After finishing the book - The Year of Less - in January, I was inspired to keep chugging along. I was also inspired to take account of various life things that happened that would likely make me feel some type of way. And February was nothing short of that. If you do not know me personally, February was really a one-two-(three) punch sort of month.

Our dog Charlotte was old and was pretty sick. She was accumulating loads of fluid in her belly for reasons unknown and getting up to use the bathroom every 3 hours. After a trip to the vet, my sister informed the family chat it was time to start thinking about quality of life. Within 5 hours we went from discussing a month from now, to the very next day. So we said a heartfelt farewell to Charlotte on February 6th.

I had just returned from the amazing weekend away with planner friends and was decompressing on the couch. At 4pm, Maureen (my sister) walked in and said hello…strange, but ok. Then my mom said hello…still strange, but nothing major. Then Nonie (other sister) said hello and I knew something was wrong. Well they came home to tell me that my Nana had passed away that morning. I know everyone says their Nana was the best, but man, my Nana really was the epitome of unconditional love for me. So, a heartfelt farewell to Nana on February 11th.

On Feb 13th, I headed to the dentist and they informed me I could need up to 3 root canals! I have dental insurance but the way it works, I front the money and then I get paid back. This was a potential $3,500x3! COOL.

All of this coupled with a couple family dynamic shake-ups in late 2019, small business ownership, and more means YES I am actively searching for a therapist. But until then, your girl got herself some chocolate and ate a meal (or two) of take-out.

February 2020
Money I spent: $589
Extra money I saved: $0, had to take from savings for dentist
Credit Card Bill: $810.00
Largest Expense: My teeth

My credit card is high because I had to front my dental exam and one of my fillings. TBD on the other 2 teeth - but so far one is just a filling! That day, I decided to change my mindset and remember that this is why I have savings. So all dental work will come out of my savings. When insurance pays me back, it will go straight to my savings.

My pals and I took a trip to Michigan for President’s Day weekend that totaled $140 for the entire weekend which made social costs high. This roughly evened out because I barely bought any groceries because of these 2 different trips and all the family dinners and venmo’s for food my friends sent my way. $26.00 for groceries this month!

I also had a ladies’ night planned to go dancing with pals and I treated a round of drinks - as we all did. HOWEVER, I learned from January and we did use a bunch of our own alcohol at home before going out!

I headed to Notre Dame for their wedding show and stayed with Kaity of OMG Photography’s parents. During this trip I learned about how cheap Paris flights can be and you bet your butt I’m going to take advantage of this soon.

I am most proud of the fact that amidst a not so great time, I didn’t just say “screw it” for the entirety of the challenge. I allowed myself a day to grieve, to use what was convenient (takeout) and just be. I will admit that towards the end of the month, I got lazy and could have recorded my spending better.

Cheers to March
Cheers to Nana
Cheers to Charlotte