If any of you have noticed a rather high-pitched screeching sound emanating from the Midwest, it’s probably my wallet complaining about all the times I’ve used it already this month.
I’ve been on a serious spending spree the last few weeks, and unlike most 25-year-old women, I’m not happy about it. Granted, that may have something to do with the fact I’m not buying fun stuff like Gucci purses or Louboutin shoes. Instead, I’m buying boring stuff like groceries, rent and flights.
I want to say a few things before I go over just what I’ve been droppin some serious dough on the last 2 weeks:
- I’m incredibly grateful I have a great job that allows to spend all this money.
- I’m not complaining since I need all this stuff. I’m more commenting on the timing of why does all this have to hit at the exact same time FOR GOODNESS SAKES?
- While I’m not a huge advocate of frugality, I realize it behooves me to not spend a lot of money on my path to FI. You can read more about my stance on frugalness in my post FI and Frugality.
- While spending the money now isn’t fun, some of the things I am buying will be fun when they eventually come around.
What Have I Been Buying!?!

Rent: $1087
Travel: $754.12
Cardinals tickets: $240
Taxes: $200
Food: $163.36 ($79.72 in April)
Groceries: $131.52
Soccer Fee: $82.50
Pets: $81.52
Internet: $67.90
Gift: $50
Fabric: $37.16
Gas: $21.12
CC Fee: $3.68
Total: $2919.88
HOLY CRAP. I’ve spent almost $3000 in two weeks!! No wonder my wallet is making hideous screeching noises.
“well, Gwen.… you’ve spent a lot the last 14 days. What are you going to do about it?”
Now that I have enough food to make it through a nuclear apocalypse, I’m going to eat only that stuff and try my hardest not to go out to eat. My goal is to not eat any food I haven’t prepared until the weekend of the 16th & 17th. I’ll be home to attend a bachelor party and a birthday party for my friend’s daughter. That will entail buying gas and some food, although not much since I’m staying with my parents and the birthday party is bring your own main course.
Then, I don’t have anything planned until April 28th- May 1st. I’ll be heading a few hours east to attend meetings at MegaCorp headquarters. While there, I’ll need a few meals and I’ll be socializing with friends, so that’s a few drinks and maybe some food. After the work trip is over, I’ll be headed to Omaha for the Annual Berkshire Hathaway Investor’s Meeting. That will entail a hotel room, food, drinks and the fee for the “Invest in Yourself” 5k I’m doing with Mr. 1500 and Mrs. PoP. Since I’m hanging out with fellow bloggers, I consider that to be money well spent.
I think I’m going to have to turn down some potentially fun activities though. I could go to a quilt retreat the weekend of the 22nd and I could also buy tickets to go see my favorite country singer in concert. When I think of all the fun I’d have, I just remind myself I’d rather be retired earlier than have fun and have to work longer.
It’s certainly difficult to look at my budget and see I’ve already spent 80% of April’s money. Eeks! Hopefully I’ve already bought most of what I need and can take it easier until I hit all those weekend activities. Wish me luck!
Have you had a month where you had to spend a lot? How did you cope?
Eeek indeed Gwen, but at least you spent money on playing soccer and Cardinals tickets. I can’t resist either 🙂 See you in Omaha at the end of the month. Have a great weekend
-Bryan
Travel hits my budget hard too! I bought three flights last month and it wrecked my budget. I think I spend $6,000 a year on travel which is ridiculous. In fact my new year’s resolution the last two years has been to NOT travel. Living across the country from friends and family, wedding-season, and my wanderlust usually get to me about March/April and I start booking trips! I travel hack too so it’s crazy how much I spend.
I don’t even want to think about tallying up my spending for this month. Looks like I don’t have to go to Nashville now, so at least I’ll get the $ back or transfer it to another flight down the road.