Considering the recent change in my travel plans, I am contemplating adding an additional $50 to my “extra” spending allotment.  While it’s easy to rationalize that the $50 pales in comparison to my proposed trip budget (it would have totaled around $3k–all from monthly budgeting for Jan & Feb), I can’t help but wonder if this would be cheating in terms of this month’s challenge.

After totaling my mini spending spree from the weekend, there is little chance I will come in under my goal without a complete spending hiatus.  Unfortunately, this is not an option as I have a doctor’s appointment next Friday that will incur a co-pay.  Plus, being on vacation for 10 days will inherently provide endless challenge and my gas tank sits at just over a half.  Here are my most recent numbers (warning:  they are not pretty considering the “no-spend” theme for the month!):

Day 12: 
Practice fee for gym:  $3
Subway pass:  $5  (forgot my monthly pass & had to purchase a daily…doh!)
Dinner/drinks out with friends:  $52.87 (ouch)

Day 13:
Lunch out with a friend:  $28.80

Day 14:
Dinner with a friend (the only planned purchase of these past few days):  $24

Here are where the numbers stand without juggling categories:
Medical:  $0/$50
Eating Out:  $105.67/$50
Gas:  $66.71/$100
Extra:  $38.56/$50


Here are the numbers with some creative juggling:
Medical:  $30/$50
Eating Out:  $50/$50
Gas:  $90/$100
Extra:  $40.94/$50

The “creative” numbers above allow for $20 in medical expenses (although my co-pay should only be $15), $10 for the gas tank, and $9.06 for extra spending.  The best thing?  These numbers are WITHOUT the extra $50 being added in.  This challenge just went from easy-peasy to incredibly challenging.  C’est la vie, baby; wish me luck!!!!!