Reflection on August Spending

I think August has to be our spendest month so far this year. As many, our spending came to nearly a complete halt earlier this year with less travel, eating out and shopping in stores. We did a little online shopping as usual. August was the month that found us traveling across the country to drop our youngest daughter off at college for her junior year. 

Our daughter was pretty well stocked with the necessities, but there are always things that need to be replenished. More shampoo and laundry, and a replacement razor for the one left at home. Because we drove our van, we had fuel, meals, snacks and hotel costs to cover. 

The biggest expense was tuition for our youngest daughter. We wrote a check (actually sent it electronically) for $9011.72. Most of that was from cash saved, including our tax return. We did take a little more out from her ESA (Educational Savings Account), too. Because of the way the school did billing for books and a couple other things we owe another $947 later this month.

Our cat was diagnosed late in July with reduced kidney function and was put on prescription food. She did not like that change, so we were buying other canned foods that were more kidney friendly to mix in to get her eating the prescription food. At this point, I think we have been pretty successful and may be able to return some cans of food we stocked up for a refund. We also had another vet visit to have her numbers checked. BUN returned to normal but Creatinine levels went up slightly. We go back again later this month to have them checked again. This is becoming a $150 increased cost to our budget each month.

We live in a hurricane prone areas of the country. Thus this time of year we always start stocking up. This month we decided to add a portable griddle to our household to create more self sufficiency. The griddle was $130 shipped. After using it on a plastic folding table and noticing some heat damage, we have now invested in a stand for it, another $85. We also bought some grilling tools that we didn't have on hand either for another $20. We actually may grill out more with this purchase than we originally thought when we bought it. It will serve at least two purposes this way. 

How was your August spending? Was it your most expensive month this year?