tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9985049774081012292024-02-08T11:22:59.009-05:00Rewire in 10It's 2018 and with a little hope this year will be much less toxic than 2017. Regardless, I am going to do the best I can to achieve some $$$ goals and rewire my life in 10 (now 8!) years.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-22420745573553128432018-04-08T17:22:00.003-04:002018-04-08T17:22:52.091-04:00Housekeeping: All Pages Updated<span style="font-size: large;">Hello!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Quick housekeeping note: All pages have been updated to 3/31/2018 excluding the dividend page. Not much going on - no recent investments to Vanguard but monthly savings continues.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-87576682532739095202018-03-30T13:36:00.000-04:002018-03-30T13:36:01.782-04:00Links for the weekend - the healthy edition<span style="font-size: large;">More from Kiplinger (dated but still good)! Have a nice holiday weekend if you are celebrating Easter or Passover.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T071-C000-S004-exercise-your-brain-to-improve-memory-in-retiremen.html" target="_blank">Exercise Your Brain to Improve Memory in Retirement</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/spending/T050-C006-S003-money-smart-ways-to-eat-healthy.html" target="_blank">Money Smart Ways to Eat Healthy</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/saving/T063-C000-S001-healthy-habits-that-will-save-you-money.html" target="_blank">Healthy Habits That Will Save You Money</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-41327350511007977542018-03-25T13:16:00.000-04:002018-03-25T13:16:30.662-04:00Links for the week<span style="font-size: large;">Some links to read this week sourced from Kiplinger. </span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Remember, these links are written by financial advisors who ultimately are always trying to sell something (including their services). Read and enjoy but always with a grain of salt and willingness to educate yourself some more before diving in.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T037-C032-S014-the-biggest-risk-retirees-face-right-now.html" target="_blank">The Biggest Risk Retirees Face Right Now</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This one was very interesting to me but also made me think that we can do the best possible and still have an unhappy ending. Nice huh?! So much to think about regarding investing but all you can do is keep reading/learning and keep putting money into investments.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T047-C032-S014-what-everybody-needs-to-know-about-investment-fees.html" target="_blank">What Everybody Needs to Know About Investment Fees</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/business/T019-C000-S010-energy-price-forecast.html" target="_blank">Oil Prices Buffeted by Global Supply Concerns</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Good to keep abreast of economic information/forecasts even if they are never 100% accurate</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/investing/T047-C032-S014-do-you-see-a-market-cliff-approaching.html" target="_blank">Do You See a Market Cliff Approaching?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*I disagree with the initial tone of this article. Yes the market goes up and down but it does so usually for a reason (especially when there is a precipitous drop). The most recent drop is because of fears of a trade war - fears which are warranted. While there is some good info in this article (like don't react impulsively!) this is exactly the type that I say read with a large grain of salt. Understand why the market is moving for significant changes and also let that inform your decisions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-38040210184037959462018-03-25T11:55:00.002-04:002018-03-25T11:55:50.618-04:00It's been awhile...<span style="font-size: large;">Hello Y'all!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">*Pru waves*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm still here but need to give a bit of an update. Firstly, work etc has been very hectic (lot going on there) and I have been organizing my financial affairs a bit to do my taxes. Thankfully those have been submitted and now I just need to pay what I owe. Taxes are always a stressful time for me so I'm glad that for the most part I'm done for the year. Next year will be an entirely different story as I will owe a lot given the new tax bill that was passed in 2017.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">March has also to date been a stressful and expensive month. Sadly, we all experience times like this when there is nothing we can do but keep paying out cash. Yup, one of those months.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Most importantly, as affects my plan here on this blog, I may not have a job in a few months. So.....yeah...there's that. Lots of thinking has been going on in the Pru household. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As this impacts the blog, until I know for sure where I stand in terms of employment, I am not sending any money to Vanguard. I will continue to fund my savings accounts because if I need to touch that money, I will. I am also just paying the minimum to my mortgage. (It's all about conserving cash as much as possible.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yup - that's where I am. Hoping to get back to posting weekly again even if it's just links to read.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-48853852074074347552018-02-23T13:17:00.000-05:002018-02-23T13:17:21.529-05:00Links for the weekend<span style="font-size: large;">Ahhh the computer let me on just to read a few articles from Kiplinger.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/investing/T052-C032-S014-why-bonds-are-more-important-than-you-may-realize.html" target="_blank">Why Bonds Are More Important to Your Financial Portfolio Than You May Realize</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T064-C032-S014-how-to-be-rich-a-401k-alone-won-t-get-you-there.html" target="_blank">How to Be Rich (A 401(k) Alone Won't Get You There)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/business/T019-C000-S010-inflation-rate-forecast.html" target="_blank">Inflation Rate Forecast</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/retirement/T047-S001-retirement-planning-mistakes-you-ll-regret-forever/index.html" target="_blank">Retirement Planning Mistakes You'll