I was super worried when I went to check the monthly numbers because it feels like we have been spending money like crazy.  Turns out it wasn’t too bad though ($4877) despite my going crazy buying gifts for Oliver.  For more details please see below.  I made enough to cover the expenses and even put a little in savings.

Campgrounds – $675 is our monthly rate at the KOA which is super reasonable for this area.  Definitely going to adjust the budget some for next year.

Groceries – We went to Costco and spent $251 which is why this month was so high.  No way around it Costco really isn’t a bargain for us but we love their steak, chicken, and toilet paper so we keep going there.   I just started a calorie tracker app and I am watching my calories daily so we will see if this makes the grocery bill go up or down.

Dining Out – We went over by $250 in this category.  Variety of factors for that including buying meals for other people.  The main problem with this is that we can’t eat out without really taking a hit in calories.  Lee and I both felt it in the wallet and the pocketbook this month which is a good reason to be very specific about when we eat out.

Truck Fuel – Pretty good in this category.  We have gone back and forth to my daughters (30 minutes each way) multiple times a week and we have gone down to the ocean several times as well.

Health Insurance – This is zero now because I cancelled our AHA plan and we are now on the company plan.  They haven’t started taking it out of my checks yet due to a clerical error but once I get the amounts I will start putting them in.

Clothing – This amount was for work clothes for me.  I took advantage of some sales to stock up on work clothes.  I should have everything I need at this point, although I can always use more shirts and will continue to be on the lookout for sales.

Personal Care –  We went over by $200 in this category.  That includes some medicine we had to buy, the gym membership, and numerous other small items.  I definitely need to get into more detail on next years budget.

Gifts – I know , I know it’s crazy but it’s been 4 years since I have really been able to splurge on people guilt free.  My thought process was share the wealth and we have done that.  There will be even more next month and that is a conscious decision we made together.

Home Equipment – We went over by $200 in this category as well buying.  We took advantage of sales to buy some things for the house and Lee spent $100 buying a monitor lift for me so that I can work from the dining room table.

We are going to continue to watch our spending and try to sock some money away.  Lee has found a summer job he is excited about and that will bring more money in as well.   It’s definitely a balancing act to loosen the reins a little bit and not go completely crazy.  We are committed to holding each other accountable as we have always done.

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