My Frugal Miser - August 2025 Income

August income took a hit from working less.  Although I worked two small meeting jobs, I haven't been paid for them yet.  

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama, and the tenant in the condo paid his September rent early.  I also received two small distributions from Realty Mogul.  

Open Door Capital continues to pay interest on the promissory note.

I completed several Amazon routes and drove a little for Uber.  Driving for Uber pays less now than it did ten years ago, but I had very little income coming in and wanted to give it a try again.

August Income: $7,762

$0 Meeting Jobs
$207 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$1,645 Amazon Deliveries

$3,685 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $366)
$2,212 Interest Income

$13 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value: $4,140

My brokerage accounts were up in August.

My Frugal Miser - July 2025 Income

 My income in July would be much lower, but meeting work I did in June was paid last month.

Meeting income was decent but was almost entirely from work I did in June.  I only worked two days in July.

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama, but the property manager for one of them was notified that the tenants are moving out at the end of August. I received one distribution from Realty Mogul.  

Open Door Capital continues to pay interest on the promissory note.

I completed one Amazon route.  Unfortunately rates are very low right now and I can't justify putting on the mileage for what Amazon is offering.

July Income: $9,180

$4,132 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$72 Amazon Deliveries

$2,778 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $366)
$2,198 Interest Income

$0 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value: $2,004

My brokerage accounts were up slightly in July.

My Frugal Miser - June 2025 Income

My income in June was down a bit due to a shift in interest income.

Meeting income was decent.  I earned a little over $9,000, but haven't been paid for an 8 day meeting from the end of the month.

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama. I also received one distribution from Realty Mogul.  

Open Door Capital continues to pay interest on the promissory note, but I am not reporting interest income in June.  The company changed ACH providers which shifts the payment into the following month.  Nothing to worry about for now.

I received $121.50 from leftover funds in a settlement between Amazon Flex and the FTC.

June Income: $8,638

$5,834 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$ Amazon Deliveries

$2,576 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $366)
$107 Interest Income

$122 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value: $7,940

My brokerage accounts were up in June.

My Frugal Miser - May 2025 Income

May 2025 might have set a new record for income.  That eases some of the pain from all the money I spent last month.

Meeting income is higher than actual - on the last day of the month I received an advance for a 10 day meeting in June.  I also received pay for some work I did in April.  It was a perfect storm.

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama. I also received three distributions from Realty Mogul.  

Open Door Capital continues to pay interest on the promissory note.  I also earn interest on the cash balance in my Self-Directed IRA. 

I redeemed $50 in credit card points.

May Income: $18,826

$12,099 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$0 Amazon Deliveries

$4,513 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $310)
$2,164 Interest Income

$50 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value: $3,890

My brokerage accounts were up in May.

My Frugal Miser - April 2025 Income

 Income was solid last month.

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama. I also received one distribution from Realty Mogul.  

Open Door Capital continues to pay interest on the promissory note.  I also earn interest on the cash balance in my Self-Directed IRA. 

April Income: $13,132

$7,450 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$753 Amazon Deliveries

$2,752 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $863)
$2,164 Interest Income

$41 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $5,510

My brokerage accounts were up in April.  As markets cratered early in the month due to tariff announcements, I closed out many of my PUT options with healthy gains.  At the same time, I nibbled at some long positions while they were down.  When the market began to recover, I benefited.

My Frugal Miser - February 2025 Income

February continues the trend of five-figure months.

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama. I also received a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital and three distributions from Realty Mogul.

Open Door Capital continues to pay interest on the promissory note.  I also earn interest on the cash balance in my Self-Directed IRA. 

Meeting income represents only a portion of what I worked last month.  I earned over $11,000 from meeting jobs, and the rest should be paid out in March.

February Income: $14,265

$7,250 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$90 Amazon Deliveries

$4,625 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $693)
$2,287 Interest Income

$14 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $6,050

My brokerage accounts were up in February.  I closed out a PUT option on Microstrategy and earned over $4,000 in one month.  

My Frugal Miser - January 2025 Income

January was another strong month for income.

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama. I also received a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital and Realty Mogul.

Open Door Capital continues to pay interest on the promissory note.  I also earn interest on the cash balance in my Self-Directed IRA. 

Meeting income was roughly in line with the work I did.  I had a gap in the month that didn't get filled = February is much busier.

January Income: $13,229

$6,452 Meeting Jobs
$634 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$1,126 Amazon Deliveries

$2,674 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $1,367)
$2,298 Interest Income

$44 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $5,138

Stocks were up in January.  

