Author Topic: Saving to $10K  (Read 462557 times)

Manchester

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 405
  • Location: UK
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #500 on: November 17, 2017, 03:23:43 AM »
Haypug, you are really crushing it. Serious kudos.

7/13/2017: $2,238.41
8/1/2017: $2,771.40
8/16/2017: $3,071.40
9/1/2017: $3,202.61
9/15/2017: $3,502.63
10/2/2017: $3,807.67
10/16/2017: $4,021.00
11/1/2017: $4,121.00
11/16/2017: $4,208.73

Not a lot of progress this paycheck towards the $10k, but I'm feeling a lot less anxious about my sinking funds. It seems like my $10k in a year goal is shot at this point, but I've saved almost $2,000 in five months. I only added like $800 all of last year, so that's still a huge improvement. Thanks for the support and accountability, everybody :)

It's another month in the right direction.  It's good that you're ambitious and want to achieve more than you have done so far, but don't forget that something great (FIRE) can't be achieved easily!  The general consensus on this forum is that the first 10k is the hardest.  My view is to try and keep adding to your N/W, especially over the Christmas period and then to really hammer it in the new year.

marielle

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 860
  • Age: 30
  • Location: South Carolina
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #501 on: November 17, 2017, 06:39:36 AM »
Haven't posted since reaching $0 net worth in August, now I'm at $5,246.

Not too bad considering I moved to another state and had all the associated costs in Sept/Oct. $600 pet deposit, security deposit, washer/dryer, car taxes and registration fees...

Also, I maxed out all tax advantaged accounts this year (no 401k so I funded a 2016 and a 2017 IRA this year). So...I might actually need to open a taxable account? I guess it's not a bad problem to have. My company should be getting a 401k in March 2018. I should be able to fund the 2018 IRA before that easily, so I'll be sitting around waiting for the 401k. Is there any reason to NOT open a taxable account now?

Rimu05

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 290
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #502 on: November 17, 2017, 08:47:37 AM »
Time to join this seriously and post my finances to the direct number. I have all my accounts on Mint so despite not posting here. I pretty much can see what a poor net worth I have on mint.

I think I should define this by net worth, but my first savings to 10K will be trying to get my savings account and 401K there. I save about $1000 each month, so my monthly expenses tend to be around 1400

Age - 25

Total net worth = -$30,768

Car loan = -$9,331
Student loan = $-28,503
Credit card = -$ 4,313 (about 4,000 is medical debt, but lazy paying this as it is on 0% until next year)

Positives

401K - $7785
Checking - 1287.60 (Haven't paid all my bills yet, will have about $200 left after bills.)
Savings - $2300.11

Short term goal - Get savings account to $5,000. Pay of credit card debt and cancel credit card. I ripped up this card after putting all my medical bills on it. Once, I pay it off. going to cancel it.

On that note, my 401K is the most impressive. I have contributed only about 6% of my income last year and bumped it up to 10% this year and amazed that it somehow managed to reach $7,000. Once, my credit card debt is gone, really going to get on a Roth IRA.

Total net worth = -$30,271

Car loan = -$9,029.80
Student loan = $-28,388
Credit card = -$ 4,270


401K - $7942
Checking - 221.87
Savings - $3,200.13

DS

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 673
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #503 on: November 17, 2017, 09:17:00 AM »
Haven't posted since reaching $0 net worth in August, now I'm at $5,246.

Not too bad considering I moved to another state and had all the associated costs in Sept/Oct. $600 pet deposit, security deposit, washer/dryer, car taxes and registration fees...

Also, I maxed out all tax advantaged accounts this year (no 401k so I funded a 2016 and a 2017 IRA this year). So...I might actually need to open a taxable account? I guess it's not a bad problem to have. My company should be getting a 401k in March 2018. I should be able to fund the 2018 IRA before that easily, so I'll be sitting around waiting for the 401k. Is there any reason to NOT open a taxable account now?

Might be a good time to look into this: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Investment_policy_statement

Just as a way to make the decisions easy going forward without having to re-do the math and thinking each time there's extra money.

Might be worth holding onto 5,500 to max the IRA on Jan 1. since we're so close, and then start investing the rest in taxable. Would also keep the tax consequences of a taxable account off your tax return for 2017.

Manchester

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 405
  • Location: UK
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #504 on: November 22, 2017, 05:08:24 AM »

22/09/2017: 
Current account - £927.07
Emergency fund - £1.58
Investments - £0
Credit Card debt - -£1,288.72
Payments Due this month - -£1022

Total - -£1,382.07


Strange month for me financially.  Wasn't able to get rid of as much CC debt as I'd have liked, but found out I've been paying into a work place pension for the past two years (very negligible amounts) which has bumped up my 'total'.  Kind of cheating, but I'll take it!

