I started working a book budget last year, which, once I got RT out of the way, and I totally blew my budget all to hell, I just stopped. I never would have imagined the amount of books I would come away from RT with. I know a lot were free, but there were SO many more! Now that I have had that experience, I know better and can plan a little more accurately.
I keep track of my money in Quicken for my daily life things, so I have a category just for books. When I first looked at the number on the report for that category, I think I might have blown a few blood vessels in my head. The number was astronomical. Part of the problem though, was that I was lumping convention fees and membership fees into that same group. I’ve tried to break it down a little better, and though this is embarrassing, this is what 2014 looked like.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| RT14 Ticket + 1st RT15 Payment | $647.00 |
| B&N Membership Renewal | $25.00 |
| Buns & Roses Event Ticket | $45.00 |
| Audible Subscription | $298.08 |
| Books (Ebooks, paperbacks & hardcovers) | $1321.35 |
| Total: | $2336.43 |
Now you can see why my eyes about bugged out of my head when I saw the report. This could be off in places where I would download an Amazon purchase to Quicken and didn’t off hand know what I purchased but was around the price of a book. Or, I could be just trying to find an excuse.
Anyway, I can’t dwell on the past. It’s done. All we can do is look forward and hopefully plan a little better so 2015 doesn’t get so out of control. So, here is a look at my proposed bookish life:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| RT15 Final Payment | $326.00 |
| B&N Membership Renewal | $25.00 |
| Buns & Roses Event Ticket | $45.00 |
| Readers & ‘Ritas 2015 Event Ticket | $170.12 |
| Audible Subscription | $298.08 |
| Books (Ebooks, paperbacks & hardcovers) | $500 |
| Total: | $1364.20 |
As it looks, I’m going to scratch $1000 off what I did last year, but yet add another convention, which is always dangerous when you figure you’ll probably be buying books there as well. I had been thinking about doing another convention, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to swing it. Luckily my hotel bills all fall under the “Vacation” category in Quicken, so I’m not counting that!
The $500 I am allotting for books does not include any gift cards or books I may acquire for birthdays, anniversaries or any other holiday. I will add them into my update post, but make a notation that they are gifts.
This was a very eye-opening experience. Thank you to Felicia over at Geeky Bloggers Book Blog for encouraging me to look at my own book habits.
Have you really looked at what you spent last year feeding your reading habit? A little investigation can really help keep it under control. I am so happy for libraries, freebies and sales as I will definitely be looking there before I make my next purchase!
