Nostradamus, I am one of those crazies who log every expense they make and you are right about keeping the data and charting it. Unfortunately, not a lot of people do it these days. Actually, I get picked on by family/friends for doing this. Well, these are the decadent times….. Anyway, what impressed me with your chart was that you spent more on gifts than on dining. That says a lot about you.

That's great.  Don't let getting picked on bother you, we truly are in decadent times in the true meaning of the word (in a state of decay).

Thanks for the kind words.  I have an extended family (12 siblings all with kids) and it seems there is some occasion for gift-giving around every corner.