Tracking My Discretionary Expenses
By lilacskies
@lilacskies (1279)
United States
February 10, 2025 4:33pm CST
I sat down today and properly did some accounting for the last five years since I moved in with my parents. I put away the necessary expenses to the side because that has already been properly tracked every year, but I was procrastinating about my discretionary expenses.
I will share the last five years with you.
2020 - $25
2021 - $25
2022 - $461
2023 - $450
2024 - $249 (if we are counting the three expensive things I bought last year. If not, first year I got $0)
2025 - Month of January - $12 Month of February - $0
These are just expenses I made for things that I didn't "really" need to buy, but I bought them anyway which goes against my financial philosophy of buying only things I need, not things I want. They were not even guilty purchases, just embarrassingly impulsive purchases that I wince about when I think about them. The $12 this year was for takeout food I could've avoided.
And yes, I am disappointed with the numbers. I wish they were all zero. Lol! I will try harder this year.
9 people like this
8 responses
@allknowing (140378)
• India
11 Feb
It Is those wants that give one happiness and I think going for them occasionally is good for one's mental health
2 people like this
@allknowing (140378)
• India
11 Feb
@lilacskies I remember during my childhood my mother had to count every rupee but she did give us those occasional happy moments
2 people like this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
11 Feb
@allknowing Yes, it can be a necessity when you have a tight budget, but those occasional happy moments can be motivating as well.
2 people like this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
11 Feb
Yes, but I am trying my best to save every penny. I will probably keep making the occasional impulsive purchase rarely.
2 people like this
@somewitch (1986)
•
11 Feb
That's still impressive! 
I don't track my expenses but I'm sure they'd be much higher than yours, and I'm somehow "cheap" too.
Crazy how low they were in 2020 and 2021, during the pandemic. Some people would have ordered stuff online just out of boredom I guess. 
I don't track my expenses but I'm sure they'd be much higher than yours, and I'm somehow "cheap" too.
Crazy how low they were in 2020 and 2021, during the pandemic. Some people would have ordered stuff online just out of boredom I guess. 2 people like this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
11 Feb
It feels like a lot since my income is so sporadic. Haha Yes, I was too sick to get out of bed for those two years. I was basically bed-ridden so my expenses were really low when it came to things I didn't need at all. I'm doing pretty good this month, but I'll see how it goes.
2 people like this
@somewitch (1986)
•
11 Feb
@lilacskies Aww, I see. That makes sense. Glad you're doing better now even if that means you might spend more money.
This month comes with fewer days so keep up the good work, we'll be in March in no time! 
This month comes with fewer days so keep up the good work, we'll be in March in no time! 2 people like this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
11 Feb
@somewitch Yes, I got a divorce in January 2020 and the fall out was insane. I ended up breaking down and just ending up in bed. Literally. I only got out of bed to shower, eat, etc. and then went right back to bed. I wasn't even sleeping. I was just suffering from all kinds of mental and physical pain. 2020 was the year I was officially diagnosed with depression. Haha yes, I am spending more, but hopefully not too much this year. I don't want time to fly too much though. It feels like yesterday was New Year!
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (184875)
• United States
11 Feb
That's anazing. I can't imagine just spending 25 dollars in discretionary expenses all year I am better than I used to be .but I used to be wildly impulsive when it comes to money. Now, I am paying the price.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (184875)
• United States
11 Feb
@lilacskies I could be trying alot harder.Discretionary spending makes me happy, but I suppose I'd be a lot happier with a nicer car and more money in the bank.
1 person likes this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
23h
@snowy22315 You are right. I will need to replace my car in the future and need some money in the bank in order to do so or I will have to use public transportation. That is one of my worries I am battling with.
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
11 Feb
I am quite the minimalist when it comes to discretionary expenses. I just don't need material goods much. It's okay. At least you are trying your best.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (91790)
• Arvada, Colorado
11 Feb
Looking at your finances ...you would die of shock at mine
1 person likes this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
11 Feb
@RebeccasFarm I am working on keeping my expenses as low as possible this year. Who knows? Maybe I will keep updating about this in the future!
1 person likes this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
11 Feb
I don't think I want to know then. I don't want to die yet.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (45310)
• Staten Island, New York
19h
It’s very hard to spend $0. It’s temping to get something you really want, especially when it’s on sale. Like this handbag I just got. I can live without it. And not working I shouldn’t be buying it. But what the heck. Can’t deny myself all the time. Gotta treat yourself sometimes, if possible.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (45310)
• Staten Island, New York
18h
@lilacskies I love baked goods like danishes, turnovers, muffins, pies, donuts, etc. Really hard to say no to that lol. And really good stuff ain’t cheap.
1 person likes this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
19h
Thank you. Yes, it was a surprise that I managed $0 last year if I don't count the three expenses I made due to circumstances. Enjoy your new handbag! Treat yourself to nice things!
1 person likes this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
18h
@lovebuglena No, they aren't. You are absolutely right. I'm not a fan of baked goods so I'm able to save up money in that regard at least.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3345)
• India
11 Feb
Your financial commitment and discipline need to be applauded. It is definitely impressive. There are many people across the world who are unable to control their impulsive spending. Even the “highest” years in your data just shows an incredibly low discretionary spending compared to an average person. However, I understand your goal is strictly only spend if needed and any impulsive purchase is a setback. I would say save a little grace as sometimes a little spending would help our minds. Do not deprive yourself of those small joys. Enjoy the time!
1 person likes this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
23h
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words! Yes, all of those purchases took a hit on my tight budget last year, but I have bounced back by earning that money back and putting away in my savings. I just hope I won't have too many expensive purchases made this year. That is my goal. I have a tight budget, but I do occasionally treat myself to something nice just to offset the stress.
1 person likes this
@lilacskies (1279)
• United States
23h
Thank you! I am pretty much an extreme minimalist at this point!
1 person likes this
@porwest (95536)
• United States
1h
I mean, depending on what your income is, these discretionary amounts on an annual basis look tiny to me. Many people have discretionary expenses in the thousands per year from vacations to dinners out to impulse buys and untold other things.
We just shelled out over $1600 for a weekend out of town gambling, and that was only for two nights and three days. lol
That was DEFINITELY in the discretionary category.
