I will now concentrate on a full year's monthly budget to show absolutely everything we spend money on. We do like to live as big as possible on the budget GOAL of $1,800/month we have set for ourselves.
The main point is that even though this month was our declared "Vacation Month" because we had so many family and friends visiting that we were out and about far more than normal. And still, we didn't overspend our income! We are now back on the "normal" mode for month 5.
We chose to keep our rental amount at what we were paying during high season because we found a great apartment exactly where we wanted to be and didn't really compromise on much. A very good value! And, because we are living here year round, we chose to purchase some items that make our life more comfortable and pleasing for us. This was total Discretionary spending and not necessary at all to live here.
I have also now included the cost of our Medical Insurance. We have decided for the near future we will continue to keep our Traveler's Insurance for both of us at a cost of $772 for 6 months or $129/month. The coverage we get in this policy is as good, if not better, than what we would get through private insurance and it includes coverage to fly us back to the states in the event of a disaster or illness.
| Living Expenses: | ||||
| Rent w/util | $1,050.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Electric | $4.00 | $4.00 | ||
| Cell Phone | $16.00 | $16.00 | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Groceries | $247.00 | $308.00 | $230.00 | $331.00 |
| Meals Out | $274.00 | $283.00 | $167.00 | $382.00 |
| Drinks Only | $211.00 | $193.00 | $164.00 | $130.00 |
| Entertainment | $70.00 | $74.00 | $102.00 | $238.00 |
| Massages | $40.00 | $40.00 | $40.00 | $30.00 |
| Bus/Taxi | $72.00 | $28.00 | $5.00 | $21.00 |
| Dental Cleaning | $8.00 | $8.00 | $8.00 | $0.00 |
| Incidentals | $22.00 | $4.00 | $23.00 | $20.00 |
| Medical Ins. | $129.00 | $129.00 | $129.00 | $129.00 |
| TOTAL | $2,139.00 | $2,087.00 | $1,888.00 | $2,296.00 |
| TOTAL W/O RENT | $1,089.00 | $1,087.00 | $888.00 | $1,296.00 |
| Discr Spending: | ||||
| Tours | $203.00 | |||
| Home Improve | $793.00 | |||
| Medical | $60.00 | |||
| Dental | ||||
| Air Travel | ||||
| Hotels | $38.00 | |||
| Car Rental | ||||
| Spanish Lessons | $117.00 | $124.00 | $36.00 | |
| TOTAL Discr. | $320.00 | $124.00 | $96.00 | $831.00 |
| TOTAL ALL | $2,459.00 | $2,211.00 | $1,984.00 | $3,127.00 |
* We had to restock our refrigerator after moving because we had let the supplies run down.
* We ate out 17 times this last month vs. 10 times the month before and at places that we wouldn't normally go to on a regular basis, as they were more exotic & expensive. But certainly enjoyed every moment!!
* We did several tours because of guests being here. Lots of fun to do but will do only once a year when guests come again.
* We spent a bit on "discretionary" kitchen & home items that just make our life more enjoyable here. The apartment is well furnished and these were totally not necessary to live here but they sure are nice to have!
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