Well, it's the end of the month and time for a spreadsheet update. I will share my numbers each month as a way to track my progress.
Net income - $2325
Individual pension contribution - $358
Employer pension contribution - $474
Additional income (checking account interest, CC rewards, etc.) - $160
Total - $3317
Regular Monthly Spending*
Rent - $700 (just went up from $600 this month

Utilities (Mint cell phone plan, electric, gas) - $77
Groceries - $138
Pets - $56
Discretionary - $217
Total - $1188
Budgeted - $1200 (+$12)
Irregular Spending
Vet visits - $711 (cat teeth cleaning and exam)
Pet medication - $40
Car insurance (6 months) - $399
Travel - $2225 (mostly payment for bucket list Grand Canyon rafting trip in May. Travel is actually paid from a pre-funded Opportunity Fund, so doesn't really count in this year's spending, but I'm including it in the interest of full disclosure)
Personal care - $26
Camping/hiking gear - $19
Personal enrichment/art - $26
Total - $3446
IRA/457b investments - $1000
This was an unusually expensive month for irregular expenses. I do try to budget for these categories and have estimated around $8000 for the year. This is high due to the Grand Canyon trip. Along with my $14,000 in monthly expenses, that will put me close to $22,000 this year. Yikes!
*I'm not including my gifts/donations in this amount as I'd rather keep that information private.
I thought I would include my net worth calculations/investment performance in this entry, but I've already probably outwarmed my welcome...I'll save that for another day.
