needs. I had to order it so as soon as it comes in to the Verizon store I'll update on the final cost with taxes and fees.

Since my savings accounts are pretty flush, I have decided to start pushing my savings into an account to remodel my master bath. I want to have the tub removed and convert it to a walk-in shower, replace the tile flooring which is cracking in several places, and probably replace the vanity and sink. I have a second full bath with a tub so there will still be one if needed. I'm not a big bath person anyway, preferring showers. I think summer of 2019 gives me plenty of time to save for this so that will be my goal. I do intend to age in place in this condo, and the walk-in shower will be easier to maneuver in and out of in the future. And I want to have it done while I'm still working and have the income.

I did some CVS shopping this morning. I stocked up on tissues, fabric softener, TP, Paper towels, toothpaste, and a 12 pack of diet sprite. The total before coupons and extra bucks was $34.30. I had $17.50 worth of coupons and extra bucks to apply, so my total came to $16.80. I used a swagbucks CVS gift card to pay the balance so this purchase was free. And I earned another $9 of extra bucks to use on a future purchase.

I'm spending the rest of my Sunday relaxing, and just getting some things ready for the upcoming week.

Have a good week everyone!

This month is already starting off spendy. I renewed my yearly AAA membership, $74, a pair of shoes I had on backorder finally came in, $63.59, and another medical bill for $35.14. It's very doubtful I'll stay under my 1000.00 spending goal for the month, but this will happen from time to time.

I went to CVS to stock up on a few more things I was running low on. 4 bottles of laundry soap, 4 boxes of tissues and a case of water. I spent $22.75, but paid with a swagbucks, CVS gift card so this purchase was free.

I had some yearly lab work done recently and my Vitamin D level came back extremely low. This may explain a few things. My doctor gave me a script for a very high dose Vitamin D that I take once a week for 6 weeks and then we will recheck it.

Things at work continue to be challenging, so I'm really planning on retiring from full time work as soon as I can. I'm 57, and the earliest I can retire and receive the health care subsidy from the college is age 59.5. So I'm saving as much as I can so I can cut back to part time work. I had planned to work full time until 62, but I'll have to see how things go.

We had a fierce windstorm on the east coast over the weekend and many lost power. There are trees and power lines down everywhere. I am very fortunate that I did not lose power and sustained no real damage at my condo complex.

I'm finished getting ready for the week's start. My lunch is packed for tomorrow, my clothes are ironed for the week, and the kitchen is cleaned up after dinner. Have a great week all!

Total Spending $974.07

Here is a breakdown of February Spending. My goal was to stay under $1000 for the month. Did it!

Fixed Expenses:

Verizon Bundle: 172.85 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
Cell Phone: 65.44
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 20

Variables:
Utilities: 106.22
Gasoline: 33.67
Groceries: 147.21
Health: 111.47 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 69.26
Haircut and tip: 35.00


Some notes:
*My condo is paid in full, no mortgage.
*My car is paid off, no car payment
*No Credit card debt

My Verizon Bundle includes a premium sports package.

Condo fee includes: water, trash removal, snow removal, all outside building maintenance, landscaping and a master insurance policy.

My health costs were high due to bills from the pneumonia. I still anticipate a few more next month. I'm really happy with my reduced grocery spending. I stuck to my meal plan and used up things from the pantry and freezer. I did dine out a bit more then usual but still came in under my monthly spending goal.

I ordered some trash bags (80 count), deodorant (quantity 5) and Clorox toilet bowl wand refills (quantity 20) from Walmart online today. Total was $36.27 but I used a Swagbucks, Walmart gift card to pay for it. And shipping was free if you spend over $35. So this purchase was free. This will last me quite a while. I like to stock up!

Spending a quiet Sunday getting ready for the upcoming week. It's rainy and gloomy here again, so a good day to stay in and read, nap, and relax.

Have a good week everyone! And continued thoughts are with Thrift. She's been on my mind today.

With all of my standard bills paid already for the month of February, I am left with $141.75 for the rest of the month to stay below my goal of $1000 spending for the month. I have one more doctor's appointment this month so that will be a $10 co-pay, and dinner plans next Saturday, but it's just at a local pub so that will be minimal spending. I have a full tank of gas, and the fridge and pantry are pretty well stocked so other then some minimal grocery shopping I shouldn't have much other spending. I have a Wal-Mart gift card I can use for food if necessary.

Things at work are still difficult. But, I am determined to go in and try my best to enjoy my day, and my work with students, and try and ignore the politics and sniping. I'm too close to retirement to leave, and would never be able to find another job with my salary and benefits at my age, so I'll stick it out and focus on the positive!

I have decided to forgo a big vacation this year, I just don't want to spend the money, and honestly I'm just looking forward to relaxing and having a staycation this summer. My ex-husband and I travelled extensively when we were married, and I just don't have the travel bug anymore. I'm glad to have travelled as much as I did when I was young, and was able to walk endlessly, and explore, and didn't mind roughing it a little. I do like to take some local weekend trips, but I don't like flying anymore so I'm content with that.

