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Saturday, April 13

Making Progress Towards My Goals - March 2024 Update

I had a little downtime at the beginning of March, but then I spent more than two weeks on the road.

Financial

My goal this year is to invest 40% of my gross income from meeting work - 30% to index funds and 10% to something more aggressive.  I remain on track in Month 3.

In March, I earned $8,313* from meeting work.  I transferred $3,300 (39.7% of meeting income) to my brokerage accounts. I purchased shares of the Vanguard Total World Stock Index Admiral Fund for the 30%.  For the "more aggressive" investment, I bought 100 shares of Bayer (BAYRY).

In addition to these investments, I made a $1,000 contribution to my ROTH IRA in March.

Last month I said I was shifting to liquid investments due to potential capital calls for some of my real estate syndications, and it's likely that will continue.  However, I felt comfortable adding to my index fund this time.  I am expecting a tax refund in April which will pad my cash cushion.  I did receive a capital call for the new development in Columbus, OH, but I have enough cash on hand to fund it.

*This will not match what I report in my income blog as payments aren't always received in the month the work was performed.

Health

I'm doing well meeting my exercise goals by exercising at least 5x/week.  

Simplify

Adding a few things to the donation bin is becoming a routine.  I didn't actively declutter, but whenever I stumble on something I don't need, it either gets trashed or donated.

Have Fun, on a Budget

I want to limit the fun budget to $5,000 in 2024.  In March I booked a flight to Asheville for a trip on Allegiant Airlines this month, but then canceled plans when I picked up a 7 day meeting over those days.  Roundtrip for two was under $184.  I also paid for our AMC A-List subscriptions and the bought some Kava-based drink powders called U Relax.  These are our substitute for alcohol.



Thursday, April 11

My Frugal Miser - March 2024 Income

In March I continued the trend of 5 figure income.  I worked meetings 21 out of 31 days.  I received rental income from both Alabama properties as well as one Realty Mogul distribution and a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.  

Open Door continues to pay interest on the promissory note as promised. 

March Income: $11,700

$6,565 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$0 Amazon Deliveries
$2,648 Rental Income (Rental Expenses:  $359)
$2,373 Interest Income
$50 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $4,840

My investments have steadily increased in value.

Tuesday, April 9

My Frugal Miser - March 2024 Expenses

 Don't let my total spending fool you.  March was a frugal month.  Being on the road for work nearly the entire month surely makes it easier to spend less.

  • I prepaid $500 towards the water bill to earn a sign up bonus on a new credit card.
  • I paid the $95 annual fee for the Chase Hyatt card.
  • I paid $5,000 towards quarterly taxes.  I just filed my 2023 tax return and can probably adjust that number down moving forward.

Fun

We love adventures.  Spending on experiences makes us better humans.  
  • I spent $115 on a product called U Relax.  It's a powdered alcohol-alternative beverage.
  • I booked flights on Allegiant for an Asheville trip that we aren't going to take - I was offered a meeting job over those dates and decided to do that instead.

March Expenses:  $6,704

$72 Auto (service, gas, insurance, AAA, etc.)
$95 Bank Fees (annual fees on credit cards)
$230 Clothing/ Personal Care
$356 Fun (vacations, movies, gambling, alcohol, concert tickets)
$366 Food
$247 Health and Dental
$89 Household/Home Repairs
$15 Unreimbursed Job Expense
$394 Reimbursed Job Expense
$0 Interest Expense
$0 Miscellaneous (cat sitter, gifts)
$5,119 Taxes
$509 Utilities