My Frugal Miser - August 2023 Expenses

Better late than never, right? I had a couple large expenses in August.

• Our washing machine stopped working.  It was only about 5 years old, but we used it heavily when we owned the Airbnb.  After doing a little research I realized it would probably be better to take what I would have paid to have it repaired and purchase a new one.  Florida is having a tax-free holiday on appliances which clinched the deal.  
• I also bought a new suitcase.  Since I live out of hotels, I decided to research the highest quality luggage companies with the best warranties.  I settled on a Monos Carry-On Plus.  I had spent a few months looking at Monos, Briggs and Riley, Away and Yeti.  Monos was already at the top of the list, then they had a 25% off sale and I pulled the trigger.  The brand offers a lifetime warranty, so I plan to use this suitcase for a very long time.
• Food.  Once again we spent a bit too much at a couple of restaurants.  Considering I was home half the month, our food spending wasn't terrible.
• Spending on clothes was also higher than I want.  I've gained all the weight back I lost during the pandemic.  Unfortunately, I had thrown out all my old clothes and now have to replace them.

Fun

We love adventures.  Spending on experiences makes us better humans.  

• I prepaid for a Mexican Riviera cruise for 2024.  Carnival continues to offer me "free" balcony staterooms and I keep selecting them.  They aren't actually free, but very inexpensive:  I pay $200, which is refunded onboard as a stateroom credit, plus taxes/fees.  I also prepaid gratuities to take advantage of a Chase cashback offer on one of my credit cards.
• I prepaid for a car rental in December.  

August Expenses:  $4,161

$218 Auto (service, gas, insurance, AAA, etc.)

$94 Bank Fees (annual fees on credit cards) income this month
$189 Clothing/ Personal Care
$1,226 Fun (vacations, movies, gambling, alcohol, concert tickets)

$614 Food

$39 Health and Dental

$799 Household/Home Repairs

$150 Unreimbursed Job Expense

($50) Reimbursed Job Expense income this month

$0 Interest Expense

$362 Miscellaneous (cat sitter, gifts)

$293 Taxes

$226 Utilities