:::: MENU ::::

Nov 30, 2012    |       13 comments

Allergies

by

I think I once shared that I spent a lot of money each month on Claritin D.  I was taking WAY too much of that medicine to combat wonderul Texas allergens.  At $1 per pill, it was adding up.  And that’s not even taking into consideration the time it took to go to the pharmacy, show ID, and get the meds.  So, I finally got around to getting a prescription for generic Flonase nasal spray.  WOW!  What a difference!  I’m 30 days in at this point and Claritin is a thing of my past.  A generic 30-day supply of Flonase costs me $5 so I’m saving $25 per month!  As I used the medicine this morning and then packed my gym bag, I thought I’d share that it is a wash! Save $25 on the medicine, spend $25 at the gym.  AND I feel better without all of that sudafed in my system and I’m getting healthier at the gym! 

I’m literally chuckling out loud as I type this thinking of those readers who “admire” my “justification” skills.  🙂 

Happy Friday!

Nov 29, 2012    |       55 comments

November

by

I have updated my debt balances and now I provide a rundown of my basic monthly expenses.  I’m sure there will be places I can still cut but I have to say that looking at where I came from just 9 months ago, I’m pretty proud of what I’ve cut out on the homefront. 

 Today’s post will tell you what I pay to keep my household running and meet consistent monthly obligations.  This does not include groceries or the incidental spending money I carry (which I have reduced as well). 

I currently bring home $3282 per paycheck, every other Friday.  Please bear in mind this will reduce after January 1 because of new withholdings for insurance and taxes and such.

Rent:  $1795

Utilities: $150 (budgeted amount but it is running around $80-$100 right now, peaks near $300 in the summer.  I have been rolling over the extra.)

Water:  $50

Cell:  $70

Internet:  $32

Life Insurance:  $32 ($500,000 policy)

Insurance (Renters and Auto):  $75

After School Care:  $195

Piano Lessons:  $90

Gym: $25

TOTAL:  $2,514.00

I will explain my automobile situation when my divorce is final. 

My minimum credit card payments on the three outstanding debts totals $1070.  I paid an additional $1,100 this month.  I had way too much debit card bleed in the month of November (like $500 worth of bleed  🙁 )  It all comes from not planning, not being prepared and then just plain ol’ frivilous spending.  I hope to do better in December. That’s going to be a challenge and not b/c I go crazy buying gifts but b/c things get SO busy with the kids, family AND at work (everyone wants settlement $ for the holidays) that I do not have time to plan well.  That is the KEY and in these final days of November, as I’ve dissected my spending, I have to focus on planning for December!

So, taking the $2,514 and adding the $1,070 in minimum payments we have a total of $3,584.  I have about $2,000 in my checking account right now and tomorrow is payday.  I am currently hesitant to sink that into debt b/c of the divorce situation.  That checking account money is separate from my emergency fund.  I just moved it to an account that I do not have a debit card for b/c I am NOT doing well on the debit card front!!!

Now, talk amongst yourselves.  😉

1 … 1,158 1,159 1,160 1,161 1,162 … 1,951