Where am I?
August 1 - 31: Ambergris Caye and Placencia, Belize
I started August by enjoying a relaxing weekend on Ambergris Caye, as I wrapped up my birthday celebrations. It was nice to see another part of Belize and get a feel for what the once popular tourist area was like, had it not been Covid times. Unfortunately, after I returned home the Covid cases rose across the country and the government put us under strict 2-week restrictions, followed by more lockdown measures the rest of the month. Needless to say the rest of my month was pretty uneventful compared to July.
Estimated Expenses & Goals My goal was to spend $2,250 USD in August and I'm proud to say I came in a little under!
Let's look at the numbers:
Total Expenses: $2,212.87
My Entertainment category was right about on par with my expectations as I spent 3 nights in a condo on Ambergris Caye. Because that trip was part of my birthday, I consider that entertainment and not regular lodging.
Clothing & Shopping: This is the first month in some time that I bought shorts, a new purse, sun glasses, flip flops, and a fabulous backpack cooler that has come in very handy. I have used the cooler to pick up groceries and keep those frozen and refrigerated items cold until I get home, and it's served great as a beach bag as I can fit drinks, snacks, microfiber beach towel, sunscreen, and all the little fixings in this one bag that is super easy to cary. Hey, it's the little things in life that make you happy!
Savings Rate
A large portion of my expected income for August didn't arrive until September 1. Since I record my income by the date monies hit my bank account, August presented with a lower savings rate than I was hoping. I was able to save 57% of my income although I was expecting to save 75% or more. September should be really nice though.
What do I do with my savings?
This month I purchased more of my go-to ETFs: QQQ, VTI, IYH, and then bought Apple and Amazon stocks as I did not have those in my portfolio previously. All of my investments are purchases with the long haul in mind.
What have I learned?
I have made some amazing friends and having to go back into lockdown was sad. I learned how much I enjoy Monday night Music Trivia, mostly because I love the company because I'm not very good at playing the game!
I'm enjoying more time on the beach. Packing my new cooler and having a picnic on the beach is fun and I look forward to doing more of it.
I truly love catamaran rides, private islands and BBQs on the beach. Have taken several trips in June and July, I have the bug to do more. My hope in the future is to put together monthly boating excursions as well as exploring other parts of Belize where we can go cave tubing, kayaking, and hiking to the waterfalls.
September Goals
In September, my goal is to cut back on the amount I spend on alcohol when eating out. My monthly budget will be $2,250 but deep down I want to see if I can get closer to $2,000.
Questions? Suggestions?
Use the comment sections below, or send me a message.
Hi...This helps so much...I will be coming for a couple months in February and hopefully move there by this time next year. If I can find lodging for close to what you are paying the rest of my expenses will be great. I don't eat out or entertain that often and I don't eat out much. Thanks for what you do. I will continue to follow you.
Thank you Beverly. It’s a blessed life!
Happy July birthday! Good to hear you are staying close to your goals and still having fun with friends on the beach, boating, and the beautiful Caribbean ocean. You are living the dream!!