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Saturday, August 5

My Frugal Miser - July 2023 Expenses

July was a pleasantly frugal month.

  • In June I paid the $250 annual fee on my United Quest credit card but then Chase offered a sweet deal to redeem miles to offset the fee, so I got that back as a statement credit.  I also paid the $49 annual fee for my IHG card.  That card comes with an annual free night (what a deal!) but I've heard the card is being discontinued and I'll have to pay more next year.
  • The category where I splurged was food.  I almost always regret it when I spend too much on a restaurant meal.  I'm going to try harder in August to avoid overspending here.
  • I made a mistake on my business taxes and paid an accountant $800 to fix it
  • Personal care - in Vegas we got a foot massage.  I also prepaid for a 3-visit package to my local reflexologist.  It helps tremendously with my foot pain.

Fun

We love adventures.  Spending on experiences makes us better humans.  
  • During our Las Vegas trip I won $300.  Plus rental car rates dropped from when I prepaid for our car and I received a refund when I rebooked the lower rate.  This was offset by my purchase of upgraded seats to First Class for our quick getaway.  Overall, this vacation was almost free.
  • A friend visited us and we stopped by our local Hard Rock casino, where I won $485 in an hour playing blackjack.
  • We pay for an AMC Unlimited plan.  

July Expenses:  income of  $145

$186 Auto (service, gas, insurance, AAA, etc.)
($201) Bank Fees (annual fees on credit cards) income this month
$337 Clothing/ Personal Care
($111) Fun (vacations, movies, gambling, alcohol, concert tickets) income this month
$567 Food
$29 Health and Dental
$60 Household/Home Repairs
$0 Unreimbursed Job Expense
($2,084) Reimbursed Job Expense income this month
$0 Interest Expense
$59 Miscellaneous (cat sitter, gifts)
$800 Taxes
$213 Utilities 

2 comments:

  1. When your expenses are so low that they're income you're doing great. It will be hard to match that.
    I have that same IHG card. They're always trying to get me to upgrade it. If I'm forced to upgrade, I will since it will still be an okay deal. Currently, I get great value out of it since I use it for airport hotels where there aren't any cheap options.

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    1. That's definitely one of the best value cards in my wallet. I like the 10% rebate on point redemptions. Since a lot of my personal travel is less than the four or five nights needed through Marriott or Hilton to get the bonus free night, I feel IHG's offer is often the best choice.

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