My Frugal Miser - July Expenses: $2,813

In July my total spending was very close to what it was in June. But, I was a lot more frugal in July. Included in the amount this month is a $500 earnest money check I wrote for the townhouse I am trying to buy (9/5/11 update: I reversed this as I ended up posting $1,000 in earnest money in August). If I end up buying it I will re-categorize the expense. If not, I will post it as income in when it is returned to me. I spent over $400 on new tires which will probably last me the life of the car and includes balance, rotation and road hazard warranty for life. The only other unusual expense was $185 for a prepaid hotel room for our vacation at the end of this month.

July Expenses

$569 Auto ($472 for new tires, $97 for fuel)

$0 Bank Fees
$15 Clothing
$203 Food
$92 Entertainment (movies, gambling, alcohol)
$27 Gifts Given

$124 Household

$100 Health Insurance
$0 Medical
$115 Interest on Debt (not including Mortgage Interest)
$000 Miscellaneous (earnest money on townhouse - reversed 9/5/11)
$408 Mortgage Interest (primary residence)
$784 Mortgage Interest (rental properties)
$0 Personal Care

$6 Subscriptions
$185 Utilities
$185 Vacation

Total July Expenses : $2,813

Notes

• My food budget was for two people. Just over half was spent in restaurants with the remaining at the grocery store. I mystery shopped a few grocery stores in July which helped lower this expense.
• The $15 in clothing was a result of spending more than the reimbursement amount for some mystery shops. I bought over $100 worth of clothes for just $15!
• The $92 I spent on entertainment was almost entirely from dollar movies and wine.