My Frugal Miser - March Expenses: $3,897

My total expenses in March were $1,000 more than in February.

It was only a matter of time before my car started needing service.  I spent $471 last month on a few repairs.  As long as it costs less to maintain the Corolla I will keep it.  I also had to pay an annual maintenance fee of $210 for my self-directed IRA.  This IRA allows me to buy real estate and I like the returns and control versus stocks or funds.   Then there's the more discretionary stuff.  I splurged on a nice pair of Allen Edmonds loafers.  They were originally $345 but were marked down to $166.  The company has a "recrafting" program that will allow me to send in my worn shoes as needed for repairs.  Finally, I splurged on a Samsung Chromebook that will eventually replace my laptop, which has been acting funny - freezing up, crashing, overheating, etc.  I wanted to be proactive about replacing it while it still works.

March Personal Expenses ($2,264)

$515 Auto ($471 for 6 months insurance, $44 for fuel)

$210 Bank Fees
$166 Clothing
$18 Entertainment (movies, gambling, alcohol)
$102 Food
$0 Gifts Given

$844 Household/Housing/Home Repair
$159 Health and Dental Insurance

$92 Medical/Dental
$76 Miscellaneous
$0 Personal Care

$0 Subscriptions
$0 Taxes

$82 Utilities
$0 Vacation and Recreation

March Business Expenses ($1,633)

$1062 Mortgage Interest (rental properties)
$148 Interest on Debt (not including Mortgage Interest)
$423 Rental Properties - Maintenance and Repairs


Total March Expenses : $3,897

Notes

• I don't include principal payments in my expenses, only the interest portion of the monthly mortgage bills.
• I expect Auto Service expense to continue to rear its ugly head.  The Corolla has nearly 170,000 miles on it.