 23/10/2017:

Current Account:  £113.95
Emergency fund:  £1.58
Investments:  £527.21
Credit Card:  -£822.27

TOTAL - -£179.53

So it's an increase of £1,202.54  (which is somewhat inflated by my pension discovery).  Payday comes on the 27th...  I'm meant to be getting a tax break + a refund from HMRC, I've also done around £400 of overtime at work so I'm excited to see what I can do...  Can't see any reason why I shouldn't have a positive net worth this time next month.

I've been trying to scrimp and save a bit this month, but had a few expenses (2 birthdays + I've done quite a bit of christmas shopping).  I'd actually paid off my credit card but another payment came through yesterday which is bad timing for this post.  (I organise a supporters club for football matches - everyone pays for their own ticket but it leaves my account, so I'll have the money paid off in a couple of days).

22/11/2017

Current: £119.37
Emergency Fund:  £1.58
Investments:  569.80
Credit Card:  -£195.70

NET:  495.05

I've added £674.58 this month.

So I have a postive N/W now, which is a nice feeling and a decent milestone for me, mentally.  I'll have my credit card paid off by Monday and then I'm going to focus on getting my e/f up to about £1,000.

fluffmuffin

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 263
  • Location: VA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #505 on: November 22, 2017, 05:59:14 AM »
Hooray for the positive net worth, Manchester!

runbikerun

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 539
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #506 on: November 23, 2017, 04:49:16 AM »
Up to 6,340 as of today. Holding at that, and maintaining 520 per month, will be challenging over Christmas. That said, for the first time in four years, we're not hosting but are instead guests. What's sad news for my butcher is good news for my wallet. All I have to do is slow-cook spiced beef in Guinness and turn up at my brother's house on time. Well, that and gifts - I'm not in a position to opt out of the gifting process, but luckily we're collectively pretty good at it.

Slanhirn

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 53
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #507 on: November 26, 2017, 09:10:26 AM »
July 2017 = (£2,877)
August 2017 = (£1,852)  = +£1,025
September 2017 = (£650) = +£1,202
October 2017 = £1,238 = + £1,888
November 2017 = £3,066 = + £1,178
December 2017 = £4,360 = + £1,294

Assets = £19,129
Debts = (£14,769) -> student loans

My stretch goal for £10K NW is March 2018.

Imma

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3193
  • Location: Europe
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #508 on: November 26, 2017, 03:22:58 PM »
July 2017 = (£2,877)
August 2017 = (£1,852)  = +£1,025
September 2017 = (£650) = +£1,202
October 2017 = £1,238 = + £1,888
November 2017 = £3,066 = + £1,178
December 2017 = £4,360 = + £1,294

Assets = £19,129
Debts = (£14,769) -> student loans

My stretch goal for £10K NW is March 2018.

You're doing really well in such a short period of time! Well done. :)

Slanhirn

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 53
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #509 on: November 27, 2017, 05:38:56 AM »
July 2017 = (£2,877)
August 2017 = (£1,852)  = +£1,025
September 2017 = (£650) = +£1,202
October 2017 = £1,238 = + £1,888
November 2017 = £3,066 = + £1,178
December 2017 = £4,360 = + £1,294

Assets = £19,129
Debts = (£14,769) -> student loans

My stretch goal for £10K NW is March 2018.

You're doing really well in such a short period of time! Well done. :)

Thanks Imma! :) Been working hard to make some extra money to get off the starting post!

It helps that everyone else here is so supportive and motivational to check in with everyone's progress each month. My biggest insight so far is that FIRE is mostly about waiting so I need to make sure I'm focusing on other things as well (hobbies, work etc). I also discovered YNAB works in the UK recently and that's been a big help - I assumed before that it was US only.

LittleWanderer

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • Location: USA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #510 on: November 27, 2017, 09:55:57 AM »
Holy crap, I did it!!!!

E-fund: $6508
401K: $3519
Total: $10,027

That doesn't include the money that will hit my 401K on the 30th.  So I'll have a buffer even if my 401K goes down a little.  I will be solidly above $10K going forward now, even with my big dental bills next year.  I can hardly believe it.  I've learned so much from this community in the past few years. 

That said, I hope you guys don't mind if I stick around here for a while.  I need to build up my true emergency fund to $10K.  Right now that $6508 is divided into sub categories ($1000 in my checking as my "zero" balance, $1322 for my car fund, and $4186 as my e-fund.)  So I need to build up that $4186 to $10K.  I'll hop over to the next thread for my net worth, but stick around here until my e-fund is complete.  I like you guys too much to completely leave just yet.  :)

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #511 on: November 27, 2017, 09:59:02 AM »
Holy crap, I did it!!!!

E-fund: $6508
401K: $3519
Total: $10,027

That doesn't include the money that will hit my 401K on the 30th.  So I'll have a buffer even if my 401K goes down a little.  I will be solidly above $10K going forward now, even with my big dental bills next year.  I can hardly believe it.  I've learned so much from this community in the past few years. 

