Reviving this thread because it's taken me a full year to record a new monthly spending low. I managed to shave over $300 off last year's monthly low! Somehow for a family of 3 we only spent $1017 (not counting the mortgage payment, which is more than that amount I'm afraid, same as last year.) We weren't really trying not to spend, but the habits have just made it easy. Some of you do even better, and I know we can get it lower still with some more optimization!
And, of course, we are still living in the luxurious life here. Eating lots of good food, playing sports, watching DVD's from the library, and enjoying friends and family. I traveled a bit, bought some clothes and books for the children, and my elderly cat is still eating two cans of fancy feast per day. Some MMM-style optimization, low fall weather utilities, and the blessing of good health for everyone here helped, of course.
Has anyone else had a new low month in the past few months?