I didn't discover MMM until March of last year, but I did track my spending for the entire year.
I had set a goal of spending $27,000 for the year and came in at $23,769.91. I am convinced that the actually process of having to record the spending of every cent helped me keep the total down.
Here's the breakdown:
Housing/Utilities/Insurance: $11,756 - 49.4%
By being diligent with turning off lights and the use of powerstrips I got my electric bill down to $33 by the end of the year. I never really carried renters insurance until a couple of years ago and will drop it this year. I am looking for duplexes near my work (right now I am 2.5 miles from the office) and hope to rent out one side and live in the other. If I can't find anything, I'll move to a cheaper apartment and save abut $100 a month.
Food (home) $3,025.01 - 12.7 %
I bike and run a lot so I average about 2600 calories a day. During the year I made steady improvement. My January food bill was almost $350, while December was $250
Travel $1773.86 - 7.5%
Two plane trips, and two week long biking/camping trips. Should be about the same for this year. Two hiking trips (AZ and UT) and two more weeklong biking trips
Health $1754.60 - 7.4%
I lost a battle with my insurance company and had to pay $750 for a colonoscopy. Don't need to do that for another 5 years. My premiums at work decreased $10 per pay. So if all stays the same, I should save $1000 in 2016
Car (Gas & Tolls) $1003.67 - 4.2%
I only started tracking my miles once I found MMM. I drove 6511 miles from March 15th through the end of the year. 1500 miles of that was three trips to visit my family in Virginia. I had been averaging close to 17000 miles a year in the past. One of my bike trips will be to see the family in VA this year, saving 500 car miles.
Food (Out) $778.66 - 3.2%
I went one whole month not eating out at all. Most of this spending is related to various 1st and 2nd dates.
Car (Insurance, Registration, Road Side Assistance) $571.18 - 2.4%
My insurance rates dropped significantly in December. Roadside Assistance also includes two free pickups if my bicycle breaks down. Hope to shave off $100 in 2016
Chess $550.00 - 2.3%
I entered three big tournaments last year. Probably will only go go one this year. Expected savings in 2006: $300-$400
Bicycles $469.14 - 2.0%
I rode my bike over 5000 miles last year. Quite a few flats. Got new pedals, new chain, tune-ups and the like. I should learn to do more of my own bike maintenance.
Entertainment/Books/Movies $429.26 - 1.8%
Cancelled NetFlix in September. Started buying more used books and visiting the library.
Car (Repair & Maintenance) $403.67 - 1.7%
Started doing my own oil changes
Gifts $330.67 - 1.4%
Can't convince my family to stop exchanging Xmas gifts
Laundry/Dry Cleaning $235.82 - 1.0%
Clothes $172.04 - 0.7%
New running shoes every 6 months
Phone $168.99 - 0.7%
Vrigin Mobile Pay as you go. I don't have the Internet at home. I am able to connect to the free wifi at the restaurant next door.
Haircuts $142.92 - 0.6%
Home - $109.65 - 0.5%
MMM convinced me to stop buying paper towels
Stamps/Postage $94.07 - 0.4%
Mostly shipping books to friends, that I have read and no longer want.