Hello everyone! November was a great month. It was a great month for business (see my latest monthly income report), a great month for goals, and it was a fun month too.
Even though November was a great month overall, it was VERY expensive. The traveling we did wasn’t too expensive mainly thanks to credit card rewards, but due to rock climbing and buying all the gear we wanted, everything added up quickly.
Thankfully I think we are done buying things for now, so rock climbing will be a fairly cheap sport for us until we need to replace what we need.
We also just received our annual property tax bill, and that’s not a pretty sight either. I won’t lie, I completely forgot about this until I received the bill. Personal finance blogger fail right here.
Also, one major thing we do need to do this month is decide on our health insurance. Our current health insurance plan expires soon. Instead of paying $191 for health insurance with a crazy high deductible ($12,700), we now get to pay around $350 a month for the exact same plan because of health insurance increases. How much do you pay for health insurance? I know it varies, but I would love to hear what others pay.
November Goals Update
- Work out! PASS! This goal has been going very well. We have been going to the climbing gym around 3 to 4 times a week, and for around 2 to 3 hours each time. It’s a great workout and it’s a lot of fun. I look forward to it every time.
- Work ahead on MakingSenseofCents posts. PASS. I’m doing okay with this. I’m one week ahead, which isn’t amazing, but it is better than usual.
- Eat in 4 days a week. PASS. We still aren’t doing fantastic in this area, but we are doing better. I made a meal plan for this week and already went grocery shopping. We only seem to be going out to eat after we go to the climbing gym. We usually get sandwiches after from Jimmy John’s, so it’s not too terribly expensive but it is something we need to improve on.
- Successfully complete a 5.10a at the rock climbing gym. PASS. I did this one as well! I did my very first 5.10a on the 29th on my very first try. I’m definitely not an expert rock climber but I’m having fun and learning a lot, so I am happy with myself. I recently published an article related to rock climbing if you are interested in hearing more as well – How I Conquered My Fear and Went Rock Climbing Outdoors in Joshua Tree National Park.
December Goals
- Work out! This will be an easy goal now because of indoor rock climbing, but I like having it on here since I went months (maybe years) with this being a major FAIL.
- Work ahead on MakingSenseofCents posts. I am still working on this. After December is over, I would like to be one month ahead with my more beefier posts. Of course, some posts cannot be done ahead of time such as with my life update posts and my monthly income posts. Another goal that is related to this is that I would like to complete going through my old blog posts. I am trying to format and replace bad pictures on old blog posts.
- Successfully complete a 5.10c at the rock climbing gym. I’m not sure if this will happen, but if I’m going 3 to 4 times a week then maybe it’s possible? I’m not sure! We are taking a lead climbing class at our rock climbing gym next week, and I’m terrified of when the lead climber falls (Wes weighs around 75 pounds more than I do, so if he falls, I WILL go flying into the air). Anyone else scared or is it just me? Flying into the wall is something I guess you have to get used to.
- Stay on budget for the holidays. We don’t really have a budget set for the holidays, but we don’t really plan on spending anything either. We pretty much said that the climbing gear was our Christmas present (it was well over $1,000 for all the gear), so December shouldn’t be too much of a budget killer.
What amazing things are going on in your life?
How did you do in November? What is your main goal for December?
Related Posts
December Goals Update and New January Goals- Life Update And Travel Pictures
- Life Update – Our House Finally Sold!
- Living Life To The Fullest Is Something Everyone Should Start Doing
- We’re Now Saving Over $7,000 A Year By Becoming A One Car Family Plus Monthly Life Update
- February Goals Update, New March Goals And Colorado Pictures
Thomas @ i need money ASAP! says
Those pictures look amazing! I’ve never been to Joshua Tree but consider it added to my list 😉 Congrats on hitting all your goals for November too! My November was great and I’m hoping Decemeber will be even better. My goal is to hit $2,000 in side income. That’s a stretch but we’ll see if I can do it!
Michelle S. says
Yes, Joshua Tree is great. I definitely think you should go!
Good luck with the $2K in side income. I’m sure you can do it!
Gina Horkey says
Ugh we pay $650 right now (family of 4 on our own plan) and it’s going up to $750…I also need to find a better solution (that’s with an $8k deductible BTW).
Michelle S. says
Ugh that’s just crazy. Our plan is just for 2 people!
Mark @ BareBudgetGuy says
I grew up going to Red Rock! Glad to see you’re enjoying the real Las Vegas. $350 with a $12K deductible!? I pay $377 for a $1200 deductible, both of which are going up next year.
Michelle S. says
Who do you have insurance through? An employer? I have the cheapest plan available for those in Missouri, so sadly I can’t get it any cheaper unless I work for someone (which I don’t want to do).
Mark @ BareBudgetGuy says
Through an employer yes. I can’t imagine what it would cost if I were on my own with 3 kids.
