A Year In Review

December 22, 2008

 

In 2008 I had a number of ambitious financial goals that I wanted to reach. I wanted to:

 

1. Contribute $5000 to my Roth IRA

2. Contribute $5000 to my 401k

3. Save $4000 in my high yield savings account

4. Save $2000 into my tax free health savings account.

 

 08goals2

 

Overall I was 2/4, but making big steps towards my goal. My net worth went up, and I did not make any big financial blunders, so I figure I am a shoe in for 2009 for an unmitigated financial disaster.

 

Moral of the story: Its hard to save after tax $9000 (Roth plus savings)


Save Detriot?

December 18, 2008

 

 

                       Regardless of how I feel about bailing out Detroit (currently waffling on the subject), or the quality of ‘American’ cars, this is still a funny poster.

 

big-3


Skipping Christmas

December 3, 2008

 

 

 

 

christmas

 

 

A Book

 

By: John Grisham

 

            I read this book every year. It’s the story of a married couple who have just become empty nesters. The couple attempts to skip Christmas completely and take a cruise instead. They decide to do this because Christmas is ridiculously expensive and even with buying an expensive cruise they are able to come out ahead financially. Their plan of course falls apart and hilarity ensues. I highly recommend the book.

 

            That being said I have no idea what Christmas costs me, not in just money, but also time, effort, and stress. The gifts are expensive, but think about all the other things that must be bought. Tress, lights, Christmas cards, Christmas tips and bonuses, money to fundraisers, and the lost wages, or vacation time you have to use.

 

            I am not a scrooge, I love Christmas, and it is probably my favorite holiday. I am just saying it is something to keep in mind during the season. Millions of us every year dread going to the mailbox in January to retrieve a hefty credit card bill.

 

Just stop to think

 “Is he/She ever really going to wear that cute frosty the snowman sweater?”

“Will my co-workers actually eat that fruit cake at $10 a pop?”

“Is spending 6 hours on a Saturday in the cold putting up lights worth it?”

 

 

Instead of buying a (insert random Christmas item), maybe buy and read the book instead.


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