My Frugal Miser - August Expenses: $4,975

August was a mixed bag.  Since we were away most of the month, my auto expenses were very low.  Of the $702 in auto expenses, $400 was to purchase Shell Fuel Rewards cards on Groupon.  I haven't begun redeeming those.  At the end of the month I had to get a tooth extracted.  I opted for a bone graft as well to prepare the area for a dental implant, which comes at a huge cost if I decide to do it.  We spent much more on vacation than I anticipated.  I decided to splurge on several excursions since we may not ever make it to Europe again.

Food spending was the only other unusually high category.  Nutrisystem "force shipped" a 30 day supply of food.  I still have the first 30 day supply they sent.  Guess I should start my diet.

August Expenses:  $4,975

$702 Auto ($487 gas, $11 repairs/maintenance, $204 depreciation)

$85 Bank Fees

$0 Clothing

$0 Computer

$106 Entertainment (movies, gambling, alcohol)

$561 Food

$13 Gifts Given

$16 Household/Housing/Home Repair

$52 Health and Dental Insurance

$0 Investment Expense
$212 Interest Expense*

$1,132 Medical/Dental

$0 Miscellaneous

$0 Personal Care

$0 Subscriptions

$0 Taxes
$61 Uber/Lyft Expenses (excluding fuel and depreciation)

$182 Utilities

$1,854 Vacation

*Interest expense includes student loans and the loan on my car.  As both rates are below 2%, I am completely comfortable paying the interest each month and investing the money that I would otherwise use to pay off these loans.  In August I paid $170 to E*Trade for "hard to borrow" interest on a short sale of Sears Holdings stock.