Comments on: DD’s Monthly Expense Checkup – August 2008

By: The Little Things - Saving Money On Contacts And Shoes | The Happy Rock

The Little Things - Saving Money On Contacts And Shoes | The Happy Rock — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:03:11 +0000

[...] of you might recall from my August Expense Check-up, that I spent $90 on a two month supply of contact lenses. In the post I said that I felt that it [...]

By: Meaghan

Meaghan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:41:00 +0000

DD,
Thanks for sharing. This has been enlightening for me and makes me want to track my spending as well. The sad part is, none of your bills on their own seem outrageous. As others have mentioned, the dining out is actually quite good. I definitely agree that joining a wholesale club is a good investment. You can also try using coupons and stocking up on nonperishables when there is a sale. I get my contacts from a Walmart vision center (I don’t know if you have one in the area) They cost about $10 a pair.
Happy Saving!

By: Diana

Diana — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:25:10 +0000

Are you using contact lense? I use eye lense for a year usance. I found it is cheaper than others shorter usance period option.

By: fossil

fossil — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:12:01 +0000

Wow, your internet/phone bill seems a bit high, you may want to look into other options.

By: The Happy Rock

The Happy Rock — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:13:59 +0000

@DD – I think it is awesome that you are willing to be so transparent, it will only help accountability in the long run if you are willing to stick it through and use the community as motivation and help. Maybe I will post the Rock Garden’s expenses so that you don’t feel so isolated on an island.

By: John (Debt Defier)

John (Debt Defier) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:04:38 +0000

Thanks for all the comments. I have to admit, it’s weird to put this out there, but I figured this is what I signed up for.

@ Sid & First Creditor- Thanks for the kind words about my out of control expenses. Sadly September’s dining out category WILL be higher than Aug. and it’s only the 9th!!!

@ Money Funk – I’m trying my best to channel that college student in me to skimp by super cheap once again.

@ tiffanie – Thank you.

@ Scott – I think it’s safe to say that the Bay Area is a little different than South Dakota
Actually the $12 under “tennis” is the fee for a fall league I’m in.

@ Sue – Nice idea about selling unused stuff.

@ The Happy Rock – I’d say it’s coming out of severance. Plus we gave Mrs. DD a much deserved raise

@ Wailana Yoga – yeah, I’m really hoping for some savings by not using plastic as much.

@ jacquelin – The daycare cost is monthly and next month you’ll see this around the $650 range (I already have the bill). They’d be home more, but they are very distracting to my wife (who works from home).

@ Glory – Yeah it has definitely helped us understand where we spend our money.

@ John – That is kinda funny, but the dog gets her food 30 lbs at a time, so you won’t see this expense for a couple more months.

By: John

John — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:38:33 +0000

If you have a membership already, try Costco or Sams for contacts – I’ve found them ridiculously inexpensive at those places.

It struck me that you spent more on dog food than dining out – I think that’s kinda funny.

Don’t get discouraged!

By: Glory

Glory — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:22:53 +0000

I think it is extremely important to make list of money spent monthly. It really helps to budget for the forthcoming month and save on something

By: jacquelin

jacquelin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:10:57 +0000

D.D.,
Just in my humble opinion…if your really serious about cutting debt, try keeping those kids home ..just for one day outa the week. Have you broken down your child care bill? Considering that it is for 5 days/week and 9/hrs a day…at $830.00-that’s $166.00 a day for two kids (or $83.00/day for each child) OUCH! If you really want to save some money then keep them home for one day a week (until you get another job, of course) at saving $166.00 a week-that’s $664.00 a month savings! Just for one day of Mr. Mom. Try paying the child-care bill in cash.

By: Wailana Yoga

Wailana Yoga — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:21:01 +0000

Ouch. Paying in cash definitely helps. That’s always the downside of using credit cards, they really do create a false sense of security – then bigger problems later. It’s always quite tricky to balance everything, especially with kids!