March 2017 Budget Challenge!

[minimalistgamer]

So, we are nearing the end of February. The challenge here is to come up with a budget for March, and then stick to it. I know that there are no perfect budgets, and there will always be unforeseen expenses, but trying to anticipate as much as possible (within reason) and sticking to a plan is worth giving a shot. I am going to work on my March budget and post it here when I am done.

[frugalkristen]

Glad you started this thread!  I need to look at my March budget too.  Should be pretty lean but I'm finishing up a couple house projects (major impact - painting and tiling - not major money). 

[recklesslysober]

I need to be really careful in March. I'm getting my tax return and it's a large sum due to some credits I used this year. I have a tendency to think "I'm rich!" when really I should be paying off debt and saving.

[tarheeldan]

I'm in! I am going on a trip and have to pay for boarding, so $1,650 is my ceiling.

[JohnJohnson]

I am new here so what better way to announce myself then by joining a challenge.  I am in.

[10dollarsatatime]

I'm in!  It's been a while since I've closely tracked budget and I need to start again.  My paychecks finally normalized (long story), and I need to see how much I can push to my 401k.  (Already maxing a 457 and an HSA.) 

Normal Income after taxes and various pre-tax deductions: $1760
Projected budget: $1600.

Mortgage - $760 (This includes $100 extra)
Utilities - $200
Cell Phone - $29
Insurance - $56
Gas - $40
Groceries - $250 (Includes toiletries and pet supplies)
Restaurants - $100
Everything Else - $165  (Household, garden items, dump fees, clothing, etc.)

Thus far, I've spent $22.99 on groceries.

I will have to find a pair of heels at some point.  Might have to hit Burlington or Nordstrom Rack.  Nothing has surfaced at the thrift store lately.

[Kaybee]

I'm in! I am going on a trip and have to pay for boarding, so $1,650 is my ceiling.

Ugh, I'm with you.  I have vacation time this month (that continues into April) so I have some trips planned.  The money has been saved but my spending will look like a disaster due to jaunts to Montreal, Edmonton and Paris (from Calgary).  I'm SUPER excited but I'm going to bow out of this month's challenge since it will just make me stress about spending instead of enjoying my time off. :S

[tarheeldan]

...jaunts to Montreal, Edmonton and Paris (from Calgary).  I'm SUPER excited...

Sounds like a lot of fun! Have a great trip :-)

[minimalistgamer]

We intend to keep our spending within $1200 for the following categories -

1. Food (Groceries + Eating out) - 300
2. Utilities (Gas, electricity, water and trash) - $200
3. Spending allowance ($40 per month)
4. Cell phone ($110). Next month I will be paying off the phone from TMobile, so our bill is going to be around $70 per month. I am going to look to see if I can switch cell phone provider. I feel like I am paying too much for mobile phone.
5. Internet - $54.99
6. Home insurance and property taxes - $400 (we have no mortgage, so I have budget for this myself)
7. Fuel - $30
Total - $1134.99

I have some additional expenses this month, which are not regular, such as a tax bill to my state, and HOA fees. My goal is to optimize spending for these categories as much as possible. I will update our progress here.

As of 3/5/2017 -

Food - $55.01
Internet - $54.99
Cell phone - $109.54
Home insurance + property taxes - $400
Allowance - $40

Total - $659.54

I think I am doing OK so far considering the only variables for the rest of the month are utilities, food and fuel expenses. We will see how it goes!