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May 2, 2018

Spending Update - April 2018

It's been a long time coming, but we finally have some good news to share on our monthly spending report! Read on to see the details.

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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