That said, I hope you guys don't mind if I stick around here for a while.  I need to build up my true emergency fund to $10K.  Right now that $6508 is divided into sub categories ($1000 in my checking as my "zero" balance, $1322 for my car fund, and $4186 as my e-fund.)  So I need to build up that $4186 to $10K.  I'll hop over to the next thread for my net worth, but stick around here until my e-fund is complete.  I like you guys too much to completely leave just yet.  :)

Congrats!!! Excellent job! I'm sure nobody would mind you sticking around ;)

Manchester

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 405
  • Location: UK
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #512 on: November 30, 2017, 04:22:51 AM »
Holy crap, I did it!!!!

E-fund: $6508
401K: $3519
Total: $10,027

That doesn't include the money that will hit my 401K on the 30th.  So I'll have a buffer even if my 401K goes down a little.  I will be solidly above $10K going forward now, even with my big dental bills next year.  I can hardly believe it.  I've learned so much from this community in the past few years. 

That said, I hope you guys don't mind if I stick around here for a while.  I need to build up my true emergency fund to $10K.  Right now that $6508 is divided into sub categories ($1000 in my checking as my "zero" balance, $1322 for my car fund, and $4186 as my e-fund.)  So I need to build up that $4186 to $10K.  I'll hop over to the next thread for my net worth, but stick around here until my e-fund is complete.  I like you guys too much to completely leave just yet.  :)

Congragulations.  The most difficult part is over and you're well on your way to FIRE!

Slanhirn

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 53
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #513 on: November 30, 2017, 07:05:19 AM »
Holy crap, I did it!!!!

E-fund: $6508
401K: $3519
Total: $10,027

That doesn't include the money that will hit my 401K on the 30th.  So I'll have a buffer even if my 401K goes down a little.  I will be solidly above $10K going forward now, even with my big dental bills next year.  I can hardly believe it.  I've learned so much from this community in the past few years. 

That said, I hope you guys don't mind if I stick around here for a while.  I need to build up my true emergency fund to $10K.  Right now that $6508 is divided into sub categories ($1000 in my checking as my "zero" balance, $1322 for my car fund, and $4186 as my e-fund.)  So I need to build up that $4186 to $10K.  I'll hop over to the next thread for my net worth, but stick around here until my e-fund is complete.  I like you guys too much to completely leave just yet.  :)

Congratulations on making the 10K mark! Good work!!

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #514 on: November 30, 2017, 07:37:53 AM »
November Update
3/31/2017 (52,848.85)
4/30/2017 (48,076.67)
5/31/2017 (47,110.22)
6/30/2017 (46,540.28)
7/31/2017 (44,354.10)
8/31/2017 (47,236.39)
9/30/2017 (42,436.10)
10/31/2017 (33,346.78)
11/30/2017 $(28,911.53) Increase of $4,435.25 this month! (monthly average increase of $2,992.17)

Wait is that right? My take home pay this month was about $5,200 and my expenses were about $1,200 (lowest month this year!). I guess that makes sense. All my other money went to increasing net worth plus I get a 3% 401K match.

Year end goal is still to hit $(28K) December expenses will be a bit higher due to the Holidays but I'm hoping to still keep it under $1,800 for the month. I also have my daughters College Tuition to pay for which will decrease the 529 plan balance by about $2,500.  With all that going on $(28k) is reasonable but I am hoping to surpass it at least a little.

Manchester

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 405
  • Location: UK
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #515 on: November 30, 2017, 08:07:02 AM »
November Update
3/31/2017 (52,848.85)
4/30/2017 (48,076.67)
5/31/2017 (47,110.22)
6/30/2017 (46,540.28)
7/31/2017 (44,354.10)
8/31/2017 (47,236.39)
9/30/2017 (42,436.10)
10/31/2017 (33,346.78)
11/30/2017 $(28,911.53) Increase of $4,435.25 this month! (monthly average increase of $2,992.17)

Wait is that right? My take home pay this month was about $5,200 and my expenses were about $1,200 (lowest month this year!). I guess that makes sense. All my other money went to increasing net worth plus I get a 3% 401K match.

Year end goal is still to hit $(28K) December expenses will be a bit higher due to the Holidays but I'm hoping to still keep it under $1,800 for the month. I also have my daughters College Tuition to pay for which will decrease the 529 plan balance by about $2,500.  With all that going on $(28k) is reasonable but I am hoping to surpass it at least a little.

Wow, you're smashing it!  You've done so well in less than a year.

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #516 on: November 30, 2017, 08:50:10 AM »
Wow, you're smashing it!  You've done so well in less than a year.

Thanks! I just told DH and he's like "wait in one month!" 2017 has been a great year so far. 2018 is going to be even better. I only really got serious about the Triple M lifestyle in the last a few months, once I started to see my numbers go up and FIRE started to look like a real possibility for me, even with a neg NW! I have become a true believer.

