I love tracking my net worth and seeing the numbers slowly rise. They didn't go up as much as I would like this month, but even a quarter of a percent is something, right? 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. So here it is...
Liquid Assets
Cash (checking, MMA, W2S): $38,590.47
GNMA: $17,262.57
Total Bond Index: $17,334.38
Total Stock Index: $29,587.14
Total Liquid: $102,774.56
Percent Change: 0.66%
Retirement Assets
Roth IRA (Target 2045): $6,506.40
403(b) (S&P 500 Index): $21,122.08
Total Retirement: $27,628.48
Percent Change: -1.09%
Total Net worth $130,403.04
Percent Change 0.29%
There were a few irregular expenses this month that led to not as much saving--car insurance was due, got my 15,000 mile check up for my car, and did some shopping for a few events. It all adds up, which is sometimes hard to remember. With unemployment looming ahead, I need to cut expenses. But more on that later.
How's your spending been this month? Has spring helped you make spendier choices? Or are you taking advantage of all of the fun and free things to do in the warm weather? Spill it!
Today I'm grateful for: get my life together days
a 20-something girl from Arlington, VA trying to make sense of life, money and the finer things
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Another credit card confession
Since coming out about not redeeming my credit card rewards, I feel a little bit better about admitting some else. I don't ever read the terms of my credit card agreement.
I don't think I'm alone on this, because:
(1) they're long
(2) they're boring
(3) I'm not really sure what it means to me
I think it's kind of like reading the terms and conditions when you click "I accept." Does anyone do it? I don't think so!
I just got a note from my credit card company that they are changing some of the terms of our agreement. I know this is within their right to do, but it's also within my right to be bored and not read it, right? If I pay off my bill in full each month, does it matter if I don't read the agreement? Do you read the agreement? What does it say?
Today I'm grateful for: going to Orlando this summer!
I don't think I'm alone on this, because:
(1) they're long
(2) they're boring
(3) I'm not really sure what it means to me
I think it's kind of like reading the terms and conditions when you click "I accept." Does anyone do it? I don't think so!
I just got a note from my credit card company that they are changing some of the terms of our agreement. I know this is within their right to do, but it's also within my right to be bored and not read it, right? If I pay off my bill in full each month, does it matter if I don't read the agreement? Do you read the agreement? What does it say?
Today I'm grateful for: going to Orlando this summer!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
More car stuff...
So I just wrote about my car insurance dilemma and reader T.sa had a good question.
What's your coverage like?
I live in Arlington too, only had one accident 10 years ago which the repair costs about $7k (but that was with AllState). I have Geico now as well but I don't understand why I'm paying $450 for 6 months (for a paid-off 2005 nissan) when you pay about the same? If you can share key points of your coverage I'd really appreciate it!
I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I didn't really look over my coverage before I paid my bill. Thanks T.sa, for forcing me to really look over the policy!
Here's the deets:
I pay insurance every six months (in November and May) and this May $453.40 is due. My coverage breakdown includes these finer points:
Bodily Injury Liability (Each Person/Occurrence): $250,000/$500,000
Property Damage Liability: $100,000
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (Each Person/Occurrence): $250,000/$500,000
Property Damage: $100,000
Comprehensive: $1,000 Deductible
Collision: $1,000 Deductible
Emergency Roadside Assistance
Reasons why my coverage might be cheaper than yours: My car is also paid off. I have a high deductible and sponsored group membership discount. I also drive very few miles since I live close to work. I have a new, safe car with anti-lock breaks, airbags, etc. and get a discount for that. I'm the only driver on my insurance. I'm 28 and have been driving since I was 17. I pay twice a year rather than in installments.
T.sa, maybe if you increase your deductibles your rate will lower? Readers, what does your coverage look like? Are your rates like mine?
Today I'm grateful for: a lovely date with the wonderful Well Heeled and Paranoid Asteroid. Cupcakes and shopping and chatting... oh my!
What's your coverage like?
I live in Arlington too, only had one accident 10 years ago which the repair costs about $7k (but that was with AllState). I have Geico now as well but I don't understand why I'm paying $450 for 6 months (for a paid-off 2005 nissan) when you pay about the same? If you can share key points of your coverage I'd really appreciate it!
I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I didn't really look over my coverage before I paid my bill. Thanks T.sa, for forcing me to really look over the policy!
