July was quite a high-spend month for me, despite feeling like I was under-budget frequently! However, I did go out of town twice in the month for a total of three nights, meaning I budgeted more than usual in many categories. Here’s a look at my July 2026 spending diaries.
CLOTHING
BUDGET = £100.00, ACTUAL = £287.75
This is a huge overspend. However, most of the excess spending happened on my Chester trip, which I had used a savings pot for. I did make a Next order one evening, as they do some amazing multipack items, which are super reasonable. I also had a £15 refund from that order. Whilst I’m not thrilled that I spent so much on clothing in July, I’m okay that I’d saved up for my trips and used a savings pot towards my spending money.
COFFEE SHOPS
BUDGET = £50.00, ACTUAL = £59.93
If I hadn’t been a lovely daughter and not bought my parents a coffee when we were away, I’d be under budget! Being £10 over budget in this category is okay with me, as I’ve significantly reduced my spending over the last few months. I only increase it if I know I’ll be going out of town for a day or two.
EATING OUT
BUDGET = £100.00, ACTUAL = £45.63
This covers four meals out, three of which were in Sheffield for my overnight trip. I also had a day trip to Bradford at the end of the month and went to Zizzi’s. However, I had a free pizza on their app, so I only bought fries and a drink. If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s making the most of loyalty schemes and offers, especially when it comes to eating out!
LOCAL TRANSPORT
BUDGET = £120.00, ACTUAL = £92.60
Somehow, I’m under budget here, but I also know that train prices to work vary quite a bit! I budget for £8 per day, as well as a £3 bus fare, but sometimes, the trains are cheaper. Working in retail means that shifts can change pretty last-minute, meaning I only buy my tickets on a Friday or Saturday for the following week. Whenever I’ve bought further in advance, my shifts have switched, meaning I lose out.
GROCERIES
BUDGET = £20.00, ACTUAL = £18.81
This is purely snacks when I’m going out of town or at work. If I’m working on a Friday or Saturday, I treat myself to a sweet treat from work. However, £2-3 a pop does add up. However, £20 a month isn’t a massive habit that I need to kick.
BOOKS
BUDGET = £25.00, ACTUAL = £24.77
This covers four books, three from The Works and one from Amazon. The latter was me finally getting my hands on The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy, so I’ve completed my collection. The other three were new releases, and I made sure to budget for them!
BEAUTY APPOINTMENTS
BUDGET = £30.00, ACTUAL = £30.00
This is my regular gel nails appointment every 3-4 weeks. It’s gone up by £2, but I think it’s reasonable for the quality and chit-chat!
HEALTH + BEAUTY
BUDGET = £50.00, ACTUAL = £65.00
I’m happy that all of this was spent during my trips, meaning I haven’t made any unnecessary trips to Boots or Superdrug when I’m at work or home. Did I need any of these items during my four separate visits? Probably not. However, I did use the Boots recycling scheme for two of these trips.
STATIONERY
BUDGET = £15.00, ACTUAL = £39.00
I visited Flying Tigers twice when I was in Sheffield and bought two lots of stickers from Happy Cutie Studio online, using a voucher each time. Again, I probably didn’t need any of this, but I miss paper planning as a hobby, and stickers make it much more fun!
THEATRE TICKETS/TRIPS
BUDGET = £20.00, ACTUAL = £19.60
This covered a programme, badges and a drink in Bradford, when I went to see Jersey Boys. I don’t buy a lot of merch (the T-shirts are far too expensive), but I like to buy pin badges from my favourite shows.
TRAINS
BUDGET = £65.00, ACTUAL = £80.90
For four lots of train tickets, this isn’t too bad! This covered my Bradford trip to see Jersey Boys, my now cancelled trip to Leeds (I’ve amended the tickets for October), another trip to Bradford in September, and a ticket for my friend for said October trip after I changed the others. I think I might need to cut down on my theatre trips out of town, because it’s just getting too expensive for a day out!
HOTELS
BUDGET = £6.00, ACTUAL = £6.00
This was to cover the amendment of a previous trip to my Sheffield trip, an additional £6 to pay. I think it only cost me £45 for a previous stay, so I can’t really complain for £51 total for a one-night hotel stay nowadays!
AMAZON
BUDGET = £50.00, ACTUAL = £45.58
This covered four separate orders, one of which (£25 for a new fitness tracker) was then returned, but the budget covered hayfever tablets, a necklace chain for my grandma, and some large storage bags for out-of-season clothes.
MISCELLANEOUS
BUDGET = £120.00, ACTUAL = £171.38
My miscellaneous budget in July included a subscription to Steezy for £38, £85 on gifts for my dad’s birthday (which my mum gave me the money back for), £40 on a fitness watch from Argos (using a voucher) and a couple of bits from Utility in Chester.
TOTAL BUDGET = £771.00, ACTUAL SPEND = £986.95
£215.95 OVER BUDGET
Whilst I’m disappointed to be over budget so much in my July 2026 spending diaries, £176.50 of this was covered by my sinking fund for my Chester trip. That means that I was only really £39.45 over budget, which I can live with! I like to think that I’m good with money, but it’s so hard to live on a tight budget when you like to spend money.
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