November was a very expensive month because I paid the annual property tax bill and spent a lot in the "Fun" category.
- I prepaid for 12 months of home internet. We are switching to the new home internet from Mint Mobile, which will be $30/month. We currently have T Mobile, which is the same network used by Mint, and will save $20/month with the switch.
- Bank fees were crazy high. I paid the annual fee on the Platinum AMEX and a cash advance fee due to a mistake I made by using the wrong card to access cash.
- In Personal Care, I booked a Black Friday deal with my reflexologist.
- I paid the annual property tax bill. This was over $7,000.
Fun (aka Personal Travel)
We love adventures. Spending on experiences makes us better humans.
- Carnival ran a Black Friday "level up" promotion. Their loyalty program is changing in 2026 and by booking two cruises before the change takes effect I will lock in Diamond status for life.
- I've been calling Personal Travel "Fun" because it usually is, but this is also where I include any travel that isn't for work. My mom's health is failing, so I've been spending as much time as I can in Richmond. I've been staying in Hilton-branded hotels so that I can reach Diamond status, and I prepaid for several nights in December because the rate is much lower if you pick the prepaid, non-refundable rate.
- I pay for two AMC A-List subscriptions each month.
November Expenses: $13,431
$334 Auto (service, gas, insurance, AAA, etc.)
$1,553 Bank Fees (annual fees on credit cards)$181 Clothing/ Personal Care
$3,316 Fun (vacations, movies, gambling, alcohol, concert tickets)
$388 Food
$187 Health and Dental
$13 Household/Home Repairs
$0 Unreimbursed Job Expense
($407) Reimbursed Job Expense income this month
$0 Interest Expense
$182 Miscellaneous (cat sitter, gifts)
$7,102 Taxes
$583 Utilities