Imma

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3193
  • Location: Europe
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #517 on: November 30, 2017, 10:38:50 AM »
Savings:
July 31:                 €2400
August 30:            €2000
September 27:       €1300
October 30:           €1400
November 30:        €1600

Investments:
July 31:                 €1985.37
August 30:             €2095.00
September 27:       €2253
October 30:           €2461
November 30:        €2622.06


Total:
July 31:                 €4385.37
August 30:             €4095.00
September 27:       €3553
October 30:           €3861
November 30:        €4222.06


This is really motivating to see! I feel like I'm not making a lot of progress because my emergency fund is still not to the level it was early in the summer (due to home maintenance expenses) but in reality the total is almost back to that level. For some reason, I only feel as 'rich' as my emergency fund is, I don't 'feel' the investments. The added bonus is that I save a lot because I feel broke. My savings rate is through the roof lately: €155 to investments, €200 to savings, €200 to health care account (not tracked on here) and €89,50 to a joint savings account (also not tracked here) on an income of €1200 gives a savings rate of 54%! Another €145 goes towards paying off debts (€75 to the principal of the mortgage, €70 to a small tax debt that'll be gone in a few months) which means I only spend 34% of my income (that's €410!) in total. I'm proud of myself now :)  I guess December will be a bit more expensive than usual, but I'll compensate for that in the New Year.

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #518 on: November 30, 2017, 11:33:45 AM »
a savings rate of 54%!

Wow 54% savings rate. that's awesome! I can't wait for the day when my debt is paid off and I can put all that money into Savings/Investing. It'll be amazing to not see all that money go out the door to someone else!

Tass

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3153
  • Age: 30
  • Location: Crossing some mountains
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #519 on: November 30, 2017, 11:44:38 AM »
July:     8918.00 / (2648.00) = $6270.00
Aug:     9285.52 / (2397.11) = $6888.41
Sep: 10,964.06 / (1897.11) = $9066.95 (rent now paid on the 1st - this is inflated)
Oct: 11,152.69 / (1343.44) = $9809.25

Nov: 11,336.11 / (643.44) = $10,692.67

Emergency + travel fund: $6506.36
Misc cash: $920.80 (rent due tomorrow)
Roth: $3908.95
Debt: ($643.44)

Change: +$883.42 (36% savings)

As mentioned previously, my reaching $10k is a slight lie due to imminent rent due. However, next week I shall receive the fabled paycheck which will let me make that debt column say ($0) and push me above $10k permanently!

I'll probably poke into the Race to $100k thread in the new year, but also stick around here while I aim for $10k in investments. Spreadsheet currently projects that for next July, although who knows with the market.

Congrats to everyone else on our progress! Imma, your savings rate is seriously impressive. Most people with savings rates over 50% only manage it due to their giant incomes. Your budget must be a thing to behold!

LittleWanderer

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • Location: USA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #520 on: November 30, 2017, 12:01:43 PM »
Congragulations.  The most difficult part is over and you're well on your way to FIRE!

Ha!  I am very, very, very far from FIRE, but thank you! 

And I agree with the others on your 54% savings rate, Imma.  That's awesome! 

DieHard_772

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 511
  • Location: California
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #521 on: November 30, 2017, 01:10:06 PM »
Nice job everyone!

Last week I paid off $500 on a credit card, so that was awesome.  Also put an extra couple hundred into my IRA and HSA.

We are slowly inching up towards $15,000 networth, and my own IRAs should reach $10,000 in the next few months (assuming market keeps going up, which I know is a big assumption).

twocatsinaflat

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 26
  • Age: 30
  • Location: Dallas
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #522 on: November 30, 2017, 01:14:15 PM »
Quote
OCT:
Savings: $453.64
Investments: $225.00
NET WORTH: $678.64

NOV:
Savings: $566.81
Investments: $428.18
NET WORTH: 994.99

DEC:
Savings:$1159.81
NET WORTH: $1,304.58

I broke 1k this month and even with having to pay a hefty price for an illustrator for one of my projects I still stayed above it. A little nervous about the new year completely wiping out all my efforts with me having to pay for my last semester which I estimate will be around $1500 for the 5hrs I'm taking.

Great job to the people who have reached the 10k mark, you're inspiring!

Imma

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3193
  • Location: Europe
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #523 on: November 30, 2017, 02:13:57 PM »
a savings rate of 54%!

Wow 54% savings rate. that's awesome! I can't wait for the day when my debt is paid off and I can put all that money into Savings/Investing. It'll be amazing to not see all that money go out the door to someone else!

You're doing great as well! I'm saving a relatively large amount of money of my small paycheck, but you are seriously making progress. If you keep going on like this, I think you'll be at 0 before the end of 2018! That's an amazing achievement in such a short period of time.

My budget is in a case study, but there are just two simple tricks to achieve it: cut back on the big things, and cut back on the small things. Just be an overall tightwad ;-). 

