Expenditure Update: November 14

It was another month of average spending that amounted to about $3,700. It’s remarkable that even with one salary, we are probably still able to save $1,000 of the take-home pay. And both of us really doesn’t feel “deprived” in any material sense. In fact, I do think that we are spending comfortably.  😛

With regards to November’s challenge, I would say that it failed quite terribly. No doubt I exercised more this month than any other for the past few months but earlier in the month, I pushed myself even though my body was telling me to give it a rest. There were times when it really wasn’t enjoyable and it’s no surprise that towards the end of the month, there were a couple of days when I gave myself a break. Guess this is one area where I should have paced myself better.

December’s Challenge: Show gratitude everyday

I have a good feeling that doing this everyday should keep me from being “under-happy” like most Singaporeans. Nothing beats the blues better than to remind yourself how lucky and fortunate you are, especially in this month of festive cheer!  😀

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Eating Out: $750.55

Hawker ($276.75) – A big Zhi Char treat during a family gathering bumped up the numbers

Fast Food ($61.80) – After the previous month’s challenge, it was pretty enjoyable to indulge in fast food. Mac, KFC, Burger King, Long John Silvers, Subway. You name it, we tried it. The coupons they sent to our home didn’t help too.  😉

Restaurants ($412) – Somewhat muted compared to previous months. Besides the usual restaurants that we patronise once a week, we tried Lee’s Taiwanese and a Viet joint at Marina Square that were pretty good.

Groceries: $21.30

Supermarket ($21.30) – The supply of NTUC vouchers seem incessant, especially after the Mrs won another 200 bucks worth in her company’s lucky draw. This $21.30 were mostly spent on fruits and vegetables when we couldn’t chalk up $10 worth of groceries or we forgot the vouchers.

Beverages & Snacks: $43.65

Beverages ($15.35) – One Starbucks and one KOI drink. Haven’t had a bubble tea for a long time and was surprised a simple green tea with pearls cost $3.50. But it was really quite good.  🙂

Snacks ($28.30) – Two pints of Ben & Jerry core ice-cream. Think this “atas” series wasn’t selling fantastically well. Since ice-cream is my perennial weakness and there was a good promotion going on, I decided to give myself a treat. Really enjoyed the “Hazed & Confused”.  

Utilities: $135.01

Electricity, Gas & Water ($77.65) – Friends and family are still really surprised that our family of 4 pays so little for our utility bills. Check out this post if you are keen on reducing this bill.

Cellphones ($57.36) – $28.03 for the Mrs’ plan and $29.33 for mine.

Transport: $175

1 EZ Reload transaction for me and 2 for her. Plus a cab trip back from a wedding dinner on Sunday.

Departmental: $105.80

Clothing ($85.90) – Crocs was running a good promotion on Black Friday and almost all items were on a 40% discount. I managed to grab a slippers and one of their Santa Cruz sandals for less than 70 bucks.

Electronics ($19.90) – As part of the lucky draw that she won, the Mrs received an iPad Air and we bought a discounted cover at one of the Epicentre stores.

Medical: $190

Both of us made a trip to the dentist and I had a small filling too besides the usual cleaning and maintenance.

Miscellaneous: $413.10

A wedding lunch and a wedding dinner and some early X’mas gifts.

Total: $1,834.41

Overall Total: $3,719.41 (included fixed expenses of $1,885)

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