November's Budget 2012

 Last month we had some big budget busters!  For my employment at the college, I have to update all my shots ( $450.00), get my CPR card, ( $40.00) secure all my Continuing Education Credits for my Certification as a Sonographer (145.00), Yearly Dues for my Registry as a Sonographer ($75.00), replace blower motor at the rental house($450.00)

These expenses have all but stopped my credit card debt reduction.  In fact, the balance has climbed a bit.  

Budgets are great for keeping things in check, but I don't get too down on myself if we are faced with unplanned expenses.  It happens.  Here is my budget for this month.  We never give up! 

November 2012
Mortgage	884
Electric	250
Auto Ins Phone	135 135
Cable/Internet	135
Personal Care	100
Tolls	125
Grocery	600
House	200
Gifts	100
Tithe	468
Savings	200
Credit Card Extra	600
Eating Out	200
Gas	500
Total	4632
Expected Income	580
	1900
	1800
	4280
Extra Income	400
Total	4680

Christmas is just around the corner.  I am not going to let it stress me out again.  I have some gifts bought and put away, but I still need to get some more shopping done.  

How is your holiday shopping coming along?

 

 

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November Goals And Upcoming Expenses

Hello November!  How did you get here so fast?  From here on out the rest of the year is really going to fly by!

Here are some of the areas I will be working on this month:

1. Spend less on groceries.  I have been budgeting about $150.00 per week for groceries.  I think I can cut this back to about $125.00 -$130.00 per week.  I know that might seem high for two people, but there are things that we will always buy.  For instance, Powerade.  My husband drinks this ALL the time to stay hydrated.  It is on average $1.00 per bottle.  He will need about 10-15 per week. 


2. Reduce my electric bill by continuing to hang clothes outside, and on my Ikea drying rack for inside drying.  This has been working out pretty good so far.  it does mean that I do have to iron a few more things.  So be it.


3. Start shopping for Christmas.  This has been a work in progress all year thanks to my $500 Holiday Challenge .    I will have to go through the items I do have and wrap them.... (maybe).  I also have to put together a couple of picture calenders for family members. 



4. Start listing some items on Ebay that I no longer use.  For the month of October, my husband opened am Ebay store to get get rid of some auto parts and such.  The Ebay store did do pretty good in October.  A profit of $750.00 is pretty darn good and will come in handy for some of the upcoming expenses....


UPCOMING EXPENSES: 

This month, there are going to be some out of the ordinary expenses.  First, I am having arthroscopic surgery on my knee to repair a torn meniscus and scrap off some arthritis.  The copay will be $250.00.
I still have to make sure that this will cover the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and what ever else.

Next, my husband's friend has a practically new (but slightly used) AC system for sale.  He will be looking at it tomorrow and if it is in as good as shape as they say we will be buying it for $350.00.  Fingers crossed!  The system in this house is 20 years old and a brand new system would cost  close to $1500.00!  Also, my husband will be installing the unit which again will save us big bucks.



That is all I can think of for now. I am sure there is more, but I will keep track of these goals for you and you can follow along and see how I do!