We cut back on the big things: we don't own a car and our mortgage is only €300 (of which my fiance pays half). We bought a small old house for €79.500.
As for the small things: I just don't buy stuff. I don't have more clothes than I need and what I buy is mostly second hand. I repair things when they break. I have a pair of winter shoes, a pair of summer shoes, snow boots, running shoes and one pair of heels for occasions. I love making art quilts, but I make them from reclaimed textiles. I eat lots of oatmeal, apples, bananas, rice and seasonal vegetables. We go on holiday, but we'll go to England or Belgium for a weekend, not to Thailand.

I just wish it was always as easy as it sounds .....

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #524 on: November 30, 2017, 02:57:49 PM »
@Imma - that's my goal to hit 0 by the end of 2018 (Oct/Nov) I hope then graduate to the next race  in early 2019 (Feb/Mar)

At the beginning of the year prior to finding MMM my monthly spend was $4k and up. I've managed to calm down with the spending and it's just like you say. I don't buy much anymore and if I do by anything it's because I thought long and hard about it. No more mindless consumerism for me. My mortgage is fairly low $1K which I pay half then utilities are like $100 and Health Ins is $250. So after all the fixed Expenses I can live off $500-$1,000 a month fairly easily.

fluffmuffin

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 263
  • Location: VA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #525 on: December 01, 2017, 07:15:22 AM »
Way to go everyone!

7/13/2017: $2,238.41
8/1/2017: $2,771.40
8/16/2017: $3,071.40
9/1/2017: $3,202.61
9/15/2017: $3,502.63
10/2/2017: $3,807.67
10/16/2017: $4,021.00
11/1/2017: $4,121.00
11/16/2017: $4,208.73
12/1/2017: $4,267.73

Another not-great update from me, courtesy of some upcoming travel, Christmas, and continued adventures in vet bills. We think we figured out what was going on, though, and have hopefully fixed the issue. With a switch to $75/bag specialty food...

Looking at the numbers, I'm going to try hard to find the $209 out of the next paycheck that I'd need to get to $4,476.82. That would mean I'd doubled this chunk of my down payment fund in six months. It's not what I was hoping for, but it's still a lot more progress than I've made in the last couple of years.

Rimu05

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 290
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #526 on: December 01, 2017, 08:41:30 AM »
Time to join this seriously and post my finances to the direct number. I have all my accounts on Mint so despite not posting here. I pretty much can see what a poor net worth I have on mint.

I think I should define this by net worth, but my first savings to 10K will be trying to get my savings account and 401K there. I save about $1000 each month, so my monthly expenses tend to be around 1400

Age - 25

Total net worth = -$30,768

Car loan = -$9,331
Student loan = $-28,503
Credit card = -$ 4,313 (about 4,000 is medical debt, but lazy paying this as it is on 0% until next year)

Positives

401K - $7785
Checking - 1287.60 (Haven't paid all my bills yet, will have about $200 left after bills.)
Savings - $2300.11

Short term goal - Get savings account to $5,000. Pay of credit card debt and cancel credit card. I ripped up this card after putting all my medical bills on it. Once, I pay it off. going to cancel it.

On that note, my 401K is the most impressive. I have contributed only about 6% of my income last year and bumped it up to 10% this year and amazed that it somehow managed to reach $7,000. Once, my credit card debt is gone, really going to get on a Roth IRA.


Total networth = -29,399
Car loan = -$9,030
Student loan = -$28,503
Credit card = -$ 4,228  (0%)

Positives

401K - $8,263
Savings - $2800.11

martyconlonontherun

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 367
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #527 on: December 04, 2017, 01:12:17 PM »
Background:
Age: 29
"Switched" Careers at 25.
Started taking personal finances 'seriously' around 27 (aka actually saving money, 401k, etc).
Started taking personal finances seriously around 29
Salary gradually up to 65k
Married but don't include house (equity/mortgage) or joint savings in these calculations since she's the boss, it gets messy with house equity/sweat equity ($40k total on a $170k house in May), and it will just be cherry on the top.
-Paid off car but not adding value of that in the calculation since its not worth more than a few Gs and requires maintenance
-4.5 years left of student loan payments I'm aggressively paying off/refinanced in January 17
-15 year mortgage in May
-Not including 529 accounts-Only a few hundred now, but it will be going to Godchildren/my future children so not my money in my eyes.

January 2016-
($45k) Student Debt
($2k) Personal CC Debt
$8k 401k
NW: ($38k)

NW April 2016: ($34K)
July 2016: ($28.4k)
October 2016: ($22.6k)
January 2017: ($20.8k) (Refinanced loan and intransit payments not reflected)
April 2017: ($10.9k)
July 2017: ($5.7k)
August 2017: ($2.5k)
September 2017:(~$1.7k)
October 2017: $1.8k - $32k
November 2017: $4.5K - Investments ~$33.8k.

