November was a surprisingly good month for my budget but not such a great one for meeting goals. I only overspent in two categories, and the money I saved in other areas more than made up for it. I should note that my monthly budget does not include our Christmas budget, which we set up separately.
Budget-wise, here is how I did for November (over budget categories are in red; under budget in green):
Groceries: budgeted $350.00, spent $285.41
(I fully expected to go over in this category this month, considering that last November I think I spent close to$350 just buying my groceries for Thanksgiving dinner.)
Eating Out: budgeted $150.00, spent $110.41
Gas & Automobile Expenses: budgeted $275.00, spent $266.49
(I finally managed to stay within budget on this category!)
Date Night/Entertainment: budgeted $100.00, spent $156.51
(Honestly, I blew this category on the very last day of the month. Knowing I had been very good all month, Husband and I splurged on a wonderful meal at a great restaurant. It was worth every penny.)
Kids’ Activities, Crafts, & Entertainment: budgeted $75, spent $26.49
(I guess I wasn’t a very fun mom this month.)
Home Decor & Organizing: budgeted $75, spent $24.27
Clothing: budgeted $100.00, spent $85.37
Gifts: budgeted $50.00, spent $34.62
Entertaining & Parties: budgeted $100.00, spent $56.86
(I finally managed to stay within budget on this category too!)
Babysitting: budgeted $150.00, spent $32.00
Blog Expenses: budgeted $150.00, spent $225.85
(Well I hope a few more of you start clicking those ads because right now I am definitely now in the hole as far as this little blog of mine is concerned! The bulk of this was spent on accounting fees to set up Living Well, Spending Less, Inc. as a separate business.)
Misc.: budgeted $75.00, spent $46.99
That’s a whole lotta green and I like it!
Total amount spent: $1,343.27
Total amount saved (from coupons, deals, & discounts): $1,548.53
Savings Goal: $175.00
Actual Money into Savings: $506.73
(Can I hear a woot woot?)
Goal-wise, I didn’t even come close. I’m starting to wonder why I even bother? Here is how I did:
November Goals:
-get at least 60% of my Christmas shopping done
I don’t know, this one could be close, but I still have a way to go.
-start working on creating a coupon class (both in-person and online)
My first coupon class has been scheduled for January and I haven’t done a thing to start preparing for it.
Guess I better get on that soon.
-clear out the armoire in the living room
Nope.
-organize kitchen cabinets
Nope.
-organize craft supplies
Not even a little bit.
-fill 10 Operation Christmas Child boxes
Yay! As you all know, we did complete this one and I am SO glad we did.
-have a fun, cozy, & relaxed Thanksgiving
It was perfect in every way.
And I thought it was a small list. Sigh. Well, for December I’m really paring it down.
Here are my goals for this month:
-Make the big switch from blogspot to self-hosted (more on this later!)
-empty armoire & organize craft supplies
-finish christmas shopping
-mail gifts
-mail christmas cards
-throw a rockin’ christmas party
-have a fun & relaxing joy-filled christmas
What are your goals this month?
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