Budget Update: November 2022 – Election Fever
Welcome to another edition of my monthly budget updates, where I break down my expenses by category and share the highlights and lowlights of the month.
So how was your November? Was it good, bad or meh?
I thought October was dramatic, but November 2022 was on a whole new level. Such an emotional rollercoaster. The ending was unexpected. I don’t like the compromises but hey, better than the other alternative.
I am personally ecstatic that a former student activist AND someone from relatable financial background became an elected MP. Did you know his declared assets is only RM28.5k, INCLUDING RM13.6k in EPF and RM13k for his car? Good for Adam Adli, seriously.
However, the best part of the whole thing to me was the fact that Twitter didn’t die (understandable worry due to all the Elon Musk hoohaa) and let me just say, netizens definitely went nuts in the shitposts department.
I enjoyed the shitposts so much, I compiled the best shitposts for my own amusement, and now yours. Please enjoy:
Click on the thread and laugh your ass off. Do that then let’s get on to the budget part.
Budget Update: November 2022
In November 2022, I spent RM8,538.49. The top 3 top expenses were:
- Business (RM1,677.69) – Subscription renewals Cyber Monday, Niche site project
- Home Reno + Deco (RM1,662.63) – Monthly EPP for renovation
- Utilities & Mortgage (RM1,284) – Half of mortgage
Cumulatively, the top 3 expenses make up 56% of my total November 2022 expenses. (My belief is, if you want to save money, trim first from the top 3 expenses rather than cut out a few ringgits from other already-low expenses)
My Spending Breakdown in November 2022
Here’s what I spent on in the whole month of November 2022, in their respective categories and from highest to lowest amount:
Spending notes:
- Paid off 1 of 3 credit card EPPs (easy payment plans)! Now my monthly EPPs will just be RM649.50 instead of RM1662.63 – freed up RM1k per month!!
- Kinda spent too much on social activities, must reduce that for the following month. Next time choose less hipster places Suraya
Yay of the Month:
#1 – Bergaji & Pokai Book was on Bestsellers List!
The good folks at Iman Publication team told me that my book Bergaji & Pokai sold well. In November it even made the MPH weekly bestsellers list!!
To say I am happy is an understatement. I am ECSTATIC!
If you haven’t gotten a copy and want one, you can buy Bergaji & Pokai book online at linktr.ee/surayaror or at bookstores nationwide 🙂 Get one before December and you can use the receipt to claim tax relief too :))
#2 – Went to Hatyai for weekend trip
We had the BEST time eating amazing food there. Totally worth it, highly recommended weekend trip!
You can read the budget breakdown in the 2D2N Kuala Lumpur to Hatyai Trip via ETS Train – Cost Breakdown & Tips! article 🙂
#3 – Hit my income goal for the year
I hit my income goal for the year and am close to hitting many other goals in my 2022 for 2022 list! Yayyyy
The list in question: My 22 for 2022 List: Money, Work, Learning, Health, Relationship and Misc Projects Goals
#4 – Starting a new project with husband!
Bought hosting plan and domain for a new niche site project with husband! Spent around RM225 or so for this, very affordable.
#5 – Appeared on..
#1 – Lepak Talk organised by GigVentures
#2 – Get Ready: Recession 2023 organised by Iman Publication
#3 – Nak Buat Apa Lepas Dapat Gaji organised by Iman Publication
#6 – Misc
Read:
- [Reread] The Tightwad Gazette: promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle by Amy Dacyczyn
Bought for myself:
- 2 Steam games
- Another IKEA shelf because we need the storage space
- Some skincare products
- Ice cream mold from Mr DIY
Nay of the Month:
#1 – Paid RM100 for stupidity
Like seriously it was such a ridiculous unexpected expense and I’m so pissed at myself for it.
#2 – Problems with my Maybank Amex card
So my Amex card stopped working. I have no idea why, been using this card for around 10 years.
After about 25 calls attempts or so, at around midnight, finally someone from customer service picked up my call. They say they’re going to do something about it, hopefully everything will be ok in a few days from now.
Things to Look Forward to:
- My trip to Vietnam!
- New Years
- Selangor International Book Fair (come by on 9 Dec!)
Well, that was my November 2022. How was yours? What’s your yay of the month, nay of the month, and something you’re looking forward to? Tell me in the comments section 🙂
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To read about my past monthly budget update, click here. Graphs are taken from my expense-tracking app Money Lover (find out your budgeting style)
November – Our groceries budget terlebih pula. Normally RM900 – RM1000 monthly for 3 adults and 2 kids. Hoepfully, I can reduce a bit for this month.
Hi Nany,
As long as it averages out in long term, all is well 🙂