Stretch goal is to be $10k by 30 (Early January).
Hoping to increase 401k/IRA when the Sloans are paid off and hopefully some more salary. Realistic goal is to retire by 55 unless I really climb the corporate ladder.
Current  Beginning December 2017: $7.9K - Investments ~$37.8k.

Manchester

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 405
  • Location: UK
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #528 on: December 07, 2017, 03:28:31 AM »
So I've not had the best 24 hours.  My girlfriend rang me yesterday saying her entire team has been made redundant right in the build up to Christmas.  She'll get a new job soon enough but it means I'll struggle to hit my 3k target by Feb.  My living costs will near enough double.

Going to try and look on the bright side:
- neither of us have any debt (other than our mortgage)
- we're going to speak to our utility providers about a payment holiday
- we'll cancel some subsciptions (gym, Netflix etc)
- we've already bought Christmas presents so no need to worry about that
- most of all, we're in good health! :)

I've been working on an idea for more overtime where I work, which should be coming in place over the next few weeks - once this is in place I'll up my hours to give us a bit more wiggle room.  I'm hoping the experience is a small reality check that get's her more 'onside' in terms of investing for our future.


LittleWanderer

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • Location: USA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #529 on: December 07, 2017, 07:31:18 AM »
Oh no, I'm sorry, Manchester!  It's good to hear that you have a plan and will be okay though. 

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #530 on: December 07, 2017, 08:51:33 AM »
Sorry to hear that Manchester. Good luck with the overtime and with GF getting a new job.

Tass

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3153
  • Age: 30
  • Location: Crossing some mountains
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #531 on: December 10, 2017, 08:08:44 PM »
I have received the paycheck that pushes me over $10k for real. But I feel like I can't quite celebrate until I use it toward the last debt payment, which is currently spending an agonizing amount of time transferring between banks.

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #532 on: December 11, 2017, 08:18:43 AM »
Congrats Tass! Pending transactions always seem to take forever when you really want them to clear.

Manchester

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 405
  • Location: UK
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #533 on: December 11, 2017, 09:08:43 AM »
I have received the paycheck that pushes me over $10k for real. But I feel like I can't quite celebrate until I use it toward the last debt payment, which is currently spending an agonizing amount of time transferring between banks.

Great news, good to hear.

LittleWanderer

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 491
  • Location: USA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #534 on: December 11, 2017, 10:51:13 AM »
I have received the paycheck that pushes me over $10k for real. But I feel like I can't quite celebrate until I use it toward the last debt payment, which is currently spending an agonizing amount of time transferring between banks.

Ha, I totally understand!  Also, congratulations!!!  See you in the other thread.  :)

zeli2033

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 508
  • Location: West Coast
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #535 on: December 11, 2017, 09:45:50 PM »
Finally joining this thread instead of lurking on the sidelines. I've been so throughly impressed with the motivation and dedication I've seen in this thread and I'm inspired to work toward my goals. I'm committing to posting here on the journey to a net worth of $10k! For savings, I'm including 401ks, IRAs and cash but I'm not including the car.

12/11/17
Savings: $15,959
Student Loan: ($63,359)
Total: (47,400)

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #536 on: December 12, 2017, 07:11:42 AM »
Finally joining this thread instead of lurking on the sidelines. I've been so throughly impressed with the motivation and dedication I've seen in this thread and I'm inspired to work toward my goals. I'm committing to posting here on the journey to a net worth of $10k! For savings, I'm including 401ks, IRAs and cash but I'm not including the car.

12/11/17
Savings: $15,959
Student Loan: ($63,359)
Total: (47,400)

Welcome Zeli!

recklesslysober

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 489
  • Age: 36
  • Location: BC, Canada
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #537 on: December 12, 2017, 10:16:52 AM »
October: -$72,100
November: -$69,400

By the end of the year I should be close to halfway out of a negative net worth!

lexde

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2791
  • Age: 34
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #538 on: December 14, 2017, 01:09:54 PM »
I’m in! 10k net worth will be my goal for May 2018.

December 14, 2017: +811


haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #539 on: December 14, 2017, 01:15:28 PM »
Welcome Lexde. love the graph! Also great job increasing your net-worth $32K in just over a year!

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #540 on: December 15, 2017, 08:02:25 AM »
Mid Month Update
3/31/2017 (52,848.85)
4/30/2017 (48,076.67)
5/31/2017 (47,110.22)
6/30/2017 (46,540.28)
7/31/2017 (44,354.10)
8/31/2017 (47,236.39)
9/30/2017 (42,436.10)
10/31/2017 (33,346.78)
11/30/2017 $(28,911.53)
12/15/2017 $(26,730.89) Increase of $2,180.64 since end of November!

