By tracking my net worth on the last day of the month, I hope to keep the numbers more consistent based on the usual fluctuations of paying bills and stuff like that. Without further ado... JULY!
ASSETS
Cash (checking, MMA, W2S): $39,882.31
GNMA: $12,715.76
Total Bond Index: $12,916.45
Total Stock Index: $21,961.72
Total Liquid: $87,476.24
Percent Change from June: 3.27%
Roth IRA (Target Retirement 2045): $5,379.70
403(b) (S&P 500 Index): $14,542.98
Total Retirement: $19,922.68
Percent Change from June: 8.87%
DEBT
None
Total Net worth: $107,398.92
Percent Change from June: 4.27%
After two months of decreases, it feels good to be back! This is the highest my net worth has ever been. Sure some of it is because the the stock market is increasing, but I'm going to tell myself that it has to do with the fact I spent $0 on clothes this month! I think I'm going to write a post soon about my investment choices and why I've done what I've done. Would that be interesting?
How was your July? I can't belive it's over already!
Today I'm grateful for: a perfect Saturday with fresh blackberries and peaches!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wedding Weekend #1 is OVER!
Wedding weekend #1 is now two weekends behind me and now I can process it all on the blog.
First, the overall wedding experience:
It was a really lovely event. The bride was as crazy and neurotic as expected, but you really can't blame her quite as much after meeting the bride's mother. This woman is seriously looney tunes. Hilarious, but craaaazy. It is quite stressful when someone who is completely crazy is trying to act calm. The whole experience was just very "them" meaning it fit the couple's personality. There ceremony was hilarious because they kept "messing up" and the bride kept scolding the groom that he was doing it wrong (very fitting of this couple's dynamic...). The entire thing was at a swanky hotel and was very pretty. The flowers were gorgeous, the band was really fun and the food was mediocre (isn't it always?). And I'm sure it was quite pricey, but the bride's family can definitely afford it.
Next, the financial cost:
$180 (my share of the hotel and gift - both split with a friend)
$230 dress
$60 alterations
$234 round trip airfare
$42 shoes
$15ish various snacks
I still have to buy another small gift for this couple because I think that the amount I contributed to the gift wasn't enough. The friend I went in on the gift with also went to the bridal shower and gave her something there. I know that some of you might talk me out of it, but I feel like I need to get something else from the registry... even if it is only in the $20-$30 range. So when all is said and done, it will be around $800 and that doesn't include the cost of the bachlorette party... which I don't even want to get into here...
Finally, my musings on marriage:
Whenever I go to these sorts of things I always wonder if there really is only one person out there for everyone. Is this going to be it for this couple? Or are they destined to get divorced like 50ish% of the couples out there? And how did they know?
Today I'm grateful for: a little bit of a break in this unbearable heat?
First, the overall wedding experience:
It was a really lovely event. The bride was as crazy and neurotic as expected, but you really can't blame her quite as much after meeting the bride's mother. This woman is seriously looney tunes. Hilarious, but craaaazy. It is quite stressful when someone who is completely crazy is trying to act calm. The whole experience was just very "them" meaning it fit the couple's personality. There ceremony was hilarious because they kept "messing up" and the bride kept scolding the groom that he was doing it wrong (very fitting of this couple's dynamic...). The entire thing was at a swanky hotel and was very pretty. The flowers were gorgeous, the band was really fun and the food was mediocre (isn't it always?). And I'm sure it was quite pricey, but the bride's family can definitely afford it.
Next, the financial cost:
$180 (my share of the hotel and gift - both split with a friend)
$230 dress
$60 alterations
$234 round trip airfare
$42 shoes
$15ish various snacks
I still have to buy another small gift for this couple because I think that the amount I contributed to the gift wasn't enough. The friend I went in on the gift with also went to the bridal shower and gave her something there. I know that some of you might talk me out of it, but I feel like I need to get something else from the registry... even if it is only in the $20-$30 range. So when all is said and done, it will be around $800 and that doesn't include the cost of the bachlorette party... which I don't even want to get into here...
Finally, my musings on marriage:
Whenever I go to these sorts of things I always wonder if there really is only one person out there for everyone. Is this going to be it for this couple? Or are they destined to get divorced like 50ish% of the couples out there? And how did they know?
Today I'm grateful for: a little bit of a break in this unbearable heat?
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Halfway Done...
I made a list of 27 Realistic and Unrealistic Goals for 2010 and now that we're halfway(ish) through 2010, I thought I'd revisit.
(1) Go to a DC PF Happy Hour.
Done. I've actually gone to a few now. Great group of people and I always learn something.
(2) Play the CVS game, get a lot of stuff for free and donate most of it. MoneyMate Kate, you are kind of my inspiration! Keep track of what I get for free.
