We spent a lot of Money in March 2008

While calculating the spending amounts for the first quarter of 2008, I became very frustrated because the averages were somewhat alarming but at further study it was because March was a very unusual month for us. In March we spent money from our sinking funds on clothing and home improvement (flower and gardening supplies). We also had added expenses in auto maintenance (we've bought 6 new tires in the past 6 weeks!) and of course, Easter was in there somewhere! We also had to pay dance competition entrance fees for the girls and we were sick so we had many more doctor visits than normal. All of this was paid for in full. We don't have any credit cards and we don't borrow money!

Whew!!! I'm glad that spending spree is over! Or is it? I'll post about April next.

Here are the totals for some of my categories for each month of the first quarter:

Food and Groceries:
January: $280
February: $305
March: $346

Gas for vehicles:
January: $280
February: $181
March: $365

Clothing:
January: $90
February: $39
March: $752 !!

This is a very high amount but we had $500 in our clothing account at ING direct. We shopped clearance sales, coupon sales, and consignment shops and have a complete Spring wardrobe for all 6 of us from this amount. The next time we go major shopping will be back to school shopping in July. I will save money for this over the next few months.

Home Improvement:
January: $0
February: $25
March: $327!!