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 was the case in 2008. Rather than finishing the year with a “modified net worth” of $220,000 or so, I ended with $186,237.
For more than five years, I’ve been tracking my financial progress live on Consumerism Commentary. I don’t do this to brag; when I started this website, my situation was not as good as it was now. I track my finances publicly to keep myself accountable and to learn from others. You may notice I didn’t put my numbers in the title of this article. This will allow readers to skip articles about my financial success and failure if they desire.
Despite the stock market’s performance, and despite not achieving some of my goals, I’m happy with my progress this year. The year-end balance sheet includes the closing balances going back seven years. At that time, I had just left my job at the non-profit arts organization and trying to put my life in a new direction. [click to continue…]
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 Commentary and a few other online endeavors — would have been lower this month if it weren’t for a surprise client at the end of the month. This push has propelled me beyond a six-figure income for blogging and writing.
Continue reading for the details, with numbers and explanations. You can zoom in by clicking on the report. [click to continue…]
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 keep myself accountable for my financial situation. I’ve been posting my financial reports online for about five years.
Despite further slips in the stock market, my “modified net worth” increased in November. This is attributed to my alternative income, which will be outlined in a post later today or tomorrow. But keep reading this article to see the breakdown of my net worth. [click to continue…]
Despite the 6% 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 and expense report to keep myself motivated to make decent decisions about the management of my money. I’ve done a good job of using Consumerism Commentary to hold myself accountable. As my income increased, however, I’ve allowed myself more leeway while continuing to spend less than I earn.
To see my progress, continue reading this post. Click on the thumbnail for a larger version of the income statement. [click to continue…]
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 search for my identity online and discover Consumerism Commentary. A few friends and family are familiar with Consumerism Commentary, but that’s the extent of my publicity among people who may want to know more about me.
Like September, I ended the month with a lower “modified net worth” than I had when the month began. October was worse that September, however. My bottom line was $162,881 in October, down over 6% for the month.
Continue reading this post for the report including some explanations. [click to continue…]
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 decent decisions about the management of my money. I’ve done a good job of using Consumerism Commentary to hold myself accountable. As my income increased, however, I’ve allowed myself more leeway while continuing to spend less than I earn.
Over the last few years, a larger percentage of my income has come due to the blog itself, a situation that was not originally part of the plan. To see my progress, continue reading this post. Click on the thumbnail for a larger version of the income statement. [click to continue…]
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 choices.
I ended September in a worse position than I started the month, like many people with money in the stock market. Here is a review of my account balances and “modified net worth.” Click on the following report for a larger image. [click to continue…]
I mentioned in my August net worth report that there were three main reasons for my 7.7% 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 the month was $11,582. That’s the highest monthly amount on the bottom line I’ve ever had when not including realized gains. In fact, my August total beats my 2004 full year total. Continue reading for the full report and details. Click on the image for a larger version of the report.
[click to continue…]
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