October 2015: Income & Expenses

    October was a very busy and exciting month. With a lot going on, I ended up spending more than I usually do. Luckily though October was one of those rare months every year that coincides with three pay periods which offset all that spending. And besides spending more at restaurants and fun, I spent more on health and new prescription glasses. So important items, not simply frivolous spending, as well as taking full advantage of my health and dental plan while I am covered.

Income	$
Work	2190.15
Bonus	160.66
Dividends	213.53
Total	2564.34

    Even though expenses were high, my income in every category was great! Work based income was higher than usual from working more hours each week, plus having three pay periods in the same month. Bonus/unexpected income came in from provincial and federal payouts. Once again, filing for taxes is your friend! Especially when in the low income bracket.

   Finally dividend income was great this month, setting a new high water mark! Here is my post on that dividend income breakdown. Dividends this month accounted for 8.3% of my October income. And also would have covered 12.% of my unusually high expenses this month.
 

Expenses	$
Rent	750
Phone	28.50
Travel	141.50
Groceries	201.20
Restaurants	74.70
Entertainment	150
Other	326.60
Total	1673.47

    Other than the extra one time costs related to getting new glasses and some dental work done, my total costs for the month were fairly in line with my average costs. I spent a little extra in the entertainment and restaurant categories due to some good news that needed celebrating! Will be sharing that in a future post.

    Groceries were slightly more than usual, in part to a big shopping trip at the end of the month, and also buying some steak and other treats! As well as trying to eat more fresh food.

    Either way, even with the extra splurging I lucked out with having the spending increase coincide with a triple pay period month, and my highest dividend income yet! Which means I was still able to save 35% of my total income!