Day 3

I remembered to bring home my budget.  Keep in mind this is an experiment that Judge Gargotta and I had to persuade our respective spouses to go along with, so the budget could not be too draconian.  I also wanted to protect our privacy so the only numbers we were limited on were more discretionary categories: household repairs $160.00, food and housekeeping supplies $1,300.00, clothing laundry and dry cleaning $200. personal care products and services $207.00,  medical and dental expenses $414.00, transportation gas maintenance $287.00, entertainment $125.00, charitable contributions $500.00 and elderly parents $85 and work lunches and $30 pet and vet care. When the month is over I should have $1,868.00 for a plan payment including car payments  The means test number $1,930.00 keeping in mind that number is exclusive of the car payments.   

There are three people in the house including a 20 year old college student who just happens to be home most of the month. She has a job and pays most of her living expenses from her job.  We were lucky and smart enough to sign up for the state tuition program and her tuition and fees are covered by that plan. We do pay her insurance and phone which normally would be frowned upon but this is only for one month.  

While $1,300.00 for groceries seems like a big number, it includes cleaning supplies and eating out.  Tonight we went out to dinner as we usually do on a Friday night, $52.00 at that rate we will get to eat one meal a day for 25 days.        

Also my husband spent $1 he found in his night stand on a lottery ticket.  We do not have a budget for lottery tickets. It may seem like a small amount but every little bit adds up.