My Frugal Miser - December 2024 Income

Miraculously, I earned more in December than I spent.  

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama. I also received a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.

Open Door Capital continues to pay interest on the promissory note.  I also earn interest on the cash balance in my Self-Directed IRA. 

Meeting income was overstated as I was paid in December for work done in November.  Since I didn't do much meeting work, I did several Amazon routes and began driving for Rideshare again.

December Income: $13,983

$7,200 Meeting Jobs
$551 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$1,769 Amazon Deliveries

$2,162 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $570)
$2,297 Interest Income

$6 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $2,195

Stocks were up in December.  

My Frugal Miser - November 2024 Income

November was yet another incredible month for income.  

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama. I also received two Realty Mogul distributions and a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.  I paid the property taxes for the second Alabama rental.

Open Door Capital continues to pay interest on the promissory note.  So far this is looking like a great investment.  I loaned $250,000 from my Self Directed IRA to ODC in August 2023.  I receive 10% annual interest, paid monthly, for 7 years.  

While meeting income looks great, it is understated for November, as I only received half the amount owed for the 18 day meeting I worked.  In November I received half of the income for that, plus the remaining balance due from the October meeting I worked in Geneva.

November Income: $12,866

$5,625 Meeting Jobs
$13 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$1,035 Amazon Deliveries

$3,647 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $2,371)
$2,320 Interest Income

$0 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $8,274

Stocks were up in November.  My position in EXE, a natural gas company, did particularly well after the election.

My Frugal Miser - October 2024 Income

October continues the trend of five-figure months.

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama. I also received one Realty Mogul distribution and a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.  I paid the property taxes and fire dues for one of the Alabama rentals.

In October I worked one meeting job and a one day transportation gig.  I made up for it with Amazon routes, but as a bonus, Amazon cancelled many of my routes after the hurricane and paid me for most of them.

Last month I said I only had one meeting left in the year.  Thankfully, things have turned around.  I finished that one meeting (Geneva, Switzerland).  But I was contracted for an 18 day series of meetings in Chicago and have a couple of smaller things in December with the guy who got me into the industry.  I don't make as much with him, but every bit helps when it's slow.  

October Income: $10,175

$3,022 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$1,868 Amazon Deliveries

$2,921 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $1,494)
$2,362 Interest Income

$0 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  ($36)

My investments were unchanged in October.

My Frugal Miser - September 2024 Income

My September income remains solid.

I received rent from both rental properties in Alabama. I also received one Realty Mogul distribution and a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.  

In September I worked three meeting jobs.  October will be significantly less unfortunately.  I supplemented "active" income by doing several Amazon routes.

Interest income got a one-time boost from the redemption of all the US Treasury bonds I owned.

The last quarter of the year is going to be rough.  I only have one meeting contracted and some very small filler work.  I'll likely do more Amazon routes to boost my income.

September Income: $11,847

$4,275 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$960 Amazon Deliveries

$2,698 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $310)
$3,846 Interest Income

$68 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $4,535

My investments were up in September.

My Frugal Miser - August 2024 Income

July and August are examples of turning lemons into lemonade, although an accounting "trick" artificially boosts my August Income (one client paid me an advance for two meetings I am working in September, so that month's income will be lower because of it).  

First, rental properties.  I still own two homes in Alabama, but have shifted most of my real estate investing to syndications.  I received rental income from both Alabama properties as well as one distribution from Realty Mogul in my taxable account, two Realty Mogul distributions in my Self-Directed IRA, and a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.  

In August I worked three small meeting jobs, so the income reported below is deceptive since it includes payment from a July meeting as well as partial payments of upcoming meetings.  I was able to do several Amazon routes and made a respectable side income from that.  

All in all, I am more than pleased by my income in what is usually one of the slowest months of the year.  

August Income: $17,147

$8,700 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$1,244 Amazon Deliveries

$4,639 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $364)
$2,492 Interest Income

$72 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $3,128

My investments were up in August.  I'm continuing to shift into more conservative, "boring" investments.  The bulk of new funds go to the Vanguard Total World Stock Index Admiral fund.  I own a substantial amount of bank CDs in my brokerage accounts as well.  Lastly, I have a few short positions, mostly in the form of put options.  If the zombie stocks I bet against ever decline (really, they are worth nearly zero, but apparently other investors disagree with me!), I should see some nice gains on those options.

My Frugal Miser - June 2024 Income

June will be the last "amazing" month for income at least for a bit.  My work in the meeting industry slows dramatically in July and August.  I specialize in corporate events and there tends to be fewer of them when kids are out of school.  In June I worked meetings 22 out of 30 days.  When I wasn't working meetings, I did a few Amazon routes.  I received rental income from both Alabama properties as well as a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.  

