April 2009 Net Worth

My net worth is the highest it's been since I started tracking it in 2007. I'm over $94,000. What's interesting, though, is that it's mainly being driven by cash. The highest my retirement funds have ever gotten was just over $80,000 in May 2008, however my cash position was $9,800. Now, my retirement is at $67,000 and my cash is at $26,000. Feels good to have that cash in the bank. As far as the retirement funds go, well, it is what it is.

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For once, I'm an A student. I even get to be the melancholy genius that realizes that the high grade really doesn't mean much as I disagree with some of it's measurements, especially it's idea that 3 months for an emergency fund is plenty. Boo, BOO! If the current economic climate has taught me anything, it's that you better have at least 9 months to a year's worth of money to live on. Call me conservative, but that's what I'm seeing. I probably would have gotten an A+ if they didn't ding me for not having life insurance. I have no children, no partner, no property, and no debt. What do I need life insurance for? Pfft!

This is cute to go through, but hella generic.


h/t Single Ma

$14 well spent

Greetings and Salutations from the cradle of paradise that is Cincinnati, Ohio! I'm here visiting the S.O. and so far so good. :)

I bought my plane ticket online with United and booked a seat at the very back of the plane. The flight was full so I didn't have a choice. While I was checking in online yesterday, I was given the option having an aisle seat in the 5th row, which happens to be the "Economy Plus" section that boasts 5" of extra leg room. Let me just say that sitting up front, in an aisle seat, with extra leg room, and an empty seat next to me, was worth the extra $14. Let's hope I'm this lucky on my way home Sunday, as when I booked the ticket, I couldn't even get a seat assignment. Eeep.

Pending Cohabiting

I will catch a flight later this evening to see the S.O. for the weekend. Between canoodling sessions I'm sure there will be some “where is this going…what are our plans” discussion.

I can’t remember, did I tell you this? S.O. figured that he’ll move to my city since I love it so much and my family is here. This is great news for me, however I’m keeping an open mind because that’s a long time and who knows what kinds of things and opportunities might pop up. S.O. moving here is a huge step so I want to make sure we take advantage of the time we have before he gets here (we estimate 12 to 16 months, job/housing market, you know the drill) to prepare emotionally and financially.

My head was swirling with questions however there is really only one that keeps popping up: Rent or buy? Home ownership is very important to the S.O. and he’s more inclined to buy. My first inclination is that we rent together for the first year he is here for the following advantages:

• By then we would have been in a long-distance relationship for 2 years, but never really LIVED together. This would be an opportunity to see how it goes without the financial commitment of a mortgage if the relationship ends.

• The money he’d make from the sale of his house would sit in the bank for year earning interest.

• We can move if we don't like the area/house after a year.

• No headache of how to go about buying a home as an unmarried couple.

The disadvantages?

• If things go great, after a year or so we’d have to move again, incurring more cost and moving drama.

• Losing out on equity by renting. (Not a biggie to me, personally, but the S.O. brought this up).

• Renting would cost me more than buying. Why? Because the necessities would be split by percentage of income (57/43) if we rent. However if the S.O. buys (because he’s the one that wants to own a home and would be providing the cash for down payment) the split would be 70/30 with the S.O. on the high end. Why? Because his name would be on the papers. He’d get the equity. He’d also get the drama of upgrades, repairs, etc. My 30% would be what I would pay in rent and utilities if I had an apt. on my own. Both splits seem fair to me, but renting would significantly decrease the amount I could save.

So yeah, that’s what’s rolling through my mind these days. Living together is a long way off, however we could use the time we have now to save as much as we can and think about our goals as a couple.

I’m frightened and euphoric as the same time. :)

March 2009 Net Worth

Slowly but surely, my net work is creeping back up.

• Cash: Down by $3,000 thanks to the new computer (due to arrive soon!)

• Retirement: Actually up! Who knew? I'm sure it's temporary.

• Debts: None. I actually overpaid my credit card by $50.