Well, my Savetember was going pretty well, until yesterday. Planned expense: DH and I went and had drinks with a friend. This was actually meant as a "savings" option, since it replaced the once this month we planned on going to a restaurant, and was much cheaper. But we were SPOT ON at the top of our grocery budget, and we ended up with 6 people (!!!) over last night, who of course we fed and gave drinks to. So now we're $25 above our budget, plus we went through food I thought would last the week, so we will have to make another trip this month still most likely. We're trying to turn it around though. DH is on board to try and "pantry/freezer shop" to try and avoid a trip.
I liked Mefla's format, so I'm going to use it.
Obstacles:
- Cars! We had a $77 title change fee, a $21 DEQ fee, and a $124 registration fee to pay. We also forgot the checkbook (doh!) so add another $3.50 for ATM charges. Also on this all day outing we got coffee, but luckily that money was still on our Starbucks app.
-High grocery cost month. Brother was home more, and has had friends over fairly often. It was also a stock-up month. We will probably end up at about $850/$800 budget.
-Bought Bota Boxes twice this month. Had planned on no alcohol purchases again this month.
-Parking fees. DH is back in classes, and now has to drive to campus (right after work, so can't transit). Luckily, he found a cheaper lot than a campus parking pass would cost. Still, this'll be about $50/month from here on out. $16 this month though.
Successes:
-Birthday gift for parent came off a gift card we got from selling books.
-$1,000 into DH's IRA, and $400 towards SLs
-Only $92 spent on gas this month. Last month was $360. Sadly, next month will go back up again as DH travels more and I work more days.
-No restaurants! Just went out and had 1 drink apiece with a friend.
-I got a job! So, additional income. This month will only be about $400 extra, but will increase in the future.
-Had to buy scrubs, used a gift card left over from the wedding.
-Rocked the Ibotta and Checkout51 rebates this month. I think we're up to ~$13 between the two apps. Since we buy very little name-brand stuff, this is exciting.
-No clothes budget, no entertainment budget, we've lumped supplements/pet food/household goods into our grocery budget.
Too early to make the FINAL call, but so far we've spent $4,346- if we take away Brother's share and our investments and SL payment, that is $2,166.
So we should end up with an extra $617 cash from this month; plus the debt and investments, we Savetember'd $2,024
Edit: I knew that seemed too high! Brother's payment for last month's expenses didn't come through until this month, so I was double counting payments ultimately. Fixed the #s above! $700 less than I thought, but still great!