Do You Know How Much You Spent Last Year?

I have been tallying up what I spent in all of my categories for 2019.  It's been very interesting.  I felt like I had been very frugal at home, and then splurged on travel, taking a big cruise to Europe, and driving to Las Vegas a few times to visit  friends.  Still, I wasn't quite sure exactly what I had spent.  I decided to examine my statements and start computing the totals.

I worked out a bare bones budget for what it could have cost me to live at the  cottage last year, without any luxuries.  (By this I mean things like fancy trips and restaurant meals.)  It looks like it would have cost me just under $20,000.  I'm pretty excited about that amount.  I own my home, so I don't have to pay rent or a mortgage.    I am very careful with my gas and electricity usage.  The cottage is small, so it's easy to heat and cool.  I turn off the lights when I'm not in the room, and layer clothing and blankets to save on heat.  All of those things really make a difference.

peeking into an impressive  courtyard on a bicycle tour of Mallorca

Suze Orman mentioned on her podcast today that she wishes women would downsize when they are younger.  If you live in a smaller home, drive one car that isn't leased or overpriced, and have inexpensive hobbies, life can be much less stressful and expensive.  My car is twenty years old, and I combine my errands and try not to drive more than a few days a week.  I have lots of soft hand knits that I have made over the years, and I wear them constantly.  They are warm, and made of excellent quality wool, and they will last for decades.  I take care of my shoes, and wear slippers and hand knit socks at home.

I ride my bike every day, and enjoy hiking in the warmer weather.  My hobbies are cheap.  Knitting from my fabulous stash, writing, blogging, reading library books, and cooking and baking keep me busy.  I also buy groceries in bulk and grow different kinds of fruit.  It all makes a difference.

Cannes, France on a rainy day from the tour bus window

I make my own soap, and give that and various baked goods as gifts.  The ingredients for the cookies, quick breads, and cakes that I give my neighbors are from my stockpile.  I use cards from my mom's extensive stash, and I buy Christmas cards on sale.  One box usually lasts me a couple of years.

Later I will add up the expenses that were luxuries.  Travel was a biggie, but I paid cash for my trips, and did that carefully, in advance.  I get a friends and family discount on NCL through my friend, and research the deals for several days.  I still don't have television, and I don't miss it.  Reading blogs is enjoyable, and I enjoy keeping in touch with everyone.  Do you know what you spent last year?  Did you stay within your budget?  I hope you did. 

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