I took a look at my December budget this morning, and should be able to get through the end of the month (and year) ok. The only downside is that my auto insurance is due this month, and I'm only planning on putting about $550 toward it ($3250 is due). This is the first time in a long time that I haven't paid it all in one shot. There are a couple of variables in my budget, though, the biggest of which is my bonus. We usually get it with our Dec. 15 pay. It could be as high as 4,000 (before taxes and 401k), or it could be nothing. I really have no idea where it's going to fall. Whatever it is will go toward the insurance. Whatever insurance doesn't get paid this month will be paid next month, so I don't have it hanging over my head...

Looks like my groceries have averaged about $400 over the last two months. Still higher than I'd like (around $300-350), but much better than $500-$600. It will be a challenge to keep it to $400 this month, given that we're doing more entertaining than usual. But with some decent menu planning, and others helping out, (and my 20% off coupon from ShopRite) I should be able to come close. Also, I decided it will be feast or famine at my house - either we eat like kings when people are over, or we eat leftovers, raid the pantry, etc. the rest of the month. That should help keep expenses in line.

I also saw that gas has averaged $350 for the last two months. Again, it's better than what it was, but I'd really like to see it below $300. I applied for the Shell MC yesterday, so we'll see if that helps a little bit.

I hate to wish my time away, but I'm already curious for December to end so I can look at the full 2005 totals vs. the 2004 totals. I find it so hard to track expenses month to month because there are so many variables. I think a year-long picture is much more accurate, and given that I started really looking at my expenses last Februrary, I hope there have been some positive changes. I've also started to think about 2006 goals, and will finalize them by the end of the month.

So that's it for me. Easy day at work today, I'm working all day tomorrow, then hubby is leaving on a business trip on Sunday. I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend...