I’m a big fan of budgets, which probably isn’t surprising. Writing out a budget only works though if you check in on your spending. If I don’t regularly check in with my spending and budgeting, I’m going to fall off the wagon. I find it helpful to check in at the end of the month to see how the month went and if there is any tweaking I need to do before a new month is underway.
If you don’t have a budget, then you probably will want to start there. See my post on how to start a budget!
If you do have a budget, then here are some things to think about as January comes to a close. Consider this post your sign to do a January budget recap and help you get some perspective so you can stay on track for the rest of the year.
End of the Month Budget Questions | January Budget Recap
Did you actually track your spending?
You might have a budget, but if you didn’t track your spending, then it’s not going to help you very much. Remember that a budget is just a plan. You might set aside $600 for groceries and $100 for eating out, but you might end up spending $500 on groceries and $200 on eating out. You’ve still spent the same amount of money, and it’s OK if you move money around throughout the month. If you didn’t actually track your spending, then I’d stop here and ask yourself why that might have been the case, and think of something you could change as the new month starts.
How much did you spend last month?
If you did track your spending, great job! Now you can zoom out and look at your overall spending. You can also look at individual categories and see what your spending was. If it seems like a lot for that particular category, examine spending — did something weird happen last month? For example, this month I noticed that we spent a lot more on groceries. But I’ve been out of commission for most of the month with sickness, so I’ve been more likely to buy convenience foods and things that are easier to cook. I hope that will be different next month, and I’m not upset with what this month looked like. But if you start to see a pattern of spending more in a category and you don’t really have a good reason why, it might be time to think about what needs to change.
Will you be planning to spend more on a certain category in the coming month?
Let’s say you didn’t spend anything on dog food in January because you got a lot on sale last year. But the bags are running out and you’re going to have to stock up. Make sure you plan to allot more in the next month!
Is there any category where you need to adjust your planned spending?
Here is a list of the Target unadvertised deals I found at my store this week. Look for 30% off lots of fresh citrus, Finish tabs for $1.99, and more.
Look through the full Target weekly ad to see all the current deals.
Gift Card Deals
- $5 Target Gift Card WYB (2) Miralax Constipation Relief Laxative Powders (ends 2/3)
Miralax Mix-in Packets, 10 ct, $14.29
(buy 2, makes it $11.79 ea. after gift card)
Miralax Laxative Powder, 17.9 oz, $22.99
(buy 2, makes it $20.49 ea. after gift card) - $5 Target Gift Card WYB (1) SlimFast High Protein Meal Replacement Shakes 12 ct (ends 2/3)
SlimFast High Protein Meal Replacement Shakes, 12 ct, $19.49
(buy 1, makes it $14.49 after gift card) - $5 Target Gift Card WYB (1) Optimum Nutrition Electrolyte and Whey Protein Powders (ends 2/3)
Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Powder, 10.05 oz, $24.99
(makes it $19.99 after gift card)
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Powder, 24 oz, $27.99
(makes it $22.99 after gift card) - $5 Target Gift Card WYB (1) Isopure Protein Powders (ends 2/3)
Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder, 16 oz, $27.49
-$5 off Isopure Zero or Low Carb Protein Powder, 1 lb, limit 1, at Target, Walmart, Ibotta mobile app
(buy 1, use $5 off, makes it $17.49 after gift card)
Isopure Infusions Protein Powder, 14.1 oz, $35.99
(makes it $30.99 after gift card) Read More→
Best Choice Products has a dining table and chairs set for almost half off through February 2. Get this 5-Piece Modern Dining Set for $179.99! Use code BCPDINE for an additional 15% off. Shipping is free!
Best Choice Products 5-Piece Modern Dining Set – $179.99
– Use code BCPDINE
Makes it $159.99 with free shipping!
Head to Walmart to score a nice price on this 32-Inch Patio Square Fire Pit Table. It’s on sale for $59.79 (reg. $90), plus shipping is free!
This fire pit is wood or coal burning and can be used as a fire pit, BBQ, ice bucket or table. It’s perfect for entertaining guests in the backyard.
Here’s the deal:
Lacoo 32″ Patio Square Fire Pit Table – $59.79 (reg. $90)
This offer is good for a limited time only. Shipping is free.
See more deals at Walmart.
Time to cozy up! For a limited time, Home Depot has up to 75% off select Home Decorators Collection Cotton Flannel Sheet Sets. Get a great deal on most patterns, sizes Twin through King! (Note – Queen sets are not discounted as steeply).
Shipping is free! Hurry; this deal is going fast!
Deal Ideas
King Blue Gingham Sheet Set – $23.13 (reg $88.97)
Full Grey Trellis Sheet Set – $16.89 (reg $64.97)
Twin Grey Plaid Sheet Set – $14.81 (reg $56.97)
Shipping is free!
See more online deals.
For a limited time only, JCPenney is offering up to 85% off their jewelry! This is perfect timing for Valentine’s Day.
Check out some deals here for some new jewelry!
Deal Ideas:
White Cultured Freshwater Pearl 14K Gold Over Silver Sterling Silver 2 Pair Earring Set – $9.99 (reg. $74.98)
White Sapphire Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace – $10 (reg. $49.98)
White Sapphire Hoop Earrings – $15 (reg. $74.98)
Right now, hurry to the Home Depot and score big discounts on patio furniture. This is the time to get your outdoor spaces ready for spring!
They are offering select items at up to 50% off. Plus, most of these items ship for free! Or you can opt for free in-store pickup.
Deal Ideas:
Lakehaven Dark Grey 5-Piece Wood Patio Conversation Set $584.55 (reg. $1,169.10)
Forever 21 is having their End of Season Sale right now! Get cute tops, bottoms, shoes, and jackets for up to 50% off with code EXTRA50.
Shipping is free on orders $50+.
Deal Ideas:
Quilted Zip-Up Jacket – $34.99 (reg. $64.99)
use code EXTRA50 at checkout
makes it $17.49!
Crew Drop-Sleeve Crop Top – $10 (reg. $14.99)
use code EXTRA50 at checkout
makes it $5!
Floral Print Maxi Dress – $20 (reg. $39.99)
use code EXTRA50 at checkout
makes it $10!
Shipping is free on orders $50+. Sale ends 1/31.
SEE MORE CLOTHING DEALS!