I finished my expense analysis for 2020.

It was the least expensive year I've had since 2011. My expenses dropped by 35% from last year (that does not include income tax as an expense, but does include prop taxes).

Biggest decrease: Travel. (surprise, surprise)

Food expense increased a lot - that's the delivery. And maybe some better eating, not sure. But that remained true even after taking into account decreased restaurant bill.

The US saving rate has skyrocketed. This is one reason for long term economic optimism. For many families, the balance sheet is markedly improved. This doesn't apply to those at the bottom of the income distribution and those (often the same group) who have lost employment. These people (and many small businesses) need continued support. But the overall economy is looking surprisingly good for a sustained leap forward over the next two to four years.

My expenses haven't fallen, but that's due to a spate of necessary "home improvements" at our New Mexico retreat. Those are capital costs, so excluding them we're in the same boat. Really low travel expenses.

I know mr wtg and I are not typical, but then that's been the case for decades.

Our spending went down but for reasons not related to COVD (we sold the vacation house and I went on Medicare which is cheaper than my previous health insurance). We don't eat out a lot and we don't travel so not a lot of change there. We increased charitable giving.

I'm wondering how much peoples' lifestyles have fundamentally changed as a result of the pandemic. I wonder if they'll go "back to normal" once the virus drops out of the picture. I'm guessing our economy has been significantly and permanently reshaped.

I’m sure it has in some ways.

But I think a lot of us are going to want to travel and go out to eat a lot once we can.


I can see people splurging on trips at least in 21/22, really feeing they deserve it. God knows I will.

The fact that your past travel budget was that much reinforces my desire to come back in my next life as your kid.

Jf

We haven't toted up, but it's been a mixed bag.

Our electricity consumption was way up.

So was our water consumption because we were growing things in the garden.

Instead of $30 or $40 a week for gas, I'm putting in about $20 or $25 a month.

We're not eating out, especially lunches at the company cafeteria. Those were around $10 or $12 a day. We've had a restaurant meal once or twice a month. A few more when things were calm. But we've had like four pizzas delivered and no other deliveries. That was never a thing for us before.

Got a hot tub. My electricity budget is up bigly.

Jf