June Income: $11,320

$6,075 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$614 Amazon Deliveries

$2,162 Rental Income (Rental Expenses: $364)
$2,470 Interest Income

$0 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  ($3,614)

My investments took a turn and lost value in June.

My Frugal Miser - May 2024 Income

May marks another stellar month for income.  I worked meetings 19 out of 31 days.  I was able to do several Amazon routes, but the pay is extremely low compared to meeting work.  I received rental income from both Alabama properties as well as two Realty Mogul distributions and a small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.  

May Income: $14,526

$7,192 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$580 Amazon Deliveries

$4,310 Rental Income (Rental Expenses:  $5,948 income this month)
$2,438 Interest Income

$6 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $438

My investments have steadily increased in value.

My Frugal Miser - April 2024 Income

In April my income was substantial, including one of the highest figures for meeting income yet.  I worked meetings 23 out of 30 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.  There was a foreboding note in the monthly update from Open Door Capital that suggests distributions may be suspended.  We shall see.

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

April Income: $16,566

$11,034 Meeting Jobs
$62 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$0 Amazon Deliveries

$3,087 Rental Income (Rental Expenses:  $310)
$2,383 Interest Income

$0 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $2,288

My investments have steadily increased in value.

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.

My Frugal Miser - February 2024 Income

February was a strong earnings month.  I worked meetings 22 out of 29 days.  Rental income was lower than expected.  I received rent from only one of my Alabama rental properties.  I also received one distribution from Realty Mogul and the small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.  I received an unexpected windfall in the form of a $492 check from a class action settlement involving my brokerage account.

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

February Income: $14,501

$9,428 Meeting Jobs
$6 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$0 Amazon Deliveries

$2,196 Rental Income (Rental Expenses:  $359)
$2,345 Interest Income

$526 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $1,557

My investments were up in February.

My Frugal Miser - January 2024 Income

January was a nice month for income.  I worked 20 consecutive days doing meetings.  We ended the month with a two day Margaritaville cruise.

I didn't do rideshare or work any Amazon routes.

Rental income was as expected.  I received rent from both Alabama rental properties and the small monthly distribution from Open Door Capital.  Rental expenses were a bit higher than normal.  I paid the fire dues on the condo and my management company charged a research fee to pull up some old repair records I needed to submit for a class action lawsuit.

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

January Income: $11,014

$6,522 Meeting Jobs
$0 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$0 Amazon Deliveries

$2,112 Rental Income (Rental Expenses:  $1,510)
$2,381 Interest Income

$0 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $4,284

My investments were up in January.

My Frugal Miser - December 2023 Income

December was a lighter month for active income than I would have preferred, but real estate and interest income carried me.  Besides, we made the most of it by taking our vacation during a slow time.  I worked two meetings and one local transportation job - 15 days total.  

I didn't do rideshare but received a decent check from the rides I gave at the end of November.  The $1,141 check included a $700 bonus for completing 60 rides.  Without the bonus, my earnings would have been significantly below minimum wage.  I didn't complete a single Amazon route in December.  Amazon overhired drivers and most of the new drivers are happy driving at unprofitable rates, which I will not do.

Rental income was excellent.  I received rent from both Alabama rental properties and two distributions from Realty Mogul and one from Open Door Capital.  I paid annual property taxes for the Alabama properties.

Open Door continues to pay interest on the promissory note as promised.  I also received a decent interest payment on my Capital One Savings balance.

December Income: $13,525

$5,280 Meeting Jobs
$1,141 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$0 Amazon Deliveries

$4,598 Rental Income (Rental Expenses:  $3,035)
$2,506 Interest Income

$0 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $998

My investments were down slightly in December.

My Frugal Miser - November 2023 Income

November wasn't terrible. I worked three small meetings but it was only 11 days of work.  To supplement it I did a few Amazon routes and even drove for Lyft a bit.

I received rent from both Alabama rental properties and one distribution from Realty Mogul and Open Door Capital.

Open Door continues to pay interest on the promissory note as promised.  I also received a decent interest payment on my Capital One Savings balance.

November Income: $10,975

$4,776 Meeting Jobs
$152 Gig Apps (Rideshare, Food Deliveries, etc.)
$737 Amazon Deliveries

$2,818 Rental Income (Rental Expenses:  $357)
$2,469 Interest Income

$23 Other Sources

Investment Accounts Change in Value:  $1,951

My investments were up slightly in November.