Wednesday, January 31, 2018

I Make Money Move

2017 was a great year! I had wonderful experiences, as well as many food photos that will never be seen again d": But let's focus on the annual 'budget' post, the one that analyzes how much I like to waste my money... consider my spendings as 'well-wasted.'

When your savings don't even compare to your spendings...

I missed 2016's spending review, but I'm sure that 2017 beat it. Out of 410 purchases (yes, I counted each one, though I'm sure I missed a few), I have calculated all of my spendings throughout the year, thanks to my application called "Spendings." I like to see where my money goes, and what I can do to improve... I need to learn how to listen to my own advice sometimes:

  • January (18): $420.58
  • February (27): $506.08
  • March (37): $885.51
  • April (34): $656.76
  • May (43): $1,016.25
  • June (29): $1,101.08
  • July (31): $698.72
  • August (38): $585.27
  • September (52): $1,111.34
  • October (30): $625.51
  • November (34): $1,129.30
  • December (37): $950.97
Total: $9,687.37 I_I

I don't know what to say. I am not surprised by how much I spent, but that's almost the equivalent of a Safari Expedition to Kenya - I could have gone traveling with that money! I am surprised by the number of purchases I made through the end of the year, but it makes sense with all of the outings I made once I graduated from school; perhaps I should have paid attention to Accounting more carefully.

Oh look, temptations...

The following categories are the main areas where I spent my money. As it turns out, having a car is the biggest expense! Let's take a look at the breakdown, shall we:

Distances: $2,792.93
  • Gas (30 times): $1,614.76
  • Travel (40 times): $1,178.17
Out of 30 gas visits, 27 of them were for my own vehicle. Majority of the time, I would be traveling to school or work, with the occasional road trip. I went on my first road trip to Seattle with my friends, and it was wonderful! Maybe not so much on my spendings, but it was good.

As for the "Travel" category, 30 of 40 times were for parking,  and 3 for plane tickets. The rest were for reloading the compass card, car rental, and other miscellaneous travel endeavours. From Portland to Victoria, there were fun experiences all around town, and then some. Perhaps I need to make smarter decisions for going on vacation (just maybe)...

Car washes are necessary, especially when bird poop is toxic!

Foods: $3,450.46
  • Starbucks (6 reloads): $105.00
  • Breakfast (3 times): $12.90
  • Lunch (54 times): $951.56
  • Dinner (45 times): $1,426.86
  • Snack (28 times): $212.79
  • Dessert (31 times): $305.53
  • Alcohol (4 times): $54.88
  • Groceries (25 times): $380.94
Low and behold, the priciest item on the menu was dinner! I swear, I should become a foodie sometimes... But I have no clue how some people can capture their dishes in such angles (it still haunts me). The importance of connecting with old friends is vital, and gives you a reason to hang out - but why at such a high cost? Research Sheldon needs to get to work so he doesn't overspend on his oh-so lavish life. It seems like I went out for lunch every week in the year - that's gross.

Cooking is a concept I need to adapt into my lifestyle - there were some dishes that surprised me that I made! Groceries may seem expensive at first, but in the long run, it comes out cheaper; that even includes shopping at the Whole Foods! Besides, it would be helpful to know what goes into my body, especially if I want abs, the v-cut, Venus dimples... you get the idea.

Black cones makes ice cream more appealing

The perfect ending to a wonderful(ly expensive) dinner

Light and refreshing - absolutely cute in every way

Literally, money down the drain

Fun Activities: $760.97

  • Entertainment (14 times): $383.07
  • Activity (5 times): $377.90
"Fun" being a relative term, this category includes gym memberships - I'll learn to love it, eventually. For "Entertainment," 4 times were for a pub/club entrance, 1 time for the casino, and 1 time for a hotel stay (Tourism Challenge is the reason to blame). Turns out, I am not much of a movie person. I watched about 5 movies in 2017, most of them blockbuster films. For me, there is always one point in the movie where I begin to sleep (the theatres need to not be so warm and cozy!)

I began attending a CrossFit gym towards the last quarter of the year, being a big investment - I am trying to go every day now! On the other hand, swimming and community centre passes were included in "Activity," the ones that I miss so much - I'm still mad at myself that I didn't complete the swimming challenge.

Look at all of the squishies

Mmm, aesthetic gelatin... I had to pay to enter to pay for this dessert.

Presents: $1,951.32
  • General (78 times): $1,396.75
  • Gifts (20 times): $554.57
When I say "Presents," this include greeting cards, gift wrap, flowers, stuff like that. "General" includes weekly Lottos, Christmas ornaments, many trips to Michaels, CDs and movies, as well as toiletries such as mouthwash and toothpaste (those are presents to myself!) More on the weekly Lottos later, but my bougie self needs all types of pampering - some, I cannot escape. From sensitive scalp to sensitive teeth, those products cost more than the average shampoos and toothpaste... Why me.

But presents are another topic, I am a fan of giving presents! When I come up with an idea, I make it my best to execute the idea to my best - 'budget' is no longer a word. Maybe my friends will start to appreciate hand-made gifts? It's an idea I am willing to try.

Really didn't need this...

...But this was necessary (for the baby!)

Outer Appearance: $691.69
  • Hair (11 times): $488.86
  • Clothes (6 times): $242.83
I started a "Hair" category in 2016, after I wanted to track how much I spend on my hair... Compared to 2016, I spent $443.22... I even bleached my hair in 2016! From six haircuts in 2016, I went to eight haircuts in 2017. Again, my bougie self goes to haircuts that cost around $50 each time - I like to support my friends. But maybe this year will change, I want to grow it out again and donate my hair! I like when my hair is long, it feels so good.

As for "Clothes," I spent $155.68 for a vest. One vest. The original vest for my suit did not fit appropriately, but cost me more since I didn't bring it to alterations within the time period... Well, it fits better now, so that's the end of it. Most of the clothes I purchased were needed (black pants, clothing to coordinate with my cousin's look), and some were fun purchases (with the help of gift cards). There is no need to update your wardrobe all the time, but a few pieces will not hurt you.


Now that I have graduated, I need to get real serious about money. School is no longer an issue, and my time can be focused on making that money. All of my expenses could have gone to an apartment, or a new car - you know, the adult things in life. Being financially responsible is my biggest goal for 2018. If that means pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, then by all means, push me.

To all of my friends, if I am going to decline going out (it's going to kill me), it's not because I am busy - it's because I am trying to figure out where my money is going. I am not the best when it comes to money, but it's never too late to learn saving and possibly, investing? Live like a poor person now so you can enjoy the finer things in life later!

Although January has not been a good indicator of my spendings, February can be a game changer. To 2018, let's rack up that money and become a better version of myself.

Be good to yourself.

Good thing Chinese New Year is coming

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