Expenses - June 2020

 

Total - S$2,150.73

June 2020 saw Singapore head into Phase 2 of reopening post circuit breaker measures, which meant the lifting of certain dining in curbs and socialising prohibition measures.

This led to a slightly higher increase of monthly expenses to S$2,150.73. Though if you take out a one-off annual expense of S$742.67, this is S$1,408.06 instead, which is roughly in line with May 2020's numbers. 

Largest category was Insurance premiums at S$742.67. This was attributed to my H&S insurance with Prudential. I purchased this insurance back in 2014, and have saw premiums exponentially creep up. At this point, given I have the policy riders where it's nil co-pay and nil (or limited) excess in place, I've decided to keep this for the time being, as I understand these riders have been discontinued due to blatant abuse going on over the last couple of years. 

Second largest category was Eating Out at S$652.17. Managed to satisfy some dining out cravings when Phase 2 came into play towards the end of the month, thus the slight creep from May 2020. 

Third largest category was technology at S$372.89. Bought myself a set of wireless earbuds and wireless mouse and keyboard. Also purchased a small toaster oven for the family. 

I burned through 53.8% of my monthly budget of S$4,000 this month. Guess all the savings are coming from the lack of spending on travelling and I do believe there might be room to lower the budget on a sustained basis but let's see. 

In any case, I'm pretty sure I'll end up with a lower annual spend for the 2nd year of F.I.R.E as compared to my 1st. 

 

Expenses - May 2020

 

Total - S$1,248.38

1st whole month of the circuit breaker and it shows in the expenses! 

Total expenses for May 2020 came up to S$1,248.38 and this was done in the context of living life pretty large during the circuit breaker phase, well... as large as living can be done at home. 

Largest category of expenses was Eating Out at S$542.04. I have to clarify that this was really doggy bagging food back for the family, ordering in, and sending food as "gifts" over to my partner who's staying with her parents. 

Second largest category was Self Improvement at S$246.24, as I spent S$240 attending a introduction to positive psychology course, which I found pretty interesting and helpful. 

Third largest category was Alcohol at S$175.80. I certainly stocked up sufficient amounts of beer and whiskey to tide me through the month. 

I spent about 32.1% of my monthly budget of S$4,000, which is very much an all time low during a time where I stayed solely in Singapore. And I was really happy during this period. This reinforces my belief that very little is required to have a good life, circuit breaker or not. 

In any case, I do hope you folks are tiding through these COVID-19 times in good stead. If you are facing problems, hang in there and fight the good fight. Do remember, anicca - it too, shall pass.