Ongoing. I have my other blog where I've been keeping track. So far I've spent about $128 for $600 worth of stuff. I've also donated a ton of stuff.
(3) Meet the man I am going to marry (know of any cute, single, Jewish guys in DC?)
Fail. Nothing else to say on this topic.
(4) Buy a condo (or at least come a lot closer than I currently am...)
Fail. I don't know if I'm ready. I want to be, but I don't think I am.
(5) Earn an extra $3,000-$5,000 this year on top of my salary
Ongoing. So far I'm at around $2,000, so I think this is definitely do-able before the year is over.
(6) Eat more organics
Medium. I've done a bit more shopping at Trader Joe's. I've started reading labels a bit more to cut out corn syrup and processed foods that have a whole lot of ingredients that I can't pronounce. Definitely ongoing.
(7) Take a cooking class
Fail. But there's still time.
(8) Take a yoga teacher training class
Done.
(9) Figure out how to do a lot more stuff with my blog (track stats, earn some income, make a pretty header, etc.)
Ongoing. I'm tracking stats now and earning a little income, but I really need to do a complete redesign and perhaps move to my own hosted domain.
(10)Eat less sugar and more vegetables
Ongoing. Better some days than others. It's hard having a sweet tooth!
(11)Slow dance
Done. Twice. Too bad neither time was with a guy that I'm into.
(12)Stay consistent with my blogging
January ~ 13
February ~ 17
March ~ 15
April ~ 11
May ~ 15
June ~ 9
That's consistent, right? I don't think I'm going to ever have enough to say to update every day, but 3-5 times a week I think is consistent for me.
(13)Develop more of a personal style (especially add more color)
I don't know. It's a little tough with the shopping ban.
(14)Be more of a minimalist
Ongoing. The great closet clean out was a success.
(15)Wear make up more regularly and try a few new things in my beauty regimen.
It's been a fail recently because I hate wearing makeup in the summer. I just sweat it off!
(16)Seriously look at other jobs
Fail. I'll be at this job for at least another year then I'll start looking and planning.
(17)Finally buy a black purse that I love
Done! Finally!
(18)Get my Netflix queue to under 100 movies (right now I'm near 180)
Slow and steady. I'm at around 140 right now.
(19)Win something on a blog
Done! I've actually won a few things.
(20)Live the life I want now
Hard to say. Some days it's easier than others, but I think that's true of most things in life.
(21)Be proactive
Again, some days are easier than others.
(22)Wash my dishes every day
Medium. I'm much better at this than I used to be!
(23)Tackle cleaning/straightening up some part of my apartment every day
Medium. Some days are easier than others.
(24)Read more books
Medium good. I've definitely been reading more than I was at the start of this year. I think I just need to find some books that inspire me... from the library. I now refuse to pay for books!
(25)Be happy
Medium. Some days are easier than others.
(26)Laugh so hard I cry
Fail. It takes a lot to make me laugh. Or if I've done this one, I don't remember.
(27)Work more on single tasking than multi-tasking
Medium. Some days are easier than others. But I think I'm pretty bad at this one overall...
Today I'm grateful for: exciting dinner plans.
Done. I've actually gone to a few now. Great group of people and I always learn something.
(2) Play the CVS game, get a lot of stuff for free and donate most of it. MoneyMate Kate, you are kind of my inspiration! Keep track of what I get for free.
Ongoing. I have my other blog where I've been keeping track. So far I've spent about $128 for $600 worth of stuff. I've also donated a ton of stuff.
(3) Meet the man I am going to marry (know of any cute, single, Jewish guys in DC?)
Fail. Nothing else to say on this topic.
(4) Buy a condo (or at least come a lot closer than I currently am...)
Fail. I don't know if I'm ready. I want to be, but I don't think I am.
(5) Earn an extra $3,000-$5,000 this year on top of my salary
Ongoing. So far I'm at around $2,000, so I think this is definitely do-able before the year is over.
(6) Eat more organics
Medium. I've done a bit more shopping at Trader Joe's. I've started reading labels a bit more to cut out corn syrup and processed foods that have a whole lot of ingredients that I can't pronounce. Definitely ongoing.
(7) Take a cooking class
Fail. But there's still time.
Done.
(9) Figure out how to do a lot more stuff with my blog (track stats, earn some income, make a pretty header, etc.)
Ongoing. I'm tracking stats now and earning a little income, but I really need to do a complete redesign and perhaps move to my own hosted domain.
(10)Eat less sugar and more vegetables
Ongoing. Better some days than others. It's hard having a sweet tooth!
Done. Twice. Too bad neither time was with a guy that I'm into.
