Half time report for my June project (non-essential expenses)
For June I have a special project where I track all non-essential expenses. The goal is to find out, how low our expenses could be (without compromising life style much).
The month is halfway through, so let’s look at the current numbers: So far we have spent roughly 1.8k Euros this month, including 760 Euros non-essential expenses. The majority of non-essential expenses are insurance premiums and pension payments (comparable to 401k). Actual spending (like going out) is just 40 Euros.
On the one hand I was surprised about 700 Euros in the first few days, on the other hand I’m kind of disappointed, that we only “wasted” 40 Euros. I had expected this second number to be higher. I guess that means we can only really save by terminating non-essential insurance contracts (which I would really like to, but my wife is against).
Maybe there is hope: When I told my wife about this project, she liked the idea and even suggested to also do it in July. Gosh, we would easily get below 2.0k most months if we get rid of 700 Euros every month.
ambertreeleaves 17:50 on 2015-06-14 Permalink |
Why do you call insurance premiums and pension payments non essential?
I do not mind paying the house insurance and car insurance. The first is a 100 pct protection in case of disaster. The second one is legally, but at the minimum cost.
Pension payments are tax advantage in Belgium, so I have no problem paying these either.
Do you know what expenses you will still have when in retirement?
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eurfi 23:17 on 2015-06-14 Permalink |
I agree that some insurance is needed. But you can also have too much 😉
I will keep the house and car insurance.
What do you mean with your last question? The amount? Or the types of expenses?
I think we can stay below 2k on average if my wife lets me cancel/reduce some contracts.
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ambertreeleaves 15:29 on 2015-06-15 Permalink
The last question is about the estimated costs once retired. For me, they are lower than today as I assume the mortgage will be gone and the kids out if the house. I know, strong assumptions and meaning it is only far away from now.
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eurfi 19:37 on 2015-06-15 Permalink
My thinking is similar. When I’m FIRE, there is no need for further pension payments. Also certain insurance policies do not make sense, when you have passive income (e. g. protection against inability to work).
For us the kids will hopefully still be in the house (they are still young) – otherwise it would mean it still takes over a decade. I don’t want to wait that long! 🙂
We will have to see, what influence inflation really has.
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June 2015 – net worth and expenses | EurFI - European way to Financial Independence 23:13 on 2015-07-01 Permalink |
[…] Half time report for my June project (non-essential expenses) […]
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