I realized this month just how expensive living in the city really is as the bills began to pour in. I ended up spending double what I had budgeted - ouch. At this rate, I’ll never be able to afford that futon (yes, the futon won the debate; I even have one picked out!).

What exactly did I spend my money on? I had budgeted, thinking I could live without select items, but, apparently, I forgot entirely about certain types of expenses. It turns out that those little items cost me the most.

Here are the top ten expenses that managed to blow my budget last month.

10. Emergencies. I foolishly left myself no room in the budget as a cushion for emergency cash. For example, one mild sickness and doctors’ visits and medicine add up.

9. Extra Bills. Little did I know that I would have to pay for an additional month for my old parking space - even though I told them I was canceling. Get it in writing.

8. Trips. Due to moving and birthdays, I had more trips than I had expected. Gas and those pesky toll roads took a higher “toll” than expected.

7. Brand Name v. Generic. So shoot me - I like REAL Cheerios much better than the generic brands. But, are they really worth the extra $3 a box? Maybe if I close my eyes, they’ll taste the same?

6. Unexpected Purchases. I did not include a budget for those apartment essentials that I needed. It can be very difficult to go without a skillet, silverware and a pizza cutter. At least, they are one time purchases.

5. Impulse Buys. I fell for a few “great” deals just after the New Year. I’m thinking, $300 later, that I could have survived without that jacket and sweater.

4. Friend Purchases. Apparently, I’m a bit on the generous side when it comes to my friends. Flowers, drinks and dinners really add up. I think my friends will be receiving warm wishes and perhaps a crative homemade gift or two for a while.

3. Entertainment. Like most people, I like to have fun. What used to serve as my weekly entertainment budget now barely lasts one night.

2. Eating Out. Since the idea of cooking never sounds all that appealing after a long day at work, the take-out menus usually win.

1. Little Heres and Theres. My top expense was the summation of all of the little things that I tend not to think twice about - cab fares, coffees, bus tickets. I need to watch my pennies on the little purchases, too.

It was a necessary, albeit painful, exercise to look at where I spent my hard-earned dollars. Now, I guess, the key is to take the information and, knowing where my money is going, do something about it.