(12)Stay consistent with my blogging
January ~ 13
February ~ 17
March ~ 15
April ~ 11
May ~ 15
June ~ 9
That's consistent, right? I don't think I'm going to ever have enough to say to update every day, but 3-5 times a week I think is consistent for me.
(13)Develop more of a personal style (especially add more color)
I don't know. It's a little tough with the shopping ban.
(14)Be more of a minimalist
Ongoing. The great closet clean out was a success.
(15)Wear make up more regularly and try a few new things in my beauty regimen.
It's been a fail recently because I hate wearing makeup in the summer. I just sweat it off!
(16)Seriously look at other jobs
Fail. I'll be at this job for at least another year then I'll start looking and planning.
Done! Finally!
(18)Get my Netflix queue to under 100 movies (right now I'm near 180)
Slow and steady. I'm at around 140 right now.
Done! I've actually won a few things.
(20)Live the life I want now
Hard to say. Some days it's easier than others, but I think that's true of most things in life.
(21)Be proactive
Again, some days are easier than others.
(22)Wash my dishes every day
Medium. I'm much better at this than I used to be!
(23)Tackle cleaning/straightening up some part of my apartment every day
Medium. Some days are easier than others.
(24)Read more books
Medium good. I've definitely been reading more than I was at the start of this year. I think I just need to find some books that inspire me... from the library. I now refuse to pay for books!
(25)Be happy
Medium. Some days are easier than others.
(26)Laugh so hard I cry
Fail. It takes a lot to make me laugh. Or if I've done this one, I don't remember.
(27)Work more on single tasking than multi-tasking
Medium. Some days are easier than others. But I think I'm pretty bad at this one overall...
Today I'm grateful for: exciting dinner plans.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
More Summer Updates
I've been a busy gal lately which has led to savings in some areas, but mostly spending. Here are the plusses and minuses of July thus far.
(+) July 4th vacation with the family. A fun time, plus 5 loads of laundry, and many meals included.
(-) Extra spending on gas to get to vacation with the family.
(+) One of my besties came into town for her bachlorette party. Craziness ensues.
(-) Lots of spending. Dropped $60+ on dinner and drinks, $30+ on brunch, and probably another $50+ on other miscellaneous things.
(+) Many meals provided by work.
(-) Haven't been doing as much grocery shopping as I probably should. Leads to more eating out than necessary.
(+) Haven't spent on clothes yet this month!
(-) Haven't gotten my act together about yoga for this month.
(+) Wedding Weekend #1 is over.
(-) Expenses mount. Hotel, transportation, gift...
How has your July been?
Today I'm grateful for: new car adventures (not my new car!)
(+) July 4th vacation with the family. A fun time, plus 5 loads of laundry, and many meals included.
(-) Extra spending on gas to get to vacation with the family.
(+) One of my besties came into town for her bachlorette party. Craziness ensues.
(-) Lots of spending. Dropped $60+ on dinner and drinks, $30+ on brunch, and probably another $50+ on other miscellaneous things.
(+) Many meals provided by work.
(-) Haven't been doing as much grocery shopping as I probably should. Leads to more eating out than necessary.
(+) Haven't spent on clothes yet this month!
(-) Haven't gotten my act together about yoga for this month.
(+) Wedding Weekend #1 is over.
(-) Expenses mount. Hotel, transportation, gift...
How has your July been?
Today I'm grateful for: new car adventures (not my new car!)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wedding Weekend 1
It's almost time for crazy bride to get married. I'm so glad this moment is finally here because I can't stand the constant emails from her and her equally as crazy maid of honor. Like the reminder not to forget my bridesmaids dress. Thanks... really helpful.
I guess I haven't blogged about her recently at all, but the basic back story is that crazy bride is a friend of mine who is a little neurotic to begin with and the wedding just brought out the worst in her. I seriously get emails from her or her crazy maid of honor almost daily about totally ridiculous stuff. Like an email 8 months ago about whether or not I want to get my hair or makeup done. Really? Now?
The expenses for this wedding have been mounting and I'm planning an upcoming post comparing the costs of being in wedding and wedding #2 (the other one I'm in this summer) and the varying degrees of crazy of the brides. It's so interesting to compare these weddings anyway because bride #2 is so calm and un-crazy!
Do you have fun plans for the weekend?
Today I'm grateful for: my pretty new haircut!
I guess I haven't blogged about her recently at all, but the basic back story is that crazy bride is a friend of mine who is a little neurotic to begin with and the wedding just brought out the worst in her. I seriously get emails from her or her crazy maid of honor almost daily about totally ridiculous stuff. Like an email 8 months ago about whether or not I want to get my hair or makeup done. Really? Now?
