I love the start of a new year. I love the feeling of optimism and the ideas of fresh starts.
And my budget sure liked the new year, too!
I started the month off with a new resolve to spend less money eating out. Thanks to the Eat from the Pantry Challenge, I not only shaved $300 off my eating out this month, I also lost 5.5 pounds!
I just couldn’t bring myself to give up stockpiling, so my grocery spending was only slightly less than usual. But I was able to keep a tight reign on my purchase of personal care items and household items, so there was a savings there, too.
Our clothing expenditures took a big jump from last month, but for good reason. I spent the month stocking up on winter clothing and gear for my boys when it was on clearance, and also scored some great deals on pants and shirts for them for next fall and winter.
The biggest thing I’ve noticed when reviewing our January budget is my shift in attitude. I am so proud of how much we were able to cut back on eating out that I’m determined to carry that forward.
I have noticed a new attitude as I approach the dinner hour. Rather than dreading it, it’s now a challenge to see what I can come up with without resorting to convenience meals or last minute grocery store runs.
February is a short month – but we have two birthdays and Valentine’s Day in there, so it will be a challenging one for our budget.
For now I’ll just keep on keepin’ on.
How was your January? What goals do you have for your February budget?
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