She Strengthens

Getting Real About Money: A Deep Dive into My Spending Habits

As someone who’s always been fascinated by how others manage their finances, I’ve decided to take a closer look at my own spending habits. By examining my credit card statements, I hope to gain a better understanding of my financial choices and identify areas for improvement.

A Breakdown of My Spending

From January 1st to March 15th, 2019, here’s where my money went:

• Groceries: $533.36 – I’ve mastered the art of meal planning and online grocery shopping, which has reduced my spend and minimized food waste. I’m a big fan of curbside pickup, which saves me time and money.
• Hotels: $278.66 – This was a rare splurge for me, but it was worth it. I booked a hotel room for two nights to attend a multi-day event, and it allowed me to sleep in and enjoy the experience more.
• Gas: $189.69 – As a car-dependent Texan, I fill up my tank about once a week. My husband and I split the cost of gas, so this amount isn’t entirely mine.
• Household: $108.25 – This was a necessary expense for our quarterly exterminator visit, which we split with our roommates.
• Clothing: $100.59 – I’m not a fashionista, but I did need to replace my worn-out sports bra and invest in some comfortable shoes.
• Tolls: $100 – Ugh, tolls are the worst! I didn’t actually spend this much, but my toll tag system auto-loaded my account with this amount.
• Blog: $64.41 – I renewed my domain and hosting for the year.
• Entertainment: $30.28 – My husband and I enjoyed a date night at the movies, courtesy of my credit card.
• Food Deliveries: $22.40 – On occasion, I treat myself to lunch or dinner delivery when I’m too exhausted to cook.

What I’ve Learned

By examining my spending habits, I’ve realized a few things:

• I could optimize my toll tag usage by taking a different route to work, which would save me around $200 a year.
• I’m not overspending or accumulating debt.
• I’m using my money to invest in experiences and items that bring me joy and fulfillment.
• Tracking my expenses has given me a sense of security and control over my finances.

The Value of Financial Reflection

Exercises like this can be incredibly valuable in helping us stay on track with our financial goals. By regularly reviewing our spending habits and net worth, we can make informed decisions about our money and create a brighter financial future.