Another two weeks have gone by since my last report. There's a few things that still need a bit of tweaking but overall I'm satisfied with the results. I've cut back significantly on eating out and caved twice. Once for a brunch (due to lack of planning) and one social gathering after hockey. Writing a blog has forced me to think of every purchase because at times, I just want to buy what I want. But then I remember my goals and know that will hinder my progress. And besides, I don't want to have to write that I bought something I shouldn't. :p
So here's my variable expenses:
$107.87 Groceries
$53.31 Restaurant (brunch for two and one social outing)
$19.90 Dentist (teeth cleaning)
$19 Massage Therapy
$21.35 Alcohol (for guests-two different parties)
$25 Gas
$17.32 Vday Gift & Other
Update: $25 donation
Massage therapy became a necessity this time because my shoulders were and still hurting. I could barely look on my right side. Dentist is important to keep my teeth healthy and with very sensitive teeth, I like getting them cleaned every 6 months. Of course, it's not a large out of pocket expense but some people may see this as not a necessity.
For donations, I have $20 automatically deducted from each of my paycheques. And periodically donate smaller portions to social events at work to raise money for local charities.
In the end, I managed to save $120 this paycheque where as this pay is usually tight and in the past, I found myself using my visa. With today's new pay, I put another $975 towards my debt and added another $152 towards my emergency fund. Currently, my emergency fund is at $802. At this rate, it won't take me too much longer to reach my $1000 emergency fund goal and then can put the rest towards my debt.