The expenses for this wedding have been mounting and I'm planning an upcoming post comparing the costs of being in wedding and wedding #2 (the other one I'm in this summer) and the varying degrees of crazy of the brides. It's so interesting to compare these weddings anyway because bride #2 is so calm and un-crazy!
Do you have fun plans for the weekend?
Today I'm grateful for: my pretty new haircut!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
And the winner is...
... #6 LBC Teacher !!!!
I've emailed you about how to collect your prize. Let me know if you don't get it.
And I know this is a day later than promised... hopefully no one is too disappointed. Life is crazy and I hope to do a real update in the near future.
Today I'm grateful for: 41 entries for this contest... the most number of comments I've ever gotten!
I've emailed you about how to collect your prize. Let me know if you don't get it.
And I know this is a day later than promised... hopefully no one is too disappointed. Life is crazy and I hope to do a real update in the near future.
Today I'm grateful for: 41 entries for this contest... the most number of comments I've ever gotten!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
My First Giveaway!
I'm ready to announce my first ever giveaway!
Cue the suspenseful music...
I will be giving a $60 one-time use gift certificate valid at any CSN store. You could get a bed, a pair of shoes, a handbag, something for your kitchen or really just about anything on their 200+ stores. Talk about endless possibilities!
I will choose a winner at random from the comments on my blog on Monday, July 12 (my sister's birthday). Then I'll email the winner and post it here.
Here's how to enter:
* visit their website and comment to let me know what you would use the $60 for.
For extra entries:
* subscribe to my blog via RSS and leave a comment letting me know
* tweet about the giveaway on twitter and leave a comment letting me know
* follow me on twitter and leave a comment letting me know
*This contest is open to US and Canadian readers only (sorry everyone else!), but keep in mind that there are shipping charges and might be international charges outside the US for certain products.
*You'll have 48 hours after I email you to claim your prize or I will choose a different winner.
Good luck everyone!
Today I'm grateful for: the suspense of who will win!
Cue the suspenseful music...
I will be giving a $60 one-time use gift certificate valid at any CSN store. You could get a bed, a pair of shoes, a handbag, something for your kitchen or really just about anything on their 200+ stores. Talk about endless possibilities!
I will choose a winner at random from the comments on my blog on Monday, July 12 (my sister's birthday). Then I'll email the winner and post it here.
Here's how to enter:
* visit their website and comment to let me know what you would use the $60 for.
For extra entries:
* subscribe to my blog via RSS and leave a comment letting me know
* tweet about the giveaway on twitter and leave a comment letting me know
* follow me on twitter and leave a comment letting me know
*This contest is open to US and Canadian readers only (sorry everyone else!), but keep in mind that there are shipping charges and might be international charges outside the US for certain products.
*You'll have 48 hours after I email you to claim your prize or I will choose a different winner.
Good luck everyone!
Today I'm grateful for: the suspense of who will win!
Last Day Net Worth: June
...because June only has 30 days. I guess I can't count, but better a day late than never!
By tracking my net worth on the last day of the month, I hope to keep the numbers more consistent based on the usual fluctuations of paying bills and stuff like that. Without further ado... JUNE!
ASSETS
Cash (checking, MMA, W2S): $39,774.21
GNMA: $12,193.51
Total Bond Index: $12,398.38
Total Stock Index: $20,336.76
Total Liquid: $84,702.86
Percent Change from May: 0.44%
Roth IRA (Target Retirement 2045): $5,024.31
403(b) (S&P 500 Index): $13,275.78
Total Retirement: $18,300.09
Percent Change from May: -2.41%
DEBT
None
Total Networth: $103,002.95
Percent Change: -0.08%
I'm down ever so slightly. Thanks a lot stock market. I blame you! At least my bond funds are up slightly to offfset the dip in my retirement funds. I'm in it for the long haul... so hopefully my dollar cost averaging will start being helpful soon!
Today I'm grateful for: ice cream day!
By tracking my net worth on the last day of the month, I hope to keep the numbers more consistent based on the usual fluctuations of paying bills and stuff like that. Without further ado... JUNE!
ASSETS
Cash (checking, MMA, W2S): $39,774.21
GNMA: $12,193.51
Total Bond Index: $12,398.38
Total Stock Index: $20,336.76
Total Liquid: $84,702.86
Percent Change from May: 0.44%
Roth IRA (Target Retirement 2045): $5,024.31
403(b) (S&P 500 Index): $13,275.78
Total Retirement: $18,300.09
Percent Change from May: -2.41%
DEBT
None
Total Networth: $103,002.95
Percent Change: -0.08%
I'm down ever so slightly. Thanks a lot stock market. I blame you! At least my bond funds are up slightly to offfset the dip in my retirement funds. I'm in it for the long haul... so hopefully my dollar cost averaging will start being helpful soon!
Today I'm grateful for: ice cream day!
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