How the heck did we cut our expenses?

I know so many bloggers that track their spending.....all their spending. I track SOME of our spending but not to the level that a lot do. I really only track spending for 3 main categories as I feel they are the ones that we can change if needed. They are Groceries, which includes all HBA/cleaning/pet supplies; gas for the cars; and cigarettes for Hubby. Yes, he still smokes, but he has cut back.

I was not really that excited to compare 2013 totals to 2012 totals, assuming that since a lot of prices have gone up that our spending did, too. I was WRONG! I love saying that in this instance!

Our expenditures went down! In 2012 the total for those 3 categories was $9,141.56. Total in 2013 - $7,872.48. $1,269.07 LESS! An almost 14% decrease. I am pretty impressed with us! Even if I missed a entry or two..which I am pretty sure I didn't, our spending still went down about $100/month.

We also paid off a car loan 5 months early and just let that $300 payment go into the credit union account, giving us a nice little fund. I intend to leave that money and let the auto deposits continue to be added to that account so that when it is time to buy a new car for Hubby....some day.....we will have a hefty cash amount toward the purchase. It should be hefty as he plans to drive his car until it won't go anymore and it IS a Honda. LOL!

Our medical expenses went up a LOT, but I am not even going to compare them. So, despite the fact that we may get hit by another Winter storm tomorrow, today is a GOOD day!