fbpx
:::: MENU ::::

Aug 31, 2024    |      0 comments

Hope’s Actual Spend – August, 2024

by

I posted my forecasted spend for August back in July here.

And now that we are at the end of the month, this is my report on actual spend.

DatePayee/CategoryAnticipated AmountActual Spending
08-01-2024Groceries / Hygiene / Dogs / Gas-590-514
08-01-2024Income79257950
08-02-2024Auto Insurance-1460-1460
08-02-2024Credit One 2-50-1,102
08-02-2024Personal Loan 2-500-500
08-02-2024Pest Control-80-80
08-03-2024Mortgage ($200 principal only)-1215-1015
08-03-2024TX to Savings-790-188
08-03-2024Investments-350-280
08-03-2024TX to TRV SAV 1387-5000
08-03-2024Taxes, SS, Medicare (30%)-2550-2550
08-04-2024Amazon CC-60-54
08-04-2024City Utilities - varies-150-95
08-07-2024Auto - Maintenance-1000
08-09-2024Electric - varies-250-358
08-10-2024Income - varies440242
08-14-2024Verizon-350-365
08-15-2024House (estimated)-350-637
08-20-2024Kids Payments1215115
08-20-2024Frontier CC-130-124
08-26-2024Windstream-71-71
Unplanned
Incomesold an old iPad300
Princess Tuition-1,071
Oral Surgeon for Princess-400

Notes

I will explain the large difference in the kids’ contributions in a future post. But I anticipate receiving several hundred more dollars of that in the next week. Beauty’s car purchase came with some unplanned expenses so she needed to delay her payment.

Unplanned Expenses

There were a couple unplanned items like Princess school costs. She received far less in financial aid grants due to my increased income in 2022. So rather than have her take a loan for that, I just covered it. I am so grateful that I was in a position to do so.

We did visit a oral surgeon with the goal of getting Princess’ wisdom teeth out this fall. We’ve known this was needed for some years, but she’s not prioritized taking the time to get it done. It is now made itself a priority with the pain caused by their growth. All 4 are impacted, coming in sideways and none have broken through the gums. All of my kids have had this done except for History Buff.

Varying Utilities + Heat

My electric bill was WAY HIGHER than expected. But then again, the heat has been merciless. We are on month two of $350+ electric bill. Praying that it drop considerably in September. It’s definitely been a little bit cooler here lately.

Lower Part Time Income

You will see that my part time income was even lower than expected. The manager has been struggling with controlling labor costs so she specifically asked me to have regularly scheduled staff handle many of my typical in store duties. That was fine with me, but did result in less income.

But I was able to sell an old iPad for $300 so that helped offset that drop. I continue to identify things to sell and have a list of things that I plan to list in the next couple of weeks. It’s just taking the time to get photos and do the research on what price to list them at.

I have plans to sell my inherited collection of antique cameras and some furniture next. (The kids have all had ample opportunities to express their interest in having or inheriting anything, but other than that, I am still very much in purge, minimalist mode.)

I don’t think there was anything else unexpected here. I already wrote about how I decided to pull my savings and pay off the credit card instead.

 

Aug 29, 2024    |      1 comment

Prioritizing Self

by

My whole life has changed. I’ve hinted at it, written about it, cried about it…all the things.

But for the first time, I think ever, I come first. And for some reason that I can’t pinpoint, I really started taking, taking care of myself seriously about 2 months ago. Don’t get me wrong, I dabbled a bit in self care over the years, off and on. But never consistently.

But now…it’s a daily focus. Every day. First thing.

hope sitting at a local lake with her dog

Every morning, I’m up before the sun. And at the lake with a dog. We are walking. I am listening to music, podcast, talking to God. Screaming. And then sitting and just breathing.

Those who have read my life here all these years know that I have been through all sorts of ups and downs. Many of my own making, some completely out of my control. I always put what I believe was best for my kids first. Truly nothing else mattered.

But now…now it’s about me. What’s best for me. Walking clears my head. Being proud of 10,000 steps before 7am starts out every day strong. And when I get home, I sit with God and I ask for wisdom, a clear path. Then I dive into the day beginning with reviewing my finances before work.

I’ve finally started to decide on some things for “post kids to support” which will officially be a thing a year from now. Princess will have graduated, have a full time job (she’s got a post-grad offer with a fantastic salary,) and be paying all her own bills.

I have decided to go to Texas this next month. I’m driving and leaving the trip open ended, but expecting to be there 2-3 weeks. I can work from anywhere so no challenges there. My life is changing. I’m ready for it.

And God, I love my mornings at the lake. (And I’ve learned that going so early with nothing planned for hours makes all the difference in the book. It’s me time and I’m not rushing it for anything or anyone anymore. It’s me time.)

1 2 3 … 1,854