Let’s have a look at how much a person can actually spend during a full month of lock down.
Income: 2 258,38 euro
Expenses: 1 624,32 euro
Savings: 634,06 euro or 28%
Income
Once again income consists just of my work income + a small reïmbursement from my health insurace. Work income is declining slightly as I work from home and am no longer eligible for the bicycle compensation I used to receive.
Expenses
These are mostly the matras I bought at Ikea in March just days before all shops in Belgium closed. Using my debit card the expense showed up on my bank account only in April. A good nights rest is important so I spend 450 euro on the matras. Unfortunately the lockdwon came into effect the day of delivery and I am still awaiting delivery.
The other expenses were a doctor’s visit. This was not for Covid-19. I have been having an issue with the right leg after a bad movement while swimming and since the swimming pool is closed due to the lockdown this seemed as a good time as any to have it checked out. Treatement will be for after this pandemic as non-essential health care has not yet started up again in Belgium.
USA readers prepare for a shock: doctor’s visit + photos of the leg came to a grand total of 47 euro. My health insurer reimbursed me 23 euro so the actual out of pocket cost was 24 euro.
There was my usual cellphone bill of 12 euro’s.
O, and I bought a game at discount on steam for 17 euro. As a side note, Total war: shogun two is free to own at the moment on steam! Go pick it up if strategy games are your thing.
And that is it! A lockdown really lowers your spending even for a frugal sloth like me! Without the matras I would have only spend 75 euro! Well, 75 euro and the 1 100 euro I transfer to our joint checking account for stuff like our mortgage, utility bills and food.
My job has already informed me we will continue to work from home till the 8th of June at the very least. Shops in Belgium will be re-opening 11 May but I don’t really need anything. With the swimmng pool still closed and social interaction with family and friend still a no go it looks like I have another month of lockdown to look forward to. Who know, perhaps I will spend even less than 75 euro in May?
Well, looks like we can meet up to 4 people! Will the 75 EUR spending hold?
I was right on track with only 5 euro spend on a discounted steam game). And then I blew it and just ordered a nice, shiny black metal jerrycan for the Vespa! Total luxury spending as I have two (crappy) plastic ones. But I have had my heart set on a quality metal one since I bought the Vespa. Is there no end to my decadence … ? Only 35 euro though so the 75 might not be crossed .
Nah, I’ll cross it. Perhaps finally that new laser to go with all those live streams that are available online now. O yes, sloth wants a new laser 😉
Is that a party laser? I might want the old one then