May is over and it’s finally summer! Lately I’ve been realizing that time will really pass you by if you don’t stop and take in everything as it happens. It’s a bit crazy that we’re almost half way done with this year.
May was an eventful month as usual, since we’re almost ready to move and skip town. We’ve only been packing on weekends and that’s how hectic the schedule has been lately. This month was a great month and freelance business has been booming so that’s helped a lot.
Lately I’ve been really consistent with posting twice a week but since we’re moving this weekend, next week is going to be super cray. I will try to post something worthwhile but I can’t make any guarantees. That reminds me that we still need to set up a transfer for our internet ASAP because I will lose it if it’s not set up when we move. So much to do! Here’s the high and lows.
Highs
- We found a place (obviously)! It’s a super spacious 2-bedroom apartment, with a dishwasher :), plenty of storage space and what looks like brand new carpet. The best part is that it’s not much different in size from my current apartment and the rent is super affordable. With my current rent being as low as humanly possible, I imagined I would be jumping to at least $525/month for my half since Ray and I we split the rent. It turns out my portion of the rent will only be $430. That’s only $115 more than what I was paying before. #Winning
- Since we’re moving, I’m working on redoing my budget because a lot of things are changing. I’m also excited to create a budget that will allow me to save 50% of my income; something I’ve always wanted to do. I will definitely post my new budget when I have everything figured out but if you want to learn more about how I’m planning to save half of my income after taxes, you can check out details about my story on Frugal Portland.
- Speaking of changes, May was the last month of paying for day care for the kiddo! Friday was his last day and I think we were both equally excited about it. My child actually really liked day care and all the fun activities they did and he made a ton of friends. I think it was just time to move on since he’s getting older and I’m working something out with my family since they are willing to help babysit when I need it this summer.
- Ray and I celebrated our anniversary on May 1! Instead of jetting off to a tropical destination like we did last year, we kept it frugal and fun by taking a day trip to a beautiful state park to do a hiking tour. We both have student balances to tackle, so we’re trying to prioritize that first. There was also talk of an engagement this year :), but when we get married I’d like to pay for everything in cash. I purchased a Groupon of course for the tour and it was super fun and a great workout.
Lows
- More car repairs crept up on me in May. I had to get some ball joint thing replaced before it went bad and became hazardous. I got it fixed asap, but I wasn’t happy about it.
- I had a somewhat hectic month going back and forth to the doctor for a private issue I’ve been dealing with. I’m finally calm and relaxed again but I was super nervous and had anxiety for a whole week. I am so grateful for the support of my friends and family and I haven’t even checked on what Liberty Healthshare has been doing about the doctor visits but the clinic accepted my membership card for billing so that was good. I’m sure I will have to pay up until the $500 AUA and then they should cover the rest.
Now onto the budget numbers:
Living Expenses/Utilities/Other Bills
Rent: $315
Fuel: $135.03
Groceries: $170
Household Toiletries: $20
ComEd: $75
HealthShare: $131
My Phone: $12
Daycare: $212
6-month Auto Insurance: $95 (2 of 6 months)
Bed Payment: $25 (Read more about Ray and I’s decision to purchase our Tempurpedic bed here)
Gym: $14.25
Credit Cards from last month: $135.19
Vehicle Expenses: $342.60 (Oil change and ball joint repair)
Doctor Visit: $110
Entertainment/Misc.
Dining Out: $81.11 (Small purchases can really add up)
Gifts: $54.69
Hulu: $7.99
Entertainment: $62.13
Clothes: $0 (Completed the 4th month of my 6-month shopping ban)
Debt Payments/Savings
Car Note: $400
Student Loans: $140
Emergency Fund: $250
Moving Fund: $300
Total: $3,077.99
How did your month go?
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Tonya@Budget and the Beach says
I’m still amazed at how low your rent is! Car repairs are the worst. They make a huge dent in your budget. I need to get new tires this month so no fun. Hope you enjoy living in your new place!
Chonce says
Thanks Tonya! And I’m definitely trying to soak up this low rent trend for as long as I can until we decide to buy.
Alexa says
I need to start doing these budget updates too. It always kept me on track if I shared them on the blog.
Good luck with moving. We’ve been working toward moving the past few weeks too and it’s a major pain. I’ll be glad when it’s all over with!
Chonce says
You should Alexa! Moving is definitely a pain but I’m happy we will be staying put for a while after this.
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
Good luck with the move, hopefully there’s some sunshine in the forecast for you to make the process a little bit less painless 🙂 As difficult as moving is, there’s something so refreshing about it too. Such a fresh start!
Chonce says
Thanks Christina! I agree 🙂
believeinabudget says
Your rent payment is killing me, haha! Rent always seem lower when you get to share it with someone. Nice idea to go to the state park. I have been finding that a simple day trip to the park really helps clear my mind and can be a lot of fun – it feel like a mini vacation.
Chonce says
Yeah it could easily be higher if I wanted to move closer to the city. I really haven’t spent much time at state parks but after I went I became hooked. I can’t wait to go back again.
Dear Debt says
Moving and car repairs are such a pain! I hope everything is well with your health. I know how hard that can be to deal with physically and financially! So happy freelancing is going well for you girl, you deserve it!
Chonce says
Thanks Melanie! All is well 🙂 and when life throws everything at you it can be rough at times. I’m definitely looking forward to some down time this summer.
Jennifer @ WanderlustWallet says
Moving is definitely a crazy and stressful time, and I hope everything goes smoothly for you! I know you’ve wisely been preparing for some time. The day trip to a state park for your anniversary was smart. I love visiting state parks. 🙂
Chonce says
It was beautiful. I’m such a fan of state parks now. I need to work on getting involved by doing more active and relaxing activities.
Petrish @ Debt Free Martini says
Just checking up on you and seeing how your doing, which I can see your doing really well. Happy about the new apartment. Even though its a pain to move it always feels like a fresh start which is a great feeling.
Chonce says
So happy to hear from you Petrish! Hope you’re doing well 🙂 I can’t wait until the whole moving thing is over.
Holly@ClubThrifty says
Glad to hear you fund a place! Let me know how Liberty HealthShare goes. We also joined but haven’t filed a claim yet. All we do is send them money!
Chonce says
I will! They’re on my to-do list
Jason @ TheButlerJournal.com says
Congrats on finding a place where your half is only $430. I would love for my rent to be that price. I spent less money than I thought I would in May. You can’t beat that at all.
Chonce says
Thanks Jason and that’s always good to hear.
DC @ Young Adult Money says
Congrats on the new place! Sorry to hear about your health issue. I’ve had some pretty big health issues the past few years and it can be very stressful. The anticipation of going to the Doctor and not knowing what they will say is tough.
Chonce says
Thanks DC! And yeah it’s been pretty rough, but still trying to stay positive and enjoy the summer.
thesingledollar says
I’m so jealous of your dishwasher! And so impressed by your plan to save 50% — with a child that will be just amazing. Cheers to you!
Chonce says
Thanks! It may be a challenge at first but I’m sure I’ll adjust.
Sarah says
Seriously jealous of your rent. I have never had rent that low, even when I had roommates. May was a good month, but June is going to be a tight one.
Chonce says
I try to stick to the modest suburbs and steer clear of the city because that’s where the expensive housing is. Keeping my housing expenses low is one of the main factors that allows me to pay off more debt and save more. Good luck in June!