Aside from Christmas gifts, which I am going to stick to under $300 I should be able to have another low spend month and therefore another high net-worth increase. My Year end goal was -$28K (I think, I'll have to double check past posts) I should actually come in closer to -$25K as I have about $2,300 in income expected and only about $900 in expenses for the remainder of the month, as DD was not able to register for classes that she needs so 529 plan will remain the same until summer or fall. -$25K would be amazing. That'll mean I increased my net-worth by nearly $28K just from the end of March.

fluffmuffin

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 263
  • Location: VA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #541 on: December 15, 2017, 12:36:09 PM »
Welcome to all of the new folks, and congratulations to our new graduates! On to bigger and better things!

7/13/2017: $2,238.41
8/1/2017: $2,771.40
8/16/2017: $3,071.40
9/1/2017: $3,202.61
9/15/2017: $3,502.63
10/2/2017: $3,807.67
10/16/2017: $4,021.00
11/1/2017: $4,121.00
11/16/2017: $4,208.73
12/1/2017: $4,267.73
12/15/2017: $4,532.82

Managed to get over the $4,476.82 double my money mark.

lemonverbena

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 96
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #542 on: December 15, 2017, 08:05:56 PM »
Jan 2017:
SEP IRA: $225
Car loan: -$7825

Total: -$7600


Late Jan 2017:
SEP IRA: $225
tIRA: $1590
Car loan: -$7825

Total: -$6010


Mid Feb 2017:
SEP IRA: $226
tIRA: $1604
Car loan: -$5593

Total: -$3763

Mar 2017:
SEP IRA: $227
tIRA: $1630
Car loan: -$5593
Roof loan: -$8864

Total: -$12,600

Numbers going way in the wrong direction, but a roof replacement is so overdue and it feels good to be taking care of it. Should have half of it paid off by the end of the month.

Actually, make that by the end of June.

Mid-Apr 2017:
SEP IRA: $231
tIRA: $1624
Car loan: -$5120
Roof loan: -$8864
Emergency fund: $1000

Total: -$11,129

Late-Jun 2017:
SEP IRA: $245
tIRA: $1702
Car loan: -$4645
Roof loan: -$3864
Emergency fund: $1000

Total: -$5,562

Not even close to zero yet, but moving in the right direction again!

Mid-Sep:
SEP IRA: $581
tIRA: $1777
Car loan: $3931
Roof loan: $3649
Emergency fund: $0

Total: -$5,222

My number is basically the same as before, but life happened and now I need to replenish the emergency fund after a trip my spouse took to urgent care turned into an ambulance ride to the ER and a three day stay in the hospital. He now has an incurable autoimmune disease that will require lots of pharmaceuticals for the rest of his life. It has been an adjustment, for sure. So thankful he has good health insurance and we were able to deal with this with our meager emergency fund, but we also really wish we would have signed up for life insurance while he was still healthy!

Mid-Oct:
SEP IRA: $590
tIRA: $1809
Car loan: $3692
Roof loan: $3578
Emergency fund: $505
Hospital bill: $2024

Total: -$6390

Ah ha ha! Silly me. I thought we had paid off the last of the hospital bills. Nope. Another one rolled in. Always something.

Mid-Nov:
SEP IRA: $1395
tIRA: $1826
Car loan: $3452
Roof loan: $3578
Emergency fund: $1000
Hospital bill: $2024, maybe. It's under review.

Total: -$4833

Mid-Dec:
SEP IRA: $1399
tIRA: $1849
Car loan: $3211
Roof loan: $1506
Emergency fund: $1000
Hospital bill: $1774

Total: -$2243

Spruit

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1203
  • Location: Netherlands
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #543 on: December 16, 2017, 05:42:48 PM »
Low to middle income, student debt and vet bills... this seems like a place for me ;-)
I've been on the boards for a while now but can do with some extra accountability and motivation, so I'd like to join on the verge of the new year.

30 years old, employed parttime, cohabiting for 8(?) years in a rented house.
Income ~1250 euros / month
debt ~35k (@0.81%)
Savings ~33k
Invested 4.3k

There's some joint savings as well, which I'll leave out of the equation. Partner and I have private accounts and a shared one for pet, car and house-related purchases.

Currently in a repayment plan to myself after buying a new-to-us car with my partner recently. Need to get savings equal to debt asap, so I can resume investing while feeling secure as well.
Plan is to supplement usual income with sidegig over coming weeks.

Imma

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3193
  • Location: Europe
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #544 on: December 17, 2017, 04:31:43 AM »
Welcome Spruit! :) Another Dutchie here.

You have a LOT of money saved up for someone on your income! Well done.

Tass

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3153
  • Age: 30
  • Location: Crossing some mountains
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #545 on: December 17, 2017, 10:27:38 PM »
The transaction cleared and all $10k of my money is mine! It was so fun to hide the "debt" column of my excel spreadsheet.

I also just switched car insurance to the tune of $35 savings a month. I had a chat with my dad about how far back to cut my coverage, and he recommended state minimum insurance, because it would cover my assets, and I had the pleasure (?) of informing him that actually it wouldn't. (Minimum property damage coverage in CA is $5k.)

