Monthly Wrap-Up: March 2015

If I remember correctly, I spent almost 2 weeks with a flu bug and could not recall anything much, except that I spent less on eating out (since I wasn't going out, sick at home), and I did not buy any grocery food for the home (no stocking up). Here's the figures:

Overspent HK$419.45

Savings rate 45.41% (before tax)

Not too shabby methinks. My savings % had a dip last month, most likely due to me booking my vacation. But how did I manage to still overspend when I'm mostly home-bound for 2 weeks (except for work)? Well, I did a bit of shopping for the upcoming trip, mostly on a bug spray, sunscreen, mosquito repellent sticker patches, stuff like that do add up...

On top of that, I also got some footsies / shoe liners that will go with my sneakers. Also took the chance of a special promo and got a few bottles of fruity bath gel, they were $59 each normally, $99 for 3 when on special offer, but the cheapest (when I got them) was $25 each. Why the shop does this, I have no idea. Perhaps they'd like to increase shop traffic and get people to buy other things as well besides the promo? I also got 5 books on clearance, all related to health. I know I've got enough books and shouldn't be buying them, but I figured I'll lend them to DB or my family after finishing them, and not sure if they like library books! I think I've also mentioned in a few posts back, that I bought perfumes.

And let's not forget the cute Moomin tote I got, not a need but entirely a want, but I'll use it happily. Here's Moomin family again, if you're not familiar: (or you are like me, like looking at them)

Pic found on google images

Pic found on google images

As far as money things go, I've shared in the Moneytalk post (HERE) I've met the target saving amount, albeit very humbly. But still, the sense of accomplishment! :-D I've also gone ahead for the credit card upgrade, I should have done it sooner after figuring out there's nothing to lose! The minimum % you need to put down for a home's down payment, however, has risen. This is bad news for those who are struggling to save, now you have to save even more!

As far as dieting, healthy eating and exercising goals are concerned, I did very poorly in March. Been to the park for only once. Sick for 1 week, took another 2 weeks to recover. I've slowly started making changes to my breakfast routine, since I need to slim down that protruding belly, and while not in time to get fit before my vacation, still it's nice to have a start. More oatmeal will be on the way!

Personal development goals: remember I shared that I've signed up to become a volunteer then heard nothing? Well, I finally heard from them. Last week I went to a briefing and met other newbies, up to this date there's some volunteer opportunities but I've looked and found nothing close to my home and the time doesn't fit (afterwork?!), so we'll wait and see what comes next.

So what's in store for April? Lots of eating out, a rise in commute cost, and less NSDs since I'll be traveling a bit.

I'll treat a very good friend of mine for a birthday dinner. She's happily retired at the age of 56 and I'm just very grateful to know her before she retired. Even with our age gap (she has a daughter whose age is practically same as me), we got along very, very well and still are. Happy times! Then there's this senior colleague who lives so close to me, and we will be dining out near our place. It's hard to decline when she's more senior than me, but I've talked her into a place which has special offers, the frugal kind. In fact I gathered that she's a very frugal person. Since it's Easter holidays, I'll be meeting up with friends for tea, for some catching up. I did decline a weekend getaway trip with them, because I did not thoroughly enjoyed it last time, plus I could see my money is better spent elsewhere. Tonight I'll be shopping with a friend for a few personal care items, using her discount, and making use of coupons.

Grandma's birthday is also coming up, so there goes my "granny money" after March's grandma (another one) birthday.

A rise in commute costs from April onward is also on the chart, and for once I think it'll be a worthy sacrifice: money does buy you time, in this case. However the leap in cost will be quite a sharp one compared what I used to have. Plus, summer is near, which means I might be walking less and taking more trains! I'll observe how my commute costs rise for the coming month, then I'll make adjustments in my budget...

April's a bit quiet on the side-hustle front, so it might actually be time to get on with a blog sale (not on this blog), or maybe catching up with reading books and magazines. I hope April will be a better month!