Do I have any regrets? Some small ones. Is Taylor Swift one of them? Heck no. Neither are the tennis lessons or really anything else, I’ve decide that all of this stuff is October me’s problem. Obvious disclaimer: this is not a wise way to conduct your financial planning, however, I want to enjoy my summer plans, my family weddings, my time with friends and family and I will figure it out. Unlike how I can’t remember or figure out how I made the graphics for this post in months previous.

Side note: if this is completely unhinged, I wrote it two strong drinks, potentially heat stroked out on my last day in Phoenix so, my apologies.

Unplanned expenses//

My largest unplanned expense is very clearly Taylor Swift. I had fully given up on ever getting tickets, I had assumed that there was just no way. The were re-selling for over $3000 US. But then on Tuesday June 13 I got a text saying “A limited amount of production hold tickets have been released. Please use the log-in information provided when you registered as a verified fan.” I figured that it was 50% chance it was a a scam, but that I didn’t have my credit card information saved in my TicketMaster account so the amount of scam that could happen was limited. So once I got through, realized that there were tickets and actually had one in my cart I leaned over to my work friends and said “Sorry to interrupt, but I have 4 minutes to decide if I’m buying Taylor Swift tickets” to which I was resoundingly affirmed, and I bought them. I did have some marginal guilt about spending so much money on something so soon to my vacation, but I can honestly say that that was a) the best concert I have ever seen b) one of the best things I have ever experienced, the vibe is just so good and nice and happy and c) that I have absolutely no regrets. And I ended up going with a friend from grad school and one of her friends so we were able to split gas and hotel expenses which was super nice.

Taylor Swift Eras Tour Breakdown:

• Lower bowl ticket: $381.79 CAD, including TicketMaster Fees
• My third of gas, hotel in International Falls, hotel in Minneapolis, and lunch: $220
• Merch: approx $90, I paid for the other girl’s t-shirt and then she paid me back in US cash, so I’m not 100% sure what the difference in CAD is
• Target and Trader Joes Run: $199.83 and $53.48 CAD respectively. I was able to get a few things I needed for my upcoming vacation in person rather than ordering them online which was nice.
• Coffee and other meals: 39.24 CAD. I bought a sandwich and peach at Trader Joes and ate them before the border on the Sunday so that helped cut this down.

Total: $984.34, but this could have been easily kept under $600 without the merch, Target, and Trader Joe’s purchases. Actually, I just did the math and without the “extras” it comes to $443.03, which for a concert for arguably the biggest pop star currently working, not bad.

The next unexpected areas is tennis lessons, I decided to message the guy I took lessons from last summer and ask if he was open to doing them again. We were only able to line up our schedules for two lessons in the month, but it was really nice to get back into it ($90 for two).

I went way overbudget on eating out and coffee, not planning for a weekend away is part of that, and being asked to go out for dinner with some colleagues unplanned also didn’t. Coffee I don’t think I have an excuse. I have gotten into the habit of going to one of the coffee shops for a latte and a bagel on Friday morning and I need to break that habit next. Spending money was also obviously way over as that is where I put Dr. Swift.

I also had to replace my car windshield wipers, I did it myself, and I do always budget a bit for car maintenance, so it was within budget, but not planned for ($44.37).

Planned Expenses//

Generally I did very well with planned expenses, I spent $465.57 on groceries, which was spot on! Household supplies (ant traps, lol) and clothing was also well under. I’m quite pleased with that as I did buy several shoes and pieces for my trip but I prioritized thrifting and affordable fashion and did very well.

I also bought my flight home from the end of my travels, and paid deposits on some accommodations, but also came in under-budget there.

Looking Forward//

For July I don’t really have a budget, I will be paying attention and logging everything, but this is my fun month. I will be travelling and having all those associated expenses (airport parking, checked bags, pet sitter) and am turning 30, so this month is about joy.

Have a great July!

Laura