Congrats to lexde on breaking zero and everyone else on great progress! Guess I'm graduating this month. I'll be in the 100k thread for a whiiiiile, so come join me soon!

Manchester

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 405
  • Location: UK
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #546 on: December 18, 2017, 03:57:09 AM »
Low to middle income, student debt and vet bills... this seems like a place for me ;-)
I've been on the boards for a while now but can do with some extra accountability and motivation, so I'd like to join on the verge of the new year.

30 years old, employed parttime, cohabiting for 8(?) years in a rented house.
Income ~1250 euros / month
debt ~35k (@0.81%)
Savings ~33k
Invested 4.3k

There's some joint savings as well, which I'll leave out of the equation. Partner and I have private accounts and a shared one for pet, car and house-related purchases.

Currently in a repayment plan to myself after buying a new-to-us car with my partner recently. Need to get savings equal to debt asap, so I can resume investing while feeling secure as well.
Plan is to supplement usual income with sidegig over coming weeks.

Welcome to the forum.  You've done extremely well to save up so much.  Where are these savings?  Are they earning any interest?  I'd definitely consider investing a big chunk of it - even in a very secure bond you'll earn more interest than the 0.81% on your student loan.  (A loan with an interest rate below 3% is rarely worth rushing to pay off).

If I was yourself I'd maybe keep 10k in easy access savings for a rainy day, the rest I'd invest.  That 33k could earn you over 1,300 per year - being conservative.

haypug16

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1332
  • Age: 45
  • Location: Boston, MA
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #547 on: December 18, 2017, 07:29:27 AM »
@Tass Can't wait to join you in the next race! Hope to see you there by next Fall :) Who knows maybe sooner!

@Spruit Welcome to the race.

TexasRunner

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 926
  • Age: 32
  • Location: Somewhere in Tejas
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #548 on: December 18, 2017, 01:02:45 PM »
Allright so I'm in.  Been lurking for a while but need more motivation.

Read through all the MMM blog posts (yes I mean all) from July to November of 2016, and been actively working on finances since then.  Some major items:  flipped the house from 98k (bought December of 2014) to 135k in March of 2017.  The 37k was a huge boon for the net worth.  Was aggressively paying down the mortgage before that as a way of forced savings, now I know better but still better than loose spending.

Changed jobs in January for a 15% raise and am in a new position at the same place that should net another 30% raise or so.  Negotiations are coming up and I plan on being pretty aggressive (my team is extremely good and make the company profit in the millions).

The wife is becoming more spending-controlled but doesn't speak FIRE as clearly as I do thanks to learning things on this forum, otherwise she is all on board.  Am excited to bounce more ideas around as there is a vast span of knowledge on this forum.


Current status:
Total Net Worth:  +$33,532.94
Liquid Net Worth:  ($7929.52) (Due to student loans, CC debt that needs to get pummeled, and stupidly not building enough of a emergency fund).

Goal by September 2018 (these specifically because it would be 6 full months of FU money without hitting the retirement accounts): 
Total Net Worth: +$61,287.35
Liquid Net Worth: +$19,824.89
Which would make me a 10k liquid net worth cohort of March/April 2018.

Yes, I know I am technically already a graduate...  But the net worth is at risk because it is largely tied up in equity.  FU money is present but lacking compared to CC debt which is very much hitting a hair-on-fire issue. 

Good to keep working on it and seeing the updates in this thread.
« Last Edit: December 18, 2017, 01:10:16 PM by TexasRunner »

Spruit

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1203
  • Location: Netherlands
Re: Saving to $10K
« Reply #549 on: December 18, 2017, 02:56:05 PM »
Welcome to the forum.  You've done extremely well to save up so much.  Where are these savings?  Are they earning any interest?  I'd definitely consider investing a big chunk of it - even in a very secure bond you'll earn more interest than the 0.81% on your student loan.  (A loan with an interest rate below 3% is rarely worth rushing to pay off).

If I was yourself I'd maybe keep 10k in easy access savings for a rainy day, the rest I'd invest.  That 33k could earn you over 1,300 per year - being conservative.

I started saving up my cheap student loans when at Uni (because, why not? They've always been cheaper than interest on savings accounts at the time), but unfortunately had to live off of them when I graduated in midst of the recession... Since then I am replenishing the funds bit by bit, but had some help with that from my family (credit where credit is due!).

The 33k savings are in a savings account, a.k.a. not earning squat. It's a compromise. SO is way more risk averse and we plan to buy a house together in the forseeable future, maybe in the midst of a new recession? Who knows. I agreed to keep my saved-up-debt stable and very liquid in case I have to clear my student debt in order to secure us a mortgage if needed. I'm using the 33k as my cushion for just about everything expensive (dental and health care, unemployment, cars ... ahem), and plan to invest every penny once I've got my debt covered by savings again. I indeed do not intend to rush paying the debt.
« Last Edit: December 18, 2017, 03:08:29 PM by Spruit »