Did I Tell You

I am tired of winter. We have had very few nice days. It has been colder than cold, snowier than snow and way too cloudy. We are however 20 days or so out from the first day of spring. Not that, that comes true up here in the prairies. 

I tried making myself a sweater. I was sure I had enough yarn. Nope, it has become a glorified vest. It’s okay as it is pretty or will be once it is done. Very nice pattern for bulky wool. Will post a picture when done.

This month so far, I have paid off $1100 on one debt. Feeling good about that and hoping I can keep it up. I have not put gas in my car since the beginning of December and I still have 1/2 tank. I have had to start my car to let it warm up over the past week. Yup even plugged in I have been thinking it may not start. My battery and fluids are all good thankfully. All my January bills are paid and most of my February ones. I am dead on for groceries using my $200 wisely. I should only need fresh items next month. 

I did all my ironing and I got rid of a bunch of shoes that were worn out along with a couple of purses and socks. My entryway closet was over stuffed. I put my coats that are not being worn right now into my bedroom closet. I took everything else out and cleaned then rearranged it. I brought in a set of bins that has three bins. The bottom one I put all my tools in. The middle one is my hats, scarves and extra gloves/mitts. The top one belongs to his royal highness. He sure has a lot of gear for just one dog.  

Today I am making baked beans. The beans soaked well over night. Now I am giving them a big boil. Then into the oven. They are going to be too good. 

Pictures of my frozen tundra. Thank goodness for snow clearing.

Jean

2024 RUN DOWN

 January stayed on budget except for food. I was over by $134.94. I was over due to The Golfer and his kids staying here. I did not charge him anything, I wanted him to save up for his move. I am pleased I came out only by that much. Managed to pay into my taxes and savings. Give it a 10 out of 10

February being a short month, I did pay all the usual and added to my savings and my tax account. My food was over by $88.84. This was when food was starting to go way up. I had 78.89 in personal spending. As I am losing weight consistently, I needed a few new items. Everything by now was falling off. Also I admit to being sick of the wardrobe I had been wearing for quite a few years.  Other than those items I did pretty well. Give it a 9 out of 1o. My food should not have been over as I was back to being a household of one.

March I gave myself a raise in the grocery area to $150.00 from &100.00. I paid into my taxes and savings accounts. My groceries were just a tad under coming in at $149.09. Big whoop. My person spending was $41.97. I ate out once spending $8.78. The rest was for a gift. I was pleased except for the personal spending. Give it an 8 out of 10.

April. As it is tax month I spent another $100 for tax preparation. I paid into my taxes and savings and savings account. I was way over in groceries. I desperately needed to replace and add to my pantry. It was a good month, but I spent $594.05. When I worked it out at regular prices I would have been within cents of $800.00. I will take that as a win. Part of it was also to pay for our family 18th Birthday celebration. It was allowed. We are proud of her. Also, April is when the majority of our Birthdays are.  Got a large tax refund so paid a debt. Give it a 10 out of 10.

May. Paid the usual into my tax and saving accounts. Groceries, I gave myself another raise to $200.00. I was still over by $91.57. A small amount went to a Birthday the rest me not being careful enough. We all have a bit of a slip sometimes. Under personal, I paid for Costco membership. Normally I don’t shop there, but I need glasses and  hearing aids. In the end , they are 1 year behind, so in 2025 I will need another membership. Bummer. My province pays $2000.00 towards hearing aids. Costco costs $2000.00. So a win in one way. I will do some shopping there I guess. I also purchased a stitching pattern and ate out twice. Once with relatives. Give it a 6 out of 10.

June Groceries were over again by $80.55. Sure am having trouble with groceries. I did have to purchase a propane tank for BBQ. That will do a couple of years. Paid into my taxes and and savings account. Not much going on. I give it a 10 out of 10.

July Paid into taxes and savings. Paid all the usual rent and hydro. Did not spend anything in my personal account. I was over by $51.51 in groceries. I don’t usually purchase alcohol but did for an event. Give it a 10 out of 10.

August. Bad month for groceries, but it all went to canning, stocking up etc.I was over by $223.52. I must clarify that when I stock up, it isn’t just for me, it is also for my family. It was raining non stop and I needed some rain gear as well as assorted underwear. I splurged. Nuff said. I am happy with what I have.  It will last me for years. I do need to get my muck boots back from daughter. My vehicle is paid off yay. Only one more debt to go

September Groceries were $129.65. Ah, that’s better. Paid the usual plus taxes and savings. Not a bad month. Give it a 10 out of 10.

October, November and December were horrible months. Money poured out like a sieve. Way, way over budget. Ah it is what it is. Give it a 0 out of 10.

On the yay front. It is light out at 7:40 this morning. Bring on the light.

J