[Little Writer]

I currently have no idea about my financial situation. We've done some extensive renovations in the house and there are several bills still underway, and we don't know how high they'll be exactly. Usually I keep track of how much we earn and spend each month, but because we've been spending so much on the house, the whole balance is out of wack. It'll be at least until next month before we can see a "normal" month with "normal" costs.

Last year I think we saved about 10% of our income each month. I keep track of grocery and fuel costs (needs), clothes bought (combination of needs and wants), as well as luxury items (wants) as books, dvd's and games.

Mortgage included, I think our needs total somewhere between 50 and 60% of our income each month, but that's not including a lot of other "needs", like the stuff required by law (taxes, insurance, etc.), which we pay only once a year, and extra costs like car checkups, haircuts, etc. You could argue that some of those lean more toward the "wants" category, but still ... We also go out to dinner sometime; that's a "want" in my book, even if it does save groceries and the time and energy of preparing the food in your own kitchen.

I used to buy a lot of books, games and dvd's, but I've cut down a lot. I always tried to buy them in secondhand stores or eBay, but sometimes you just have to buy a new release, you know? When it comes to books, I prefer them in English, and importing a hardback doubles the price. I'd like to get a PS3, but it seems that every time I've saved some cash, I end up having to spend it on this or that.

I found 5 euro in the grass the other day. It really made my day.