My Frugal Miser - March Expenses: $4,939

On the surface it would appear I went buck wild in March.  $4,939?  Seriously?  I set a goal to spend $1,250 per month in 2015, excluding home repairs and vacations.  After taking out the $1,543 I spent on those two categories, I still spent $3,396 in March.  But all is not as it seems.

First, I spent $577 "depreciating" my car.  This isn't cash, folks.  It's mileage.  For every mile I drive, I charge myself a little more than $.23.  It would be one thing if we were taking weekend joyrides.  I drove 2,462 miles in March, which includes 5 trips to Orlando for hospitality work, our Fort Lauderdale mystery shopping weekend, and multiple mystery shopping and merchandising routes.  The $577 was an expense I incurred to generate income.

Second, I spent $812 in the Household category, but this was for Amazon gift cards I haven't used.  One of my credit cards was offering 5% cashback at grocery stores, so I bought gift cards at Winn-Dixie, which let me take advantage of this deal as well as earn Fuel Rewards towards free gas.  I paid $210 for account management for the Self-Directed IRA, which is an annual investment expense.  Having a tooth extracted cost $720.  Once my gums have healed I plan to get an implant, which is even more expensive.  Finally, the vacation expenses were for pre-paid flights and Southwest Airlines gift cards (again, at Winn-Dixie) for future use.

March Expenses:  $4,939

$616 Auto ($39 for gas, $577 for depreciation)

$53 Bank Fees

$123 Clothing

$0 Computer

$48 Entertainment (movies, gambling, alcohol)

$329 Food

$0 Gifts Given

$1135 Household/Housing/Home Repair
$0 Home Insurance

$141 Health and Dental Insurance

$210 Investment Expenses

$720 Medical/Dental

$5 Miscellaneous

$30 Personal Care

$59 Subscriptions

$11 Taxes

$215 Utilities

$1243 Vacation and Recreation

March Expenses, Excluding Vacation and Home Repairs:  $3,396