Here's the deets:
I pay insurance every six months (in November and May) and this May $453.40 is due. My coverage breakdown includes these finer points:
Bodily Injury Liability (Each Person/Occurrence): $250,000/$500,000
Property Damage Liability: $100,000
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (Each Person/Occurrence): $250,000/$500,000
Property Damage: $100,000
Comprehensive: $1,000 Deductible
Collision: $1,000 Deductible
Emergency Roadside Assistance
Reasons why my coverage might be cheaper than yours: My car is also paid off. I have a high deductible and sponsored group membership discount. I also drive very few miles since I live close to work. I have a new, safe car with anti-lock breaks, airbags, etc. and get a discount for that. I'm the only driver on my insurance. I'm 28 and have been driving since I was 17. I pay twice a year rather than in installments.
T.sa, maybe if you increase your deductibles your rate will lower? Readers, what does your coverage look like? Are your rates like mine?
Today I'm grateful for: a lovely date with the wonderful Well Heeled and Paranoid Asteroid. Cupcakes and shopping and chatting... oh my!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Car Insurance
I pay for car insurance twice a year. Once in November and once in May. I have Geico and I love them, but I thought that just this once I should just check to see what other rates are out there. So I contacted Progressive and their rates were going to be several hundred more. That was all I needed to hear. Geico, you have my loyalty!
See, in 2009 I got into an accident which was totally my fault. I don't like to talk about it and I often pretend it didn't happen. But in the interest of full disclosure, I totalled my car and my insurance rates went up substantially. The rates have slowly been lowering. In November, I paid $471.95 and in May I just paid $453.40. I drive a 2009 Honda, so I think that is a pretty fair rate, especially after 3 accidents (only 1 of which was my fault though!).
What do you pay for car insurance? Do you think my rate sounds reasonable or should I look into other carriers? I do love me some Geico, but I also love me some saving money!
Today I'm grateful for: the Skilled Investor and Rock and Roll Accountant for including my Earth Day article in their round ups.
See, in 2009 I got into an accident which was totally my fault. I don't like to talk about it and I often pretend it didn't happen. But in the interest of full disclosure, I totalled my car and my insurance rates went up substantially. The rates have slowly been lowering. In November, I paid $471.95 and in May I just paid $453.40. I drive a 2009 Honda, so I think that is a pretty fair rate, especially after 3 accidents (only 1 of which was my fault though!).
What do you pay for car insurance? Do you think my rate sounds reasonable or should I look into other carriers? I do love me some Geico, but I also love me some saving money!
Today I'm grateful for: the Skilled Investor and Rock and Roll Accountant for including my Earth Day article in their round ups.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Last Day Net Worth: April
Sorry for being 2 days late on this one. I was away this past weekend and planned poorly. But regardless, I'm up again this month. Win! 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. So here it is...
Liquid Assets
Cash (checking, MMA, W2S): $39,079.13
GNMA: $16,492.08
Total Bond Index: $16,575.93
Total Stock Index: $29,950.68
Total Liquid: $102,097.82
Percent Change 1.48%
Retirement Assets
Roth IRA (Target 2045): $6,670.42
403(b) (S&P 500 Index): $21,261.81
Total Retirement: $27,932.23
Percent Change: 2.90%
Total Networth: $130,030.05
Percent Change: 1.78%
So there it is. Still a ways from that $175,000 goal but it could be in reach. I also think it might be time to shuffle around some of my investments. Where is your money? Just in the bank? In stocks, bonds or somewhere else? What funds do you invest in?
Today I'm grateful for: being recognized for my hard work.
Liquid Assets
Cash (checking, MMA, W2S): $39,079.13
GNMA: $16,492.08
Total Bond Index: $16,575.93
Total Stock Index: $29,950.68
Total Liquid: $102,097.82
Percent Change 1.48%
Retirement Assets
Roth IRA (Target 2045): $6,670.42
403(b) (S&P 500 Index): $21,261.81
Total Retirement: $27,932.23
Percent Change: 2.90%
Total Networth: $130,030.05
Percent Change: 1.78%
So there it is. Still a ways from that $175,000 goal but it could be in reach. I also think it might be time to shuffle around some of my investments. Where is your money? Just in the bank? In stocks, bonds or somewhere else? What funds do you invest in?
Today I'm grateful for: being recognized for my hard work.
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