Balancing the Book Budget: January 2013 Check-In

Posted January 31st, 2013 by in Book Budget / 26 comments

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Balancing the Book Budget: January 2013 Check-In

Monthly Balancing the Book Budget Check-In!

The RULES

  • I can purchase 2 books a month (Either Kindle or Paperback form)
  • I can use my audible credits (2 a month).  So if I hit a 3 for 2 sale score for me but I will not be purchasing additional credits in a month.
  • I can use my Discover a New Love credit every month. (I actually have 2 saved up that will be used at some time too)
  • I can make 1 book club purchase a month.  I had to add this in because I don’t always read the same books my book clubs do.  I have 2 book clubs so this does pose a bit of a problem as they don’t often pick the same book and one of the 2 I run.  However, I did not want to add 2 books to my purchase total.  Sometimes I will have to go strictly for the social aspect or get the book from the library.
  • I can download free books but must track them.
  • I can receive books as gifts or win them but must track them. (This is includes giveaway books from blogs, contests, Library Thing, and Goodreads)
  • I can request/receive no more than 2 (paper or kindle) books per month for review.  Once I am caught up from last years requests I might up that to 3 but right now I need to catch up.
  • I can continue to request Brilliance Audiobooks for review but no more than 5 of those.  I knock these out pretty quickly and audiobooks are something that I adore.
  • I will keep track of total dollars spent on all book related activities: dinners for book clubs, conventions, book related expenses, ect.

January 2013 Balancing the Book Budget Totals

Book Purchased (2):   The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky ($12.96) and Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson ($2.11) = $15.07

January 2013 Book Purchase

Audiobook Credits (2) used: AudibleListener® Platinum Membership – Monthly: $22.95 a month (I have already listened to both of these): Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn and Widow’s Web (Elemental Assassin, #7) by Jennifer Estep. I did get 3 extra credits this month but did not use them. That means for the next 3 months I can only buy 1 book instead of 2 in paper/kindle.  It was habit to buy extra credits and dang it I fell for it!

Audible Purchases Jan 2013

Book Club Purchase (0): I won one of the books and I am borrowing another so no money spent!

Books for Review (Physical, Edelweiss, NetGalley) (2):

A Witch’s Handbook of Kisses and Curses (Half Moon Hollow, #3) by Molly Harper (Edelweiss) and by (NetGalley)

*I want to say that I got 3 approves from books I requested in December which was a little sad.  I had completely forgot I requested them.  I am not counting them because I didn’t request them this month but in the effort of full disclosure thought I would mention them.*

After reading The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires and Driving Mr. Dead I couldn’t pass this one up!

I am starting back up my personal blog in Feb (focusing on my health, wealth, and life) and this just fit in with some things I am dealing with right now.  Once you hit 40, I tell you things just are different with your body!

Audiobooks for Review (0):  I didn’t request any for January

Discover a New Love Credit (1): For the Love of a Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk

For the Love of a Goblin Warrior by Shona Husk

Books Won (2):Waking up with a Rake by Connie Mason (already read this one and loved it) and The Long Way Home by Mariah Stewart

Thank you Stephanie from Once Upon a Chapter

Waking Up with a Rake by Connie Mason

Thank you Library Thing

Books Gifted (4): The first 3 are from a Groupon that I bought last November as a Birthday gift to myself and a friend (I got her one too). Warrior Enchanted (Sons of the Zodiac, #4) by Addison Fox, Shadow Heir (Dark Swan, #4) by Richelle Mead, Vampire Dragon (Works Like Magick, #3) by Annette Blair, and by (from my friend Wendy as a surprise gift)

Gift Books Jan 2013

Freebies are tracked on Goodreads

Books I added to the shelves this month: 13
Books I read this month: 21
Seriously Series Reads: 10
TBR Tipping (Books Purchased before 1/1/13): 12
Review Books: 6
New Purchases/Gifts Read (Books Purchased after 1/1/13): 4
Goodreads 200 book challenge: 21 of 200

Overall I started out the year strong! I can totally stick to it! YES I CAN! (Yes I am saying that to myself over and over and over and over till I believe it LOL)

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Felicia S

Blogger at Geeky Bloggers Book Blog
Felicia is just your average gal from Texas that loves Audiobooks and Libraries with a passion! She can wine them, dine them, and love them forever. Her eclectic reading tastes include: Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, Swoon-Worthy Romance of all kinds, Zombies, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and the occasional YA read.

During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Tonks a beautiful Lab/Pyr mix (Farm Rescue), Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), and Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.

If you want to follow her DIY, Health, and Life adventures check out Mess to Best

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Audiobook Review: Widow’s Web (Elemental Assassin, #7) by Jennifer Estep
Take Control of your TBR Pile Read-a-Thon March 15th-18th
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26 Responses to “Balancing the Book Budget: January 2013 Check-In”

  1. Tanya
    Twitter:

    Wow, you still got a lot of books there AND stuck to your budget. I think I’m going to hit my library and see if I can get some good audio on Overdrive. I HATE running out of credits!

  2. Danielle (

    Well way to go Felicia now you have turned me onto new book shopping site. So while you are helping your budget you’re killing mine!! haha Discover New Love I am now browsing. I don’t have a book budget and it gets me into a TON of trouble. “just one more books” I can’t say no. I am going to be investing in aduiobooks soon and I was nervous about the price but not that you said you get the occasional 2 for 1 that sounds awesome.

  3. Lauren

    I am so impressed with your organization! I need to take some inspiration here and get organized about my books in all forms, including Audible. Wonderful post!

  6. Heidi

    I am very impressed! I am reading like a fiend but still requesting too much. I have got to stay off Netgalley and Edelweiss! Not buying though since I have too much to read in ARC so that is a plus! High five girlfriend!

  9. Jenny
    Twitter:

    WOW FELICIA! Look at how organized you are! You put me to shame. I have no idea how many books I’ve read this month or how many I’ve bought – I should probably keep track of that and put myself on a budget. *hangs head in shame* Well done you!!!!

  12. Mary
    Twitter:

    I spent too much this month. *hangs head* But I couldn’t help it! Too many books I HAD to have, parts of series I already have, and authors I love. See, this is the problem with loving books. I want them all.

    This month (and possibly the next), I’m going with the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

  13. JenM

    I should check out Is It Me, or My Hormones. That’s pretty much the story of my life these days LOL. It sucks getting older. Looks like you are off to a great start with the book budget.