MooreBonds
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
I simply slash my expenses as much as possible in any way possible, without making myself uncomfortable.
Utilities - A/C on 79 or 80, heat on 69 or 70. I only have a desk lamp on when I'm in my office (using the computer). Don't keep lights on in other parts of the house. Try not to waste water - not only higher water bills, but higher sewer and gas (hot water heater) bills. Don't have cable. Check out movies from the library.
Groceries - Shop at Aldi for nearly everything I can (except animal proteins). Don't typically snack much, only eat reasonably-sized main meals that I usually cook myself. I do splurge (for social reasons) on grabbing lunch with some co-workers a few times a week, probably $2,000/year rate.
Insurance - Only pay $60/month for my $5,500 deductible health care plan. Am healthy, so only been to the doctor 1 time in the past 10 years.
Fun/social activities - Might splurge a bit here, but only occasionally do I go out. I am dating, and sometimes involves long distance, so that is a relatively large expenditure.
Auto - Drive a $18,000 (MSRP) hatchback, purchased new. I've averaged 30 mpg, so relatively fuel efficient.
Mortgage - 1.99% PenFed 5 year Home Equity Loan. Don't pay closing costs.
Am largely waiting to get married before the massive travel expenditures start, so until that happens, am just content having a low-key, relaxed, fun life in the meantime. Cash outflow is probably $20,000-$25,000/year, excluding car allowance.
Utilities - A/C on 79 or 80, heat on 69 or 70. I only have a desk lamp on when I'm in my office (using the computer). Don't keep lights on in other parts of the house. Try not to waste water - not only higher water bills, but higher sewer and gas (hot water heater) bills. Don't have cable. Check out movies from the library.
Groceries - Shop at Aldi for nearly everything I can (except animal proteins). Don't typically snack much, only eat reasonably-sized main meals that I usually cook myself. I do splurge (for social reasons) on grabbing lunch with some co-workers a few times a week, probably $2,000/year rate.
Insurance - Only pay $60/month for my $5,500 deductible health care plan. Am healthy, so only been to the doctor 1 time in the past 10 years.
Fun/social activities - Might splurge a bit here, but only occasionally do I go out. I am dating, and sometimes involves long distance, so that is a relatively large expenditure.
Auto - Drive a $18,000 (MSRP) hatchback, purchased new. I've averaged 30 mpg, so relatively fuel efficient.
Mortgage - 1.99% PenFed 5 year Home Equity Loan. Don't pay closing costs.
Am largely waiting to get married before the massive travel expenditures start, so until that happens, am just content having a low-key, relaxed, fun life in the meantime. Cash outflow is probably $20,000-$25,000/year, excluding car allowance.
