November was a difficult month for me in terms of keeping to my budget. I had two unexpected expenses totaling $265, but adjustments to other categories kept me at only $115 over my projected budget.
I expect December to be a good month for me. The only expenses I expect are new sneakers ($41) and getting my suit jacket tailored (~$30), and miscellaneous expenses, which includes snacks, laundry and dry cleaning, and pharmacy items, should be well under my projected budget. I adjusted my miscellaneous expenses down to $160 for the month. That still sounds high, but while I expect the best but plan for the worst. However, I am paying the cable bill 2 months early as a favor to my roommate. That will even out later. Also, Lauren, my fantastic girlfriend, has a birthday at the end of the month. Any suggestions about what to get her?
In terms of the blog, it’s been an exciting month for Sweating The Big Stuff and I’m excited to say that readership has been increasing. I’ve committed to posting more regularly and think I have found a groove that allows me to present new information while giving my insight as well. Of course, any help you provide by promoting the blog (to facebook, twitter, word of mouth) is much appreciated. At the bottom of each post are links to various social networking sites.
Let’s take a look back at my favorite posts from November
These should help you with you get started with your budgeting as well as some ideas about planning:
Planning for Unforeseen Expenses
Winning The World Series…Now What?
These two articles show how you can save a lot of money in both the short run and the long run:
These articles explain a financial idea and tool and gives you a little of my perspective on the current market:
Debt can be a heavy burden, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can…
Does Debt Consolidation Affect Getting a Mortgage Most of us don’t realize that so many…
For anyone working through their career, one of the main objectives is to build or…
Rising interest rates and home prices are making adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) more attractive to…
In light of the increasing cost of living and rising inflation, the Federal Reserve raised…
The economy feels like a little bit of a roller-coaster these days, with the one-two…