This year is passing by too quickly. It is time again for my monthly financial reports, originally designed to keep myself accountable for my financial (usually, spending) decisions. This was a technique that has worked well for about nine years, the last six of which have included this monthly public review.
July was a strong month due to two important factors. First, there were three paychecks in this month rather than the usual two. As months are not divided evenly or equally into weeks, two months each year contain two biweekly paychecks, and July was one such month in 2009. Also, the stock market performed well in July, buoying my investments.
Overall, with a “modified net worth” approach $256,000, which may exceed that amount with some details still pending, I am up almost 40% for the year.
Some of my charitable contributions are taken care of automatically, but the payments seem to have stopped. This is likely a result of a credit card number change recently. My income and expenses report has reminded me to update my payment information on file with the organizations I contribute to.
Almost $500 in dining out? I don’t see how that’s possible, but that should be a wake-up call. I need to make better usage of the grocery store.
Continue reading for the details without further commentary. Many of the questions you might have have been answered in previous months, but if you have any questions, leave them below.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Flexo, I like your format for tracking your net worth. I am curious, why would you choose to count your car as part of your assets given the fact that is depreciating daily and is something that you probably wouldn’t ever recoup completely since you will always need a car.
Anything you own is an asset, and you get a truer financial picture by including your significant assets, like a car or a house. The fact that it is depreciating has no bearing on the status of a car as an asset.
I like what you have going here. I choose to not track earnings but allow it to be reflected in my account each month – check out my balance commentary at http://www.tvlr2010.com/2009/08/power-personal-finance.html