I get really excited about transitioning from one month to the next because it means that I get to reset the budget. Looking at November’s budget was beginning to stress me out, namely because we spent quite a bit more than anticipated.
The biggest expense by far was purchasing any last minute necessities and luxuries. Jeff and I don’t exactly see eye to eye on what items fit in those respective categories. I’m hoping that each of these purchases will incrementally contribute to our overall quality of life. A lot of them are more “domestic” in nature…meaning they pertain to our daily chores and well being (mostly of the culinary variety) rather than maintaining Serenity’s well being (though we bought a lot for her as well). Even though the two are undoubtedly linked, it’s good to strike that balance.
Expenses that weren’t in our budget were:
- A trip to the vet to get an international health certificate for Tack.
- Sending the doctor (autopilot) on sabbatical to Nashua, New Hampshire.
Like most people (I expect) I have a tortured relationship with money. I hate spending money…it can be physically painful at times. But, also like most people, I enjoy things (and experiences) that cost money.
Working to make money (and watching the dollars accumulate in our bank account) went a long way towards ameliorating the heartache I inevitably endure when spending it. Now that we are spending far more than we are bringing in, however, it’s time to redefine our relationship. I’ll ponder that one and write about it some other time.
Well, without further adieu, here’s our November budget. So glad we get to start all over! We’ll be in Mexico this time next week and hopefully living on the cheap(er)?
One word. Yikes.