Mint.com is great for me. I’m really interested in breaking down my finances, but far to lazy to ever actually do it out myself. 2012 was the first year I’ve had consistent full-time employment, and also the first year I’ve had consistent rent payments. It’s interesting breaking down all these numbers, and using them to project forward when I won’t have many of these expenses.
Income: $23,311.85, not including reimbursements ($7,199.75). This is a little tricky to calculate since I am reimbursed for mileage driven in my own vehicle. This is to cover gasoline, upkeep, repairs, etc. I spent $6,644.94 total on Auto & Transport, though this includes greasecar and bus stuff. At least $2557 was veggie related, so we’ll exclude that. So we’ll subtract the remaining from the total reimbursement, and get a rough yearly total. $7,199.75 – $4087.94 = $3,111.81 to add to the rest of my income. Total: $26,423.66
Starting with Home expenses, I had a year’s worth of rent at $825/month (first, last & security were technically 2011). Total: $9,900. Then there are heat and electricity, which varied in price, obviously, as the outside temperature did. We did run air conditioners in the summer, so electricity fluctuated with the seasons. Total: $1,745. The one service we really pay for otherwise is our internet connection, which varied thanks to an introductory rate, and renegotiation when that expired. Total: $469.
Grand Total: $12,114
This brings me down to $14,309.66 to spend on everything else. Incredible. Almost half of what I make goes into living in this apartment. That said, it is a very nice apartment. But that $12,114 will be entirely saved living in the bus. That is huge.
Of course, many expenses won’t go away. I’ve been paying the minimum payment on my student loans, so that cost will actually go up in the future. Last year that totaled $1,652. And I’ll be paying more for cell service in the bus, since that will be filling as my ISP.
I’m curious whether my Shopping expenses will change. Mint’s categories concerning Shopping are a little weird, but they generally include anything non-essential. Groceries don’t fall in here, but some other home goods do. I’m not going to go into too much detail, but I had a total of $2,278.90, 49% of which was Electronics & Software. Sounds right. Clothing was 15%.
Overall, I saved significantly less than I had hoped I would. I should save more this year. And even more next year. I’ll be free soon.