I am making a point of taking my whole 1.5% allowance this year, but my months go something like this:
- January: Save money for…
- February: Mum’s birthday, Dad’s birthday and Valentine’s day.
- March: Mother’s day and paying some of February off
- April: Catching a break (but typically some cheap/second hand running shoes at this point) and also probably paying for some of February.
- May: A’s birthday
- June: Father’s day
- July: ?
- August: ?
- September: ? (Maybe saving money for a Christmas present for A).
- October: Probably another pair of running shoes
- November: Saving money for…
- December: Christmas presents for Mum and Dad.
So I’ve two to three months where I could save. I’m trying to be more aware (writing this out has helped me) and (even more) realistic this year: Stuff for A shouldn’t be included on this budget, but seemingly is; Technically one pair of running shoes would do for the total distance I run, but they also get used for dog walking; Second hand running shoes from Vinted help save cash; April and October give me six months per pair of shoes and also kind of works seasonally.
If nothing else crops up in July and August then I shouldn’t have to repeat this post again next year.