It's snowing here on the east coast, but I don't expect more then a few inches, and it's supposed to warm up again tomorrow so any accumulation will melt pretty quickly.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!

Total Spending $990.87

Here is a breakdown of January Spending. My goal was to stay under $1000 for the month. Did it!

Fixed Expenses:

Verizon Bundle: 172.85 (Internet, home phone, cable)
Monthly Condo Fee: 185.00
HVAC and water heater maintenance contract: 27.95
Pocket money: 20

Variables:
Utilities: 119.95
Gasoline: 30.30
Groceries: 237.82
Health: 55.60 (scripts and co-pays)
Dining Out: 28.26
Shopping: 113.14 (clothes and sheets)

Some notes:
*My condo is paid in full, no mortgage.
*My car is paid off, no car payment
*No Credit card debt

My Verizon Bundle includes a premium sports package (not giving it up)

Condo fee includes: water, trash removal, snow removal, all outside building maintenance, and landscaping

In other news, I had a follow-up chest x-ray and doctor's appointment and I'm happy to report I am all clear from pneumonia! I'm feeling so much better. I am expecting some medical bills to come in in February but the spending goal remains the same, to stay under $1000.00

I am finally feeling better after my bout with pneumonia. I had another chest x-ray on Friday, and see my doctor for a follow-up on Wednesday. Hopefully I'll get the all clear.

I cashed out some swagbucks today, $50 Walmart GC and a $50 CVS GC. I also redeemed $38.82 in cash from credit card rewards. And I received a $50 check from my fantasy football league winnings. I came in second place this season!

My monthly spending is at $771.43 so far. My goal is to stay under $1000 a month. Since my condo and car are paid off this is a reasonable spending goal. At the end of each month I'll post a breakdown.

I spent 65.71 at Ulta yesterday. I was almost completely out of make-up. I don't wear a lot and this will last me quite a while since I stocked up. I used a gift card I received for Christmas to pay for it so no money out of pocket. I also went out to dinner last night with my brother and SIL and spent $18.59.

Today has been a much needed quiet day at home. I did some laundry, cooking for the week, and general cleaning. Now I'm relaxing watching the football games!

Have a great week everyone!

My new year did not start out very well. What I thought was a cold, then thought was the flu, was confirmed through a chest x-ray as pneumonia. So I've been off work most of last week, and will most likely be out this coming week. Thank goodness for a lot of accrued sick time, and decent health insurance. I'll have some bills coming in from the initial urgent care visit so not sure what the total damage is yet. So far I've only had to pay $20 for 2 scripts and a $10 co-pay for a follow-up appointment. The only good thing is that I haven't been able to go out and spend any money!

It has been terribly cold in my area of the east coast with wind chill temps below zero. I'm sure my utility bill will be higher then usual as a result.

My main financial goal for 2018 is to diligently track my spending each month. I really need to do this to get a real picture of my yearly spending so I can plan better for what I'll need when I retire.

My other goal is to post my numbers here at the end of each month, and check-in more frequently. I do read the blogs every day.

My continued thoughts go out to Thrift and her family.

I've really been struggling at work. I committed to filling in as the Interim Director of Career Services for 6 months, and was given a 3% salary increase. I have never wanted to go into management and was very happy with my job as a career counselor. But we lost a lot of staff to retirements and reassignments, and some people got jobs at other colleges and we were really in a bind, so I agreed to it when asked by my boss.
The endless meetings, driving all over the beltway to our other campuses, and the double talk and outright disrespect displayed by upper management has really worn me out. I informed my Dean last Friday that when my 6 months is up (early January) I will not be extending this interim position for another 6 months and will instead go back to my job as a career counselor. Needless to say she was not happy. I will also forfeit the 3 % salary increase, which is fine with me.

So I am recommitting to watching every penny spent (I've been a little lax lately, but nothing too crazy). I want to start living on a monthly budget that I have worked out that I have estimated that I will need when I retire. My retirement plan so far is to retire from full time work at 62 (in about 5 years) and work part time. It's still a plan in progress. My health insurance will be subsidized by the college so that cost will be somewhat reasonable. I'm just really tired of working!

We decided to cancel our vacation to Myrtle Beach South Carolina because of hurricane Irma. We were due to leave on Saturday, and we were waiting until today to make a final decision, and then we saw the announcement by the Governor of South Carolina that mandatory evacuations from coastal areas would go into effect at 10a.m. Saturday.

While we are disappointed, it pales in comparison to people who will likely lose everything. This is only a cancelled vacation. My prayers go out to everyone in the path of Irma.

Fortunately, we have trip insurance. It clearly states that money will be refunded if there are any mandatory or voluntary evacuations in place due to weather. There is a slight deduction for an administration fee but we will see most of our money back for the condo we rented. We were driving, so no airline issues.

Please keep Florida, and any other states in the path of this storm in your thoughts or prayers.