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Balance Sheet, July, 2005

by Flexo on August 3, 2005

in Monthly Update

I apologize for the lack of updates today. I’ve been completely swamped at work, as things tend to be at the beginning and the end of the month. There’s a new supervisor in my department, and I’ve been showing him the ropes.

The table that follows is my latest personal balance sheet, as of July 31, 2005. Once again, I’m reporting a little differently, as I try to find a format that I like. That doesn’t change the numbers, however. Read on after the chart for some commentary.

200507.jpg

Note: The “business” savings and accounts receivable categories account for ads for this and other websites I run, in addition to web design and management services for two active clients at the moment. Not big money makers, but it doesn’t hurt.

Most of the increase in funds is due to the stock market. However, my salary was about $500 higher in July than June due to some overtime worked.

Also, I didn’t have any out of the ordinary expenses in July. I spent $50 more on groceries and $130 less on dining out/take out/convenience food than in June, which I see as a good improvement. Now I just have to train myself to do something with those groceries before they expire.

August should be an interesting month. I’ll be taking some money out of my savings account earmarked for “vacation.” The hotel we’ll be staying in while in Williamsburg was reserved for $110 a night, but I plan on trying to negotiate when we get down there. Aside from the hotel and gas for traveling, our expenses while on vacation shouldn’t be that high.

I really wanted to rent a convertible for the drive, though. Looking at the price ($500 for the weekend), I decided it just wasn’t a Good Idea.

One other note about July. I was able to consolidate one of my two outstanding student loans. I now have $6,165 at 2.875% and $4,230 at 4.77%. The latter one I pay down as my company reimburses me for my graduate degree. I wasn’t able to consolidate it because it hasn’t been fully disbursed.

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About the Author

Flexo, the owner and creator of Consumerism Commentary, has been blogging and writing for the internet since 1995 and has been building online communities since 1991. Find out more about him and follow him on Twitter.

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  • Don't you find it ridiculous when you have to train your new boss in how to do his/her job?
  • A.F.
    How do you account for the Honda? How do you depreciate it?
  • I depreciate it, but I don't use the IRS standard business depreciation schedule. I check edmunds.com each month for the private party value. Any difference between one month and the prior month is accounted as a "depreciation expense."

    Once, my car supposedly went up in value (as you can see in the statement above). I didn't know what to make of that.
  • Can I be so bold as to ask what funds, stocks, etc your investment portfolio is made up of?
  • My non-retirement investment is one fund, AIVSX. It started out as a UTMA/UGMA account from my father, and I didn't have any choice in the stock. I invested additional money into the account several times until I realized I was paying a 5.25% front load.

    The Roth IRA is all in TCEIX, an index fund. The 401(k) is made up of funds offered by my employer.

    I described my investments in March and detailed my 401(k) last October, although the 401(k) has changed slightly.
  • Hi Flexo:

    Great site! Can I ask which financial software program you use to calculate your balance sheet? I have started a similar blog of my own and I need some advice about which program to use to track my info. Thanks.
  • RC
    If your investment fund (AIVSX) is long-term money, you might look at AGTHX, also a part of the American Funds group. The load is high, but the expenses are about half the category average. AGHTX is more growth oriented, and it is one of the best Large Cap Growth funds available.

    As for your Roth, owning an index fund usually guarantees you won't beat the market. Although, this one is actively managed by TIAA-CREF and has done slightly better. You might look at a fund like SLASX or TAVFX. You can compare total returns at www.morningstar.com
  • RC
    PS -- I should have mentioned that you can move from AIVSX to AGTHX with no additional load b/c they're part of the same fund family. It would be a taxable event, though, so find out what your unrealized gain is in AIVSX first.
  • Thanks for the tips. Perhaps I'll take a look at the other funds American Funds offers for my taxable account...
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