What We Spent in April
We did really well on our budget this month, coming in below budget on every spending category but one. Here's the numbers:
|
Category
|
2018 Budget
|
April Budget
|
April Spending
|
|
Jan-Apr Spending
|
Jan-Apr Budget
|
|
Groceries
|
$ 5,500
|
$ 458
|
$ 421
|
|
$ 2,082
|
$ 1,832
|
|
Property Tax
|
$ 5,400
|
$ -
|
$ -
|
|
$ 2,896
|
$ 2,700
|
|
Car
|
$ 4,000
|
$ 169
|
$ 51
|
|
$ 2,323
|
$ 1,276
|
|
Travel
|
$ 3,500
|
$ 292
|
$ -
|
|
$ 278
|
$ 1,164
|
|
Bills/Utilities
|
$ 3,500
|
$ 292
|
$ 257
|
|
$ 1,634
|
$ 1,164
|
|
Household
|
$ 3,000
|
$ 250
|
$ 196
|
|
$ 815
|
$ 1,000
|
|
Dining Out
|
$ 2,200
|
$ 183
|
$ 374
|
|
$ 1,102
|
$ 733
|
|
Home Improvement
|
$ 1,500
|
$ 125
|
$ 30
|
|
$ 433
|
$ 500
|
|
Gifts
|
$ 1,500
|
$ 125
|
$ 100
|
|
$ 312
|
$ 500
|
|
Entertainment
|
$ 1,300
|
$ 90
|
$ 20
|
|
$ 420
|
$ 360
|
|
Clothing
|
$ 1,100
|
$ 92
|
$ -
|
|
$ 165
|
$ 367
|
|
Cash Withdrawals
|
$ 1,000
|
$ 83
|
$ -
|
|
$ 300
|
$ 333
|
|
Home Insurance
|
$ 700
|
$ -
|
$ -
|
|
$ 725
|
$ 700
|
|
Personal Care
|
$ 450
|
$ 38
|
$ -
|
|
$ 170
|
$ 150
|
|
Healthcare
|
$ 400
|
$ 33
|
$ -
|
|
$ 1,125
|
$ 133
|
|
Charity
|
$ 200
|
$ 17
|
$ -
|
|
$ -
|
$ 67
|
|
Fees
|
$ 150
|
$ 13
|
$ -
|
|
$ 147
|
$ 50
|
|
Total
|
$
35,400
|
$
2,259
|
$
1,449
|
|
$
14,927
|
$
13,029
|
What We Bought in April
Car
As usual, we bought fuel for our vehicles and a couple small parts for our truck. Those included new rear sway bar bushings and a bracket that supports the running board. What really helped this category this month was the refund we got for the Miata's insurance, which lowered the total by $143. We also got a random $50 refund on our Sonata premium. I don't question that kind of thing; I just cash the check.
Bills/Utilities
This was the first month this year our water bill didn't include irrigation water, thanks to some much-needed rain. That meant our water bill was $45 instead of ~$200. Hopefully, we can keep that bill low as we approach summer with our new and improved front yard.
Household
We bought fewer random household items than usual this month. What we did buy included a fancy adapter to hook up a giant, old Apple Cinema Display and a kiddie pool and art supplies for Frugal Babe.
Dining Out
This was the one category in which we overspent in this month, but it was a special situation. I spent $200 to join the beer club at a local brewery. Before you revoke my Frugal Card, I need to explain how this is a long-term, money saving investment. As a member, I'm entitled to fill a 64 oz. growler for just $5 for life. If you're not aware, it typically costs about $20 to fill a growler, so it won't take me long at all to recoup my investment.Home Improvement
We bought some more flower seeds for our back yard. Our seed scattering has had pretty limited success so far because we haven't gotten much rain. Hopefully things improve in the future.
Credit Card Rewards in April
We received $120 in credit card rewards last month, bringing our total cash rewards to $350 for the year.
How did you do on your budget in April? Let us know in the comments.
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