The only major expense that I couldn’t fit into the budget was the purchase of my new laptop $1300 (let’s overestimate), and a new cellphone ($200 overestimation).
I need got a new cellphone only because it’s getting to be a real problem to talk on it unless I’m RIGHT outside in broad daylight with a clear, uninterrupted access to the signal. I can’t adjust the #&@$# volume on the cellphone so I can actually hear people when they’re talking, and I’m always embarassed to half-shout I can’t hear you, I REALLY CAN’T HEAR YOU.. speak louder!!!
Especially on le train…
But, proud to say that most of my moola is going towards Debt and Savings. 😀
I’m actually surviving at a bare minimum, on $860 a month, without the “Travel” budget (assuming I had no BF), we’re talking actual day-to-day living expenses are $460.00 a month!!! A MONTH!!! without rent. Yes I live like a hobo but it’s possible. Definitely possible….
Of course, that’s also taking into consideration that my rent being at ONLY $400/month, but even if my rent was higher, at $600 or $800/month (assuming I had roommates), that’s only up until about $1060 a month then.
That’s not to say that I actually want to only earn $1060 net/a month in total because I still want to save for retirement/emergencies, but it’s good to know that my frugality bone is starting to grow, and I’m getting comfortable with spending such a small amount of money. 🙂 So when my debt finally gets cleared.. there’s no stopping me!!!
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.
I cleared $60,000 in 18 months earning $65,000 gross/year.
Now I am self-employed, and you can read more about 
Living: Yep! If you have roommates. Without, it’s double that or so… and it depends on where you live too, but $400-$600 is reasonable..
Malia: Ugh that budget looks so great.. but now I have to pay for the airline tickets and valentines unforeseen costs LOL
great job with the budget and savings! seems like most people spend without thinking about saving for the future, and it’s really such a shame. i’ve always built a “rainy day” fund into my budget, and that’s whats allowing me to take a 6 month mini-retirement now… yup, i’m in between jobs and spending it in southeast asia. haha. =) great blog by the way!! i’m addicted.
Are you sure Toronto is that cheap for a room and utilities? $400-600/month for utilities included? I’m jealous.
Ms. M&P: Agreed.. I just can’t imagine pushing it any lower than it is right now :\
Clueless Cat: I do that too! I have 2 wedding funds to save for.. (to go to)
Living: uhh.. no.
If I were to live in an apartment I’d be living with roomates to maximize the cost of living, and I wouldn’t be downtown (more like way up north). So $400-$600 is reasonable for all utils included. Plus, I wouldn’t get a one-bedroom if I lived alone, I’d be in a bachelor’s or something equally tiny.
Nope.. we don’t go out. Our entertainment is watching movies on his projector, or cooking/surfing the net together. He knows I’m on a really strict budget to clear my debt ASAP because it’s bothering me…
I haven’t eaten out in the past 4 months with BF…. Besides, whatever he cooks is infinitely better than in a restaurant 🙂
I really need to work on my budgets…!
You forgot utilities, furniture, and stuff. $400 rent is cheap, so add it to $800 for a 1 bedroom and utilities. Also do you not pay for any entertainment with BF? No movies, weekends away, dinners out, etc?
It’s so inspiring to read about you keeping your finances under control – I just recently decided to start saving every month so that I have a “Moving to NYC” fund for when I move sometime between September and this time next year. Yay! 🙂
Hope you love your MacBook – I totally can’t live without mine!! 🙂
Nice job!! That’s really great. I try to keep my actual living expenses really low too–right now I’m at about $550…would like to go lower, but then I find I start to push expenses to the next month so it doesn’t actually save. I do have limits for how frugal I can be right now.
Secretista: Thanks 😉 I’m actually amazed at how much I can save if I put my mind to it
Yay for frugalness! Being frugal is what actually got my friends and me into seeing Victorya’s Fashion show. We got free water, and met some Project Runway stars! Being frugal will go a long way my dear. Good luck!!