Hey, my title phonetically rhymes if not the same letters! August was a killer financially, but it actually will leak hard into September. Here's a list of one off purchases that will be on our September Visa bill and the rough cost:
MacBook Air, Office Software and accessories $1,050
Swiss Gear Back Pack $80
Car repair $350
Eyeglasses $270
Retainer and ortho work $270
Pizza and food for cabin weekend $175
Endless additional Amazon, Target, and Walmart purchases $$$$$$
Well over $2500 above our normal spending. Some will get reimbursed through my medical flex account and we set aside money for car issues each month. The computer was DD2's gift, and I'd like to say the cabin weekend was our entertainment and eating out for August, but really, it was well above and beyond, even if planned. As I roll up August, it will look positive, but a slight illusion. In July, we banked nothing because of the timing of a few checks didn't happen until August. September we will be back to a July result-enough to cover all the expenses in cash flow, but doubtful we will tuck anything away.
But, I'm not unhinged or even very annoyed. We used our money to support both physical mental health and well being, set our daughter up right for success, and won't tap backwards into savings to pay the bill. We could move money out of the car fund and the medical reimbursement checks will be deposited when they arrive. The computer hopefully is a one time purchase for her college years as well as so many of the odds and ends bought right before moving her. As much as we will need to belt tighten, I have to look at the months of August and September as life transition costs. We'll have more of these in the coming years; the experiences will be priceless.
I agree, some months are just like that. Perhaps in September, you'll be able to reduce some budget categories, as it willj ust be the two of you in the house.
ReplyDeleteI already feel like our budget will be better. I am fie eating little bits of leftovers, and making something a little nicer for DH for when he gets home. We'll have less gas (we provided 1 tank per month), no school lunches or last minute "needs."
DeleteA college education is an investment.
ReplyDeleteSo is orthodontia, though I was not fortunate enough to have it. I remember griping about my teeth once, and my (very European) father said, "Braces or college, your choice, but it you go to college, you just might be able to afford your orthodontic work. Besides, you have a beautiful smile."
I offered all my kids into braces. Two oldest sons went through the braces, then that was it...they refused retainers, follow up. The caveat was that we weren't going to pay for further treatment if they became unhappy with the results. In all honest, second eldest was miserable in braces--I finally offered the chance to remove them about a year in. Going back, I never would have had him have braces. DD is great about her retainer, and youngest DS, though he hates them, is somewhat stoic. When I offered him the chance to remove them after a grueling adjustment, he said words to the effect of "Then what was the point of all this?"
She had been good about the retainer, but the new one was made as the old wasn't quite fitting right, which probably caused some of the issue of the permanent one needing to be reattached to one tooth.
DeleteI bought a Swiss Gear backpack 8 years ago that we use for travelling - it still looks brand spanking new and has been to about 8 countries :) A good investment in my books. Although the exact amounts weren't known this was planned spending for you. The winter is a good time to be frugal, summer is so bloody difficult that way
ReplyDeleteWe bought one for DS in 2007-he bought a different type a few years later that worked better for his gear, but our older daughter took over the SG one. It still is usable. I figured the back pack was a wise investment.We'll be hitting soup season and baking season and I can really stretch the grocery budget.
DeleteGetting one into college is expensive and that is just the way it is. You will reach status quo in a few months my friend.
ReplyDeleteSome months are just like that. The main thing is you didn't take on debt to cover the expenses. You are also setting your daughter up for success, and you (almost!) can't put a price tag on that!
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