March was a phenomenal income month and a high expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in March was $32,097.07, our second highest income month ever (April 2014 was our highest at $37,327).  My wife received a 1.5% raise this month.  In addition to our two regular paychecks, my wife received a quarterly bonus of $17,325 gross ($9,776.48 net) and I received a monthly bonus of $2,500 gross ($1,496.25 net). We also got a  $10,750 tax refund ($8,688 federal, $2,062state), $450 in auto allowance from my company and $44.99 in internet reimbursement from my wife’s company.  We earned $1.15 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, our expenses were high but they were surprisingly low relative to our income.  We spent a total of $16,277.30 in March.  Big ticket items include $2,000 in bathroom tilework, $1,950 in extra mortgage payments, and $375 to our tax account.

Next month forecasts should be a pretty typical expense and income month, with the exception of my $2,500 gross monthly bonus that will be a nice perk.

February was a good income month and a lower than average expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

I started a new job on 1/30/75 and our total income in February was $9,683.90.  My wife received her two regular paychecks and I received one week unemployment ($450), half a paycheck and a full paycheck.   My wife also received $341.17 in company reimbursements.  We also earned $1.42 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, our spending was lower than it has been in many months, although higher than our budget.  We spent a total of $10,931.53 in February.  Big ticket items include $2,165 in nanny/babysitting, $481.82 in concert tickets, and $550 for my wife’s gym membership (which her company reimbursed $320 of).  We’ve did a much better job managing our grocery and dinning expenses.

Next month forecasts to be a HUGE income month.  In addition to our regular paychecks, my wife should receive a $17K gross quarterly bonus, I will receive a $2,500 gross monthly bonus, and we may get a tax return.  In addition, my wife will receive a 1.5% raise beginning her second check in March.

NOTE: I am posting our January income statement early because I will be busy training at my new job next week:)

January was an average income month and a surprisingly large expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in January was $8,524.38.  My wife received her two regular paychecks and I received $1,800 in unemployment.  My wife also received $44.99 in company reimbursements and we unexpectedly received a $93.16 Annual Escrow Acct Disclosure Statement refund.  We also earned $4.08 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, our spending was higher than we would have liked, mostly due to a roof leak that resulted in a mold problem.  We spent a total of $14,069.10 in January.  Big ticket items include $2,736 in home repairs, $1,099 for a china cabinet, and $685 for our 20 year term life insurance (paid every six months).

Next month should be good.  I start my new job on January 30^th and February will be my first full month at my new job!  In addition to my salary, I will receive a guaranteed bonus of $2,500/month for the first three months.

December was an AWESOME income month, especially considering that I am unemployed (go wife!).  As expected during the Christmas season, our expenses were higher than normal (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in December was $22,434.03.  We were very blessed in that my wife received a $17,325 quarterly bonus ($10,152.65 net) this month!  In addition to my wife’s normal two paychecks, she also received a third “extra” paycheck.  I received $1,800 in unemployment.  My wife also received $55.24 in company reimbursements. We earned $4.56 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, our spending was higher, mostly because of Christmas gifts.  We spent a total of $15,974.46 in December.  Big ticket items include $2,884 in giving, $1,900 in extra mortgage payments, and $1,707 in groceries & dinning.

January should be my last month on unemployment.  I expect to start my new job January 30^th.   Happy New Year!

November was our first full month with me on unemployment (I was laid off on 10/3/16).  It was one of our more modest income months but our expenses have come down a good amount (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in November was $8,501.32.  My wife received her normal two paychecks.  I received $1,800 in unemployment.  My wife also received $138.34 in company reimbursements. We earned $2.54 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, we successfully keep our spending down.  We spent a total of $8,948.95 in November.  Big ticket items include $1,776 for groceries and $356 for our phone bill (included a new phone).

Next month should be a strong month.  My wife will receive a $17K gross quarter bonus and she also will receive a third “extra” paycheck.  Our expenses will be higher with the Christmas holiday.

Even though I was laid off on 10/3/16, October was a great income month.  Thankfully, we were also able to keep our expenses down as well (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in October was $14,112.96.  My wife received her normal two paychecks.  I received one regular paycheck, a $1,690.64 bonus check, a $1,254.25 check for cashed out vacation + 4 extra days, and a $1,795.50 severance check.  I received $1,350 in unemployment in October.  My wife received $114.98 in company reimbursements. We earned $2.37 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, we finally got our spending down, although not as low as it needs to be.  We spent a total of $11,108.99.  Big ticket items include $2,000 down payment for a new (used) car and $1,707 for groceries & dinning.

Next month will be tight.  It will be my first full month on unemployment (in my life) and we will be relying on my wife’s income almost exclusively.  Thankfully, my wife should be receiving a large quarter bonus (~10K gross) in December.  If I don’t have a job by then, that will help buy us some time.

September was a good income month and a huge expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in September was $11,971.21.  In addition to our paychecks, my wife received a quarterly bonus of $4,642 gross ($2,619.66 net).  She also received $50 in company reimbursements. We earned $4.36 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, we spent a total of $17,211.79.  Big ticket items include $3,973 in furniture and maintenance, $1,062 in giving, and $614 in entertainment.  We spent a ton of money on a music festive, housewarming party, birthday party, house décor & furniture, and much more.

Next month will be equally wild.  I was told on 9/29 that my entire team is being laid off on 10/3.  It sucks we spent so much in September.  I will receive 3 weeks severance, ~7 days PTO cashed out, and ~$2,400 (gross) bonus.

August was a good income month and a large expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in August was $11,369.67.  In addition to our paychecks, received a small auto reimbursement of $143.80 for the last few days that I drove my personal vehicle (I have a company vehicle now) and my wife received $50 in company reimbursements. We also received a $688.22 property insurance refund and a $50 rebate.  We earned $4.27 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, we spent a total of $11,887.08.  Big ticket items include $1,116 in furniture, $820 for entertainment (concerts), and $2,597 for household items.

Next month, we hope to continue the downward expense trend.  Also, my wife may get a quarterly bonus in September.

June was a very good income month but an even higher expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in June was $13,753.04.  In addition to our paychecks, my wife received a quarterly bonus $3,750 gross ($2,116.12 net) and $115 in company reimbursements.  I received a monthly bonus of $2,602.69 gross ($1,359.02 net) and $533.27 in auto allowance and mileage reimbursement.  We sold items on Craigslist for $180 and received $145.91 in preschool reimbursements.  We earned $0.74 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, we spent a total of $ 17,564.98.  We had ~$4,000 in additional expenses associate with buying a house (inspections, repairs, moving, etc).

Next month, our expense will be high again because we ordered a number of pieces of furniture.

May was a good income month but also a high expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in May was $10,815.72.  In addition to our paychecks, I received a monthly bonus of $1611.01 gross ($950.55 net) and $651.22 in auto allowance and mileage reimbursement.  My wife received $200.09 in company reimbursements.  We earned $4.18 in interest income from our savings account.

This month, we spent a total of $12,781.47.  We had ~$2,000 in additional expenses associate with selling our house (paint stuff, pool repair, moving stuff, inspector fee and appraisal fee).  They will be more to come in June as we transition to our new place.

Next month my wife should receive her quarterly bonus of ~$4K and I will get a monthly bonus of ~$2K.