It’s that time of the month where I invoice clients and tweak the new month’s budget while looking ahead to the next few months. This is getting more and more critical as May is already looming and I need to make sure I’m well buffered for the drive home since I don’t know how much, or even if, I’ll be able to work on the way back. I did take a special extension on my health coverage to the end of May that I don’t want to waste, so I am thinking of getting a couple of weekly rentals at various places in the States.

But I digress. Despite its frighteningly slow start, January ended with a bang. I worked my tail off, but was also paid a bonus amount for the project. So not only did I end up exceeding my minimum earning goals for the month… I just met my ideal target. I just about never make that amount, but it’s something to shoot for. That ideal target would cover bills, allow me to live comfortably for a month, and also leave a generous amount for my buffer/emergency fund. So I am in good financial shape for the first time since I left home and February is off to a busy start! The tide is turning!

One thing that helps is just how simple my life here is in Mexico. Really, what do I have to spend money on? About 95% of my budget goes to food (groceries and dining out), 2% to beer (both at home and at bars), 1% to public transportation, and 1% to household and miscellaneous small outings. I feel like I have a fantastic quality of life and that I am well stimulated. Much as I miss home, I know that my budget is going to balloon there when I have a property to maintain again. 🙁

Doing this math made me feel a lot less troubled by how my dining out habit has increased in the last few weeks. I have to eat anyway, so why not enjoy the local culture that way? Yes, I could slash my budget by eating only at home with a very simple diet, but, seriously, how frugal does one person have to be before it’s enough?! 🙂

One comment I get from people is that I have to watch the dining out because it will mean weight gain. Well, I guess it depends on what you eat and I tend to make sensible choices. I’m very happy to say that I haven’t gained a pound since I got here, but I lost two inches around my waist, which means that I’m building muscle from all that walking and losing fat. So my simple Mexican life is working well for me!!