Here are our budget results for September via Quicken:
We did fine overall in most areas including Gas, Dining Out, and Groceries. I try to drive as little as possible these days, and use public transportation for school. Our entertainment bill was $50 less this month, because of our requested cable bill reduction, and the fact that they bill one month ahead and applied the discount retroactively to last month’s bill.
The big jolt was the flight and some travel incidentals on my trip that we didn’t budget for. But coming in under in the other areas softened that hit, and I’m satisfied with this month again. We also re-covered our dog-stained couch ourselves (ok, my wife did it – props to her!) so that was a nice savings on something we needed done before the parents come by for Thanksgiving. Having that done by a pro would’ve been pricey.
I really enjoy reading your blog…I truly admire you for what you are trying and doing…
Don’t you have any utilities bills/property taxes/insurance? How do you cover these? What about housing?
Thanks for the kind words =)
Of course I do! The categories shown above are my Target Areas, which I choose to focus on. My housing costs, for example, are very constant and I can’t really change it without moving.