January Spending Recap

And February Reset: reminders on staying positive through the cold months

Feb 01, 2025

I’ve read—and written—a lot about how January is a great month to reflect back on the previous year. My life was different in many ways at this time last year, but when I look back at my spending, I think the main reason my spending habits have changed this year is because I am more aware of what I’m spending.

I started tracking my spending in my budget tracker in January 2024. I ended up spending a little over half what I spent this month last year, which is kind of insane. A big chunk of my spending last January was on contacts—a necessary expense that lasted the whole year, and this year will hit my bank account in February or March—but even taking that expense out, I spent significantly more last January than this one.

Tracking my spending—and writing about it on the internet—has made me really think about if a purchase is worth it before I swipe my card (or hand over cash). It’s made me more mindful and intentional in how I spend. And yes, this has resulted in me spending less money, but more importantly, it has resulted in me spending my money on better things—things that make me feel happier and more fulfilled.

Despite the weather being actually freezing, it was a great month! I ran a PR (personal best race time) at the Fred Lebow Half Marathon, started a new job that I am loving, and explored the city (and had cozy nights in) with friends.

Running has given me a reminder to enjoy the positives of any situation, while also being real about it. As crazy as it sounds, even though it’s more enjoyable to lounge in 80° F (27° C) weather compared to 30° (-1° C) weather, it’s preferable to run in 30° F weather compared to 80°.

At the same time, at sub freezing temperatures, it can be icy, and there were a few days this month that I skipped my run or ran a shorter distance or slower time because of the icy conditions—being safe and not getting injured is more important than getting the workout in.

I think that’s something that can apply to other areas of life—making the most of times that might not be considered the “best” by others. Sure, winter is cold and the days are short, but it’s also the time of year to go skiing, sledding, and have cozy nights in wrapped in blankets with hot chocolate and tea. Personally, I think winter is a pretty good season, and I enjoy it.

Taken in my old neighborhood during a January 2022 New York City snowstorm

In my monthly recap newsletters, I always share my spending, split by fixed (reoccurring) expenses and variable expenses:

Fixed Monthly Costs

My fixed monthly costs stayed the same this month as last.

Variable Monthly Costs

Dining Out: $165.20
I got breakfast, lunch, and dinner a few times out at some neighborhood spots.
Groceries/Household: $345.22
I mentioned I spent less this January than January 2024, and a large chunk of that was cutting more than $250 out of groceries. I’m not buying any lower quality items; instead, I’m buying more intentionally to reduce food waste.
Transportation: $127.95
A lot of subway and bus rides. Also, the subway might go up to $3 this year - I’m really hoping it doesn’t.
Coffee Out: $16.60
I had mentioned previously that I’ve cut back on drinking caffeine, and this is still true and still causing this category to be lower than it used to be.
Drinks Out: $177.31
I didn’t attempt dry January this month, but I did cut back the week leading up to my half marathon. I’m curious if anyone reading participated in dry January, and how it affected your budget—did you spend less overall, or spend the money saved on alcohol somewhere else in your budget?
Health: $38.50
I bought some skincare products. I lump this under health rather than “clothing/makeup” because I consider these a necessity (things like sunscreen, moisturizer, face wash, etc).
Hobby/Experience: $141.47
My favorite thing I spent money on this month was my admission ticket to the New York Transit Museum. I also bought yarn to crochet and admission to another New York Road Runners race.
Clothing/Makeup: $133.94
One of my 2025 goals was to spend 50% of my clothing budget secondhand. I only spent $14 of this on secondhand clothing, so I’m not doing great towards this goal so far, but the year is still young.
Pet: $61.28
I bought more cat food. I usually buy this (and cat litter) in bulk and only buy more every 4-5 months.

January Totals:

Fixed Spending: $2,674.59
Variable Spending: $1,207.47
Total Spending: $3,881.06

I track all my spending in my budget tracker. It helps keep my spending more intentional—and helps me maintain control of where my money is going! You can access it for yourself at the paid tier of this newsletter: