Goodbye, September!! Hello, October! And the last update of the month on the Savings Challenge.

Pin It    The month of September was not an easy month for us. A lot happened, good and bad. I'm kind of ready for it to be over.

   I am going to miss nice warm days though. Today my friend from Alaska posted a few pictures of the first snow there and their first snowman. That was a rude reminder of what's coming in the next few weeks...not that I'm opposed to snowmen. No, just cold and snow in general.

   But I am excited for Christmas (well, not nearly as much as my kids :). It's time to start seriously thinking of some gifts and decor.

   We finished this month on a great note financially. We achieved most of our goals in The September Savings Challenge:

1.Spend no more than $250 for groceries in September. 

 We spent about $248. I have a handful of change left for the piggy bank. We will bump our grocery budget back to $280 for October because I have some great news. My parents are coming to visit us again at the end of the month!!! It's the first time in 7 years that I'm going to see them twice in one year. I'm beyond excited! My Mom had a huge project at work that allowed her to make some extra money, enough for the tickets. I can't wait to spend some time with them!! And our kids can't wait to see their Babushka and Dedushka.

 2.Spend no more than $50 eating out (and use coupons and deals).

 We failed this one but I explained here why. No regrets!

3.Spend no more than $65 for Kid's Birthday party.

 Done at the beginning of the month.

4. Save everything I make on the side.
 
Drum rolls please!!! We saved $538.90 this month!!! We more than doubled our savings goal for September! It includes my part-time translating gig (and I worked like a mad woman!), cash back from a credit card and online shopping company, 2 things sold on KSL, reviews, surveys, a diaper cake order and some secret shopping. I'm so close to having new carpet in our living room. It will make a great Christmas gift for yours truly :) We are still about $100-150 short from a sum that we need but my BIL who worked as a self-contractor until recently recommended we go check out a new store where he usually buys his materials. And he will help us install the carpet too, so that should add to our savings. I'm debating if we should install it before my parents come and cut on some other expenses this month. What do you think?


5.Count every penny. You better believe it! We had a period when we had other things happening but we bounced back and more. I'm really excited at what we achieved this month. Now hoping October will be just as kind to us.

How was this month for you financially?