Yet again, I'm going to write about what we spent on raising our child (you can read my previous posts about this here).
This last half a year we made one big purchase, namely, transferring her baby room into a toddler room with a toddler bed, nightstand, a new wallpaper, carpet, and a few other little things. This cost us 570 euros and this cost will not be included below as it is a one-time cost.
Together with all the other general costs (and excluding the day-care fee), we spent 326 euros on her per month. Versus the 286 euros for 12 to 18 months; 246 euros for 6 to 12 months and 215 euros from 0 to 6 months, it has yet again been an increase. I hope this doesn't keep going on forever :-)
So... Where did all that money go?
Furniture - this is a new first on the list. It has to do with us purchasing her two bookshelves to present books nicely, a new closet, and a play table for Duplo downstairs. These are items we use every day and I do not regret buying them even for a minute.
Clothes - this time, 72 euros per month spent! Still a lot but nothing compared to 137 euros per month in the previous review. I succeeded with my goal to stay under 80 euros a year. Shall we try going under 60 euros? With her being in the size 86-92 for half a year and probably for the next half a year too, this should not be a problem. Right?
Toys - this time, 43 euros versus 31 euros in the previous review. I guess I've slipped with some mommy guilt here for having been away long hours last 3 months. Will try to go down to 30 euros per month from now on. We did get a great huge set of Duplo for sandwich money from the King's day market, so we have a lot to play with!
Books - 42 euros spent per month, which is in the lines of 30-40 euros it has been for the previous 1 year. This is OK by me, as books are super important for us as a family.
Miscellaneous - purchases like a new bike seat (57 euros on Marketplace!) and other random costs.
Activities - she participated in a dance class for some time and went to a sensory play class, to the theatre, and to a concert. All good things :)
Celebration - 21 euros per month went to celebrating Christmas and her second birthday (with cake, friends, and decorations).
Memories - we had a photoshoot for Christmas and that went on our Christmas card.
What will be the goals for the next half a year?
- Spending less than 70 euros on her clothes per month.
- Spending less than 30 euros per month on toys.
- Look into investing options for her, next to her regular saving account.
- Increase the monthly payment to her saving account.