I don’t know about you but I love CNBC’s Millennial Money and Refinery29’s Money Diaries.
Maybe it’s because I love to snoop but there’s something about learning how someone spends their money is interesting. Since I enjoy it so much, I’d share my monthly money diaries!
Without ado, here’s my August 2024 money diary.
Introduction to my Money Diary
My income is $26,000 per year as I’m on maternity leave. This income is from my employment insurance from the government. I do not include any investments as part of my income because I don’t touch any of my dividends or compound interest. My money diary focuses on daily expenses; if there’s an interest in how much I invest, I can include that in future editions!
Fixed Expenses & Bills
- Mortgage – $175.38
- Strata (basically HOA for condos) – $342.73
- Phone Bill – $33.60
- American Express fee – $12.99
- Home insurace – $23.54
- Car insurance – $225.41
- Car payment – $533.58
Total: $1,347.23
Week of August 1 – 3
- Groceries – $45.98
- Lunch – $20.46
- Something for Theo – $9.03
- Snacks – $14.95
- Sugar free vanilla syrup – $49.95. We stock up on them when it goes on sale!
- Shein – $34.66. Don’t judge, haha. I shop when I’m bored!
- RMT session – $40.50
Total: $215.53
Week of August 4 – 10
- Instant Gaming – $43.92. I purchased the new Sims expansion pack, lol. Seriously, the only place I buy my Sims games since they’re so much cheaper than EA!
- Stuff for Theo from IKEA – $35.80
- IKEA snack – $3.68
- Baby proofing stuff – $55.97
- Sushi for dinner – $45.00
- Starbucks – $5.93
- SPCA thrift store – $23.00. Scored myself a designer sweater blazer!
- Kozak Ukrainian Eatery – $43.31. Tried a new bakery… wasn’t very good, to be honest!
- Something for Theo again – $6.29
- McDonald’s – $13.06
- Clothes hangers – $11.19
- Shein – $8.14
- Snacks – $14.89
- McDonald’s – $3.87
- Groceries – $26.53
- Sushi for lunch again – $16.36
- E-transfer fee – $1.50
- Acupuncture and cupping – $38.60
- Grow with Jo Home – $7.00. Been following Jo’s workout for a while and finally decided to subscribe to her website. Worth it!
Total: $404.04
Week of August 11 – 17
- Value Village – $28.84
- Hairbrush for Dan lol – $8.05
- McDonald’s – $7.61
- Undergarments – $46.00. Wireless bras are the best, and my seamless boxers for women don’t show panty lines under thin pants!
- Starbucks – $6.04. Treated myself after getting my notice that I was getting laid off.
- Sushi for lunch – $20.00. Treated myself after getting my notice that I was getting laid off.
- Groceries – $14.62
- Shein – $27.47
- Groceries – $23.38
- Shein – $28.90
- Etsy – $20.79. Ordered a customized pop socket of Theo’s face!
- Sushi for dinner – $30.58
- Deposit for daycare – $2,000.00
- Shein – $8.99
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo w/ 2 year warranty – $1,185.79. Check out my vlogs on my IG or newly created TikTok!
- Starbucks – $15.00
- Old Navy – $35.00. Pants for Dan!
- Old Navy – $58.34. Clothes and daycare stuff for Theo.
- Old Navy – $34.42. Nice ribbed sweater for me.
- Crocs – $66.58. Theo’s first pair of crocs! SO EXCITED!
Total: $3,666.40
Week of August 18 – 24
- Mobil gas – $57.62
- Toys for Theo and DJI accessories – $52.32
- DJI accessories – $54.05
- Togo Sushi for lunch – $15.48
- Public transit – $10.00
- Shein – $8.14
- Refurb.io – $79.52
- McDonald’s – $3.87
- Snacks – $1.56
- Canadian Tire – $31.77. First aid kit stuff for Theo’s daycare.
- Staples – $6.09. Because who owns a printer anymore???
Total: $321.42
Week of August 25 – 31
- McDonald’s – $10.18
- Starbucks – $13.02
- Photo prints – $2.20
- Sushi for lunch – $22.62
- Starbucks – $6.25
- Value Village – $21.82
Total: $76.09
Reflections:
Ooof, what an expensive month mostly caused by Theo’s daycare deposit and splurging on a new vlog camera. I was honestly not anticipating paying for a daycare deposit because we were getting declined left and right until I saw a Facebook post from the agency advertising they got spots for a nearby center. Talk about luck!
Enjoyed my money diary series? Check out more entries here!
I loved reading about your income and outgoings, food shopping can be expensive, especially with a bust household! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you! I’m glad you found the post relatable. Yes, food shopping can really add up!
I enjoyed reading your money diary! It’s funny how we all have our favorite spots to spend. For me, it’s Starbucks, sushi, and Old Navy. Looks like we have some similar splurges! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Starbucks, sushi, and Old Navy have become my guilty vices, haha. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in that. Thanks for sharing yours!
Love seeing how you manage your budget! Your August spending gives great insight into everyday expenses. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful. It’s always interesting to break down everyday expenses and see where the money goes. Thanks for reading!