May is our most awful month when it comes to expenses. It’s when property taxes, life insurance policies, car insurance, newspaper subscription renewals, and two birthdays arrive.
On top of a high expense month, we did some travel (gas money and food and entertainment costs), and shelled out more than $500 at the vet to fix our poor little dog’s teeth.
Let’s just say… the numbers were out of whack. Thank goodness for savings and emergency funds!
This is precisely why we live frugally – to be able to afford those surprise things (like the vet trip) and to enjoy travel opportunities when they arise. While this particular month is “off” in our budget, we’re doing fine overall, which tells me that we’re right on track with things.
I did a lot of stocking up this month – and it seemed like there were a lot of good deals. I saved $216.17 using coupons this month. It took a lot of planning, but I had a couple of trips in which I saved more money than my total out of pocket was. I love that.
I also spent some time going through the boys’ drawers and closets and clearing out the stuff that doesn’t fit anymore. I plan to sell what I can, and donate the rest. The good thing is that now I know what the boys need so I can do some informed garage sale hunting.
I still haven’t had time to even think about landscaping our yard or cleaning out the garage. I’ve been taking so much more time to enjoy the boys. Those other things can always wait.
In June, my plan is to cook at home more. We’ve been eating out a bit much… and not only are my pants getting tighter, but my wallet is getting skinnier. With all of the great farmer’s markets going on right now, there is no excuse not to eat better.
How did you do in May? What are your goals for the month of June?
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