On Saturday I posted my final balance sheet for 2008 and wrote about my progress this past year. Each month, I take a look at my income and expenses as well to get a fuller picture of my finances. This post contains my income and expense report.
December continues to be one of the most expensive ... Continue reading this article…
The stock market found a way to trash my net worth goal last year. Had the S&P index and my company stock increased in 2008 like they did in 2007, I would have surpassed my net worth goal for the year. Investments have a way of being volatile over short periods of time, and that ... Continue reading this article…
Along with the monthly personal balance sheet, which I use to track my net worth from month to month, I publish a report that outlines my income and expenses. The two reports together help me focus on the total picture.
My “extracurricular” income — money I’m earning outside of my day job through writing for Consumerism ... Continue reading this article…
It doesn’t look like I’m going to meet the goal I set for myself last year. A net worth of $210,000 is out of the question unless the stock market experiences a miraculous recovery. All things considered, my finances are still in good shape.
Every month, I review my account balances and income vs. expenses to ... Continue reading this article…
Despite the 6 percent decrease in my net worth in October, my income and expenses were healthy. My income was at my expected level for both my salary and “extracurricular” income. October’s expenses were a little higher than expected, but still within an acceptable range.
Each month, to accompany my balance sheet, I publish my income ... Continue reading this article…
Following the end of each month, I publicly review my personal financial condition. This is the primary reason I do not use my full name on this blog; I’d like to be able to continue sharing the specific details of my finances without providing people who know my in “real life” the ability to ... Continue reading this article…
While September wasn’t as bountiful as August, I’m still adding to my bottom line. Even though my balance sheet showed a decline, it was mainly due to unrealized losses in investments, not a lack of income.
Each month, to accompany my balance sheet, I publish my income and expense report to keep myself motivated to make ... Continue reading this article…
Every month, I publicly review my personal financial condition. If you’re wondering why I post under a pseudonym, Flexo, this is the primary reason. I’d prefer that those who know my in real life, except for a few individuals, are not aware of this information.
Reviewing my finances online helps me be accountable for my ... Continue reading this article…
I mentioned in my August net worth report that there were three main reasons for my 7.7 percent increase. One reason was the stock market, which slightly lifted some of my investments. The other two reasons should be apparent from the income and expense report that is included in this post.
My net income for ... Continue reading this article…
It’s a long-standing tradition at Consumerism Commentary to review the details of my finances at the end of every month, and it’s that time again. I start with a “net worth report,” a list of my bank account, credit card, and loan account balances, investment values, and some more ethereal numbers like my car’s ... Continue reading this article…
My balance sheet provides a decent snapshot of my current financial state, but it doesn’t tell the complete story. While I have control over most of my investments and could sell poor performers and buy others if I so choose, I’d rather stick with what I have for the long term. Therefore, monthly swings ... Continue reading this article…
It’s two months later, and I still need to achieve another $50,000 to reach my net worth goal of $210,000 by December 31. With so much of my assets tied into the stock market indexes, it’s no surprise I’m not making the progress I hoped for.
When the company I work for releases its quarterly ... Continue reading this article…
In June I managed to save over $4,000 of my income for myself after all expenses were paid. That doesn’t mean that my net worth grew during June, however, as I explained earlier today. While I was able to add to my savings and investments, poor performance in the stock market caused my accounts ... Continue reading this article…
Last month, I shared my belief that I would not make my net worth goal for the year, and June has been a step backwards. I ended the month with a modified net worth of $155,596, over $2,000 down from the end of May.
For any readers new to Consumerism Commentary, I post financial updates ... Continue reading this article…
I ended May 2008 by spending $9,943 less than I earned, though I had some help from a $600 tax rebate and an incoming payment for a long-term advertising deal (which already finished its run).
In this post, I’ll take a look at my income and expenses for May to determine whether there are some ... Continue reading this article…
In order to reach my net worth goal of $210,000 by December 31, 2008, I will need to add $50,000 to my balance sheet. Considering my progress so far this year, it is likely that I’ll fall short. Even if I do, as long as I continue on my path, I’ll still be ... Continue reading this article…
Earlier today, I posted the first part of my monthly financial reporting, my April 2008 balance sheet. Publishing these reports online helps keep me accountable for my decisions and forces me to take a look at my progress each month.
After a great February and a good March, April was not quite as impressive. ... Continue reading this article…
If I were to describe my finances in three words, those words would be “slow, steady progress.” I’m not getting rich by any stretch of the imagination, but if I am able to manage consistent growth at the same rate while making sound financial decisions, I should be able to live without worries. ... Continue reading this article…
Each month, I publish a couple of financial reports on Consumerism Commentary in order to give myself a chance to review my financial health on a regular basis. Publishing the data online helps to keep me accountable for my spending and saving decisions. This post contains my income statement, and it goes along ... Continue reading this article…
Yesterday, I mentioned I would be blogging full time and quitting my day job effective within two weeks. I really appreciate everyone’s support, but I’m embarrassed to admit that the announcement was a hastily-conceived scheme for April Fool’s Day. The truth is I plan on continuing to work for a while.
The idea is ... Continue reading this article…