So with the new year, new focus comes into play. I'm not one for resolutions.. but I thought it was time to put a budget together. Don't get me wrong. I do have savings and RSP's, investments and a mortgage but I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I've never done an actual budget based on my income.
I knew my laptop had to have a program on it for budgeting so I looked it up and filled it in.
I have to say I was shocked at how much of my income is put towards my monthly expenses - the mortgage, property tax, maintenance fees, car payments, car, life and home insurance, cable, internet, cell phone, groceries. Oie vae!
Now this is all a choice. We wanted to purchase a condo a few years ago instead of paying rent and someone else's mortgage, and after many years of wanting a car but not needing a car we decided it was time to purchase and of course the cell phone, internet and cable are all luxuries that we choose to indulge in.
But then I thought about it. I thought about all of the things that are not included in those monthly expenses... things like hanging out with Lola, and hugs from my husband, and walks by the lake, and hanging out with family and friends. And it got me thinking even more as to what my monthly expenses go towards... a home for my myself and my husband, warm showers, the option to turn the heat up if I'm cold, all the drinking water I need, lots of books to read,
too many clothes...
and shoes to choose from,
the option to use the building pool or exercise room..., freedom to drive where we'd like, taking a bike ride, the internet to learn about anything that I choose, a number of movies to watch, tons of music to listen to, limitless meals to try making from the countless cook books the hubby has,
not to mention concerts, travelling and memorable experiences! I could go on and on and on...
I enjoyed this. I enjoyed not only clarifying where my hard earned earnings go to but also taking another look at what I so have and appreciating all of it!
Thank you!