Michelle S. says
Yes, it would probably be extremely expensive 🙁
Jessica @ The Budget Savvy Bride says
I’m so lucky to be covered on my husband’s health insurance from his job, so I don’t have to worry about paying monthly for insurance. That’s definitely a scary part of self-employment though!
PS – these photos are amazing!! I’ve never been rock climbing but it looks super fun!
Michelle S. says
Yes, it’s pretty much the only part of self-employment I don’t like (well, that and taxes).
Robin says
We pay 354 per month just for me and my toddler, and it’s going up to 430 next year, so I’m shopping. It’s depressing. Our total insurance bill costs more than our mortgage (cars and health for everyone.)
Michelle S. says
Ugh that stinks. I wish it wasn’t so expensive.
Jacki F says
Wow, your health insurance is expensive. I’m paying $364/month through Humana for a $1,000 deductible. I decreased my deductible this year since we’re starting to think about a baby. Previously my plan was $164/month with a $5K deductible.
Michelle S. says
Do you receive your insurance through an employer? Sadly, the price we are paying is the absolute lowest that Missouri offers (we don’t qualify for subsidies).
Sam says
My husband is self-employed, but I’m covered under my employer. For my husband and two kids, we pay $225 for a deductible of $7,000. We use an HSA account in conjunction with the high-deductible health plan. To add family coverage to my employer’s plan would be well over $700/month for a $1,500 deductible.
Michelle S. says
Interesting! I want to live in the state you live in! The plan we have is the very cheapest that you can get in Missouri without subsidies.
Brian @ Debt Discipline says
Great photos! Congrats on hitting your goals for November! We had a good month too, increasing our overall net worth!
Michelle S. says
Thanks Brian!
Karen Martínez P. says
Hey Michelle!
It’s great you accomplished all your goals this month! I love what you do with your monthly updates and I’ve been thinking about doing something similar too, since I’ve been slacking off lately and it’s a good reminder to keep on track.
I’ll be moving out early next year and I’ve been more focused on finding a good apartment and estimating our future expenses than working.
Great post!
Michelle S. says
Thanks Karen!
Kayla @ Shoeaholicnomore says
Sounds like December will be a good month for you. It’s 3 pay month at my PT job, so I’m hoping to use that extra $$ to go toward debt or my savings. (I haven’t decided which yet…)
Michelle S. says
Awesome! I hope you have a great December.
Michelle S. says
It’s a mixture of phone and DSLR pictures 🙂
Adrienne says
Love the photos, Shell!! Glad you guys had an awesome month, I want to try rock climbing with you one of these days!
Michelle S. says
Yes you should!
Jayleen @ How Do The Jones Do It says
It looks like you did great with your November goals! We pay a whopping $1200/month on our health insurance. It is great insurance. The hubby’s work pays for his insurance and adding the kids and I adds the $1200.
Michelle S. says
Wow $1,200? What is your deductible?
Jayleen @ How Do The Jones Do It says
I would have to look it up but I know it is met for this year;0) I’m thinking it’s $2000.
Michelle S. says
That’s not too bad. $1,200 still makes me want to faint!
Jason says
November was pretty good. My goal this month is to have one of my small bills paid off.
Michelle S. says
Good luck with your goal!
Michelle S. says
Ugh that stinks! Why don’t they reimburse all of the expenses? That really sucks.
I’m sorry about December 🙁
Jon @ Money Smart Guides says
November was a great month for me as I had my best month ever for blog income. I am now ahead of my annual goal I set for myself and am very confident I will hit it. Now the question becomes what I want my goal for income to be next year.
I hope you find affordable insurance. I’m lucky in that my wife is employed so we just use that insurance. I did look into healthcare earlier this year for us and was blown away at the price!
Michelle S. says
Congrats on a great November. Have a good December!
Brittany@Fun on a Budget Blog says
Pass. Pass. Pass. Pass. Looks like you had a great month!
Michelle S. says
Yes, I did!
Izy Berry @ Wealth Way Online says
Health insurance is so crazy in the US! That’s a serious part of your income!!! I love your photos from Joshua Tree… I wanted to go there but never made it. Maybe next year 🙂
Michelle S. says
Yes, it’s pretty crazy. I don’t even want to imagine what insurance will be like when we have children. It will probably be over $1,000 a month!
Amy says
Gorgeous photos!! And congrats on success with your goals!
Michelle S. says
Thanks Amy!
Lisa says
I love those pictures! Rock climbing sounds like so much fun. I really want to hit up the climbing gym that’s near me! I’m waiting for a free trial day, though 🙂
Michelle S. says
The one I’m a member at often has girls’ nights where it’s only $10 to go. You should see if the one near you offers any cheap days like that! 🙂
Katelyn @ Diaries of a Wandering Lobster says
I’m so behind on your posts. Beautiful pictures and I’m a bit jealous of your trip! I miss climbing. I’m glad you found something your passionate about. That’s half the battle when it comes to exercise and fitness!
Michelle S. says
Thanks Katelyn 🙂