Making Progress Towards My Goals - April 2024 Update

April was such a busy month that I almost forgot to update you about my goals for this year.  

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.  In April I moved 44.9% of my meeting income to investment accounts.

In April, I earned $9,248* from meeting work.  Since I also received my tax refund I was able to do several things last month.  I transferred $1,000 to the brokerage account where I make more aggressive investments and $3,150 to my other brokerage account.  In addition, I wired $6,260 to Realty Mogul for the Capital Call for my investment in Gravity in Columbus, OH without needing to dip into my emergency funds.  I purchased shares of the Vanguard Total World Stock Index Admiral Fund for the 30%.  For the "more aggressive" investment, I added to a PUT option on Beyond Meat.

In addition to these investments, I made a $2,000 contribution to my ROTH IRA in April.

*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

I've absolutely determined that I need to work on reducing the amount of clothes I have.  There are two reasons I have too many clothes:  1) For work, different clients require different uniforms.  I can't do anything about this, unfortunately; 2) My fluctuating weight means I have clothes in different sizes.  That's not the easiest problem to overcome, either.  What I have started to do is upgrade to more durable, neutral clothing.  This gives me more flexibility, increases my confidence, and ultimately should help me own less.

Have Fun, on a Budget

We didn't take any vacations in April and I didn't plan any.  We're definitely due for a getaway!

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 - April 2024 Expenses

April was a unique month:  my tax refund offset all my other spending, making April a net income month.  

• I bought an Amazon gift card (divided between Household and Food expense) to take advantage of a 5% cashback offer.
• I paid the $95 annual fee for the Chase British Airways card.
• I received a massive tax refund.  Real estate losses (mostly depreciation) were higher than expected, offsetting other income.

Fun

We love adventures.  Spending on experiences makes us better humans.  

• I continued my monthly subscription for U Relax.  It's a powdered alcohol-alternative beverage.
• No travel/vacations were planned.

April Expenses:  ($11,095) income

$239 Auto (service, gas, insurance, AAA, etc.)

$120 Bank Fees (annual fees on credit cards)
$112 Clothing/ Personal Care
$188 Fun (vacations, movies, gambling, alcohol, concert tickets)

$431 Food

$132 Health and Dental

$1,490 Household/Home Repairs

$765 Unreimbursed Job Expense

($1,134) Reimbursed Job Expense income this month

$0 Interest Expense

$114 Miscellaneous (cat sitter, gifts)

($13,721) Taxes income this month

$168 Utilities 

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.