Because of the VIRUS and now colder weather than expected - made me realize we are spending toi much on some things. We just bought fireplace wood on Monday - you cant tell that by looking today. Plus trying to find more to buy since even colder weather is coming. Added another streaming channel as we have watched same programs way too much. Then our grocety bill seems a bit higher. So what are you spending more money on if your couped still ?
I've been spending more money on wood ever since I retired and have been home all day. I heat almost exclusively with wood. I agree that my grocery bill has gone higher. I don't know if I'm eating more, or if I'm not worrying about economizing on buying the "most bargain" version I can find, as has been my life-long habit. I made minestrone the other day. Usually I would grab a couple of pork necks out of the freezer to flavor it. This time I bought pancetta. That added $6 to the cost of that pot of bean soup (it was worth it.) It seems my general grocery habits have gone that way these past few months. I've just bought what I've felt like without too much concern over economizing or costs. I've been a penny-pincher all my life. It's rather freeing to make some of the more expensive stuff just on impulse. Other than that, nothing has really changed much.
I bought a car in 2019 and have been keeping track of my mileage. Since March 2020, a tank of gas lasts 3+ weeks. I've gone over a month before filling back up...twice. Before, I was going through a tank every 7-10 days. The funny thing is that I started making the 50 mile round trip to Charlottesville to shop at stores that have decent produce and a better selection of specialty stuff, replacing one 15 mile round trip to shop at Walmart. I also did this to get the heck out of my rut. Yet my gas consumption has still declined because there are few places to go in this mess. I got a wellness call from my neighbor a few days ago because the missus hadn't heard me drive by on my way out in a while.
I think that we are spending less, too, or at least we are not spending more than before . We are home most of the time, and barely use any gas, and seldom go out to eat because everything has been closed for most of last year. It is IHOP every now and then, and not even much of that. I am looking forward to springtime and warmer weather, and being outside again.
I haven't spent much at all for months, staying away from malls, stores and thrift shops. Last week, though, I saw a painting in the art gallery by my favorite artist and I HAD to have it. I bargained them down a bit and it was mine. It's HUGE though and it's currently leaning against the wall in the guest room while I decide which room I want to.....uh.....overpower. I must have been drunk on the fresh air...……..
I've been doing a lot of online shopping for the past year or so. I haven't really paid much attention to whether we're spending more, but it does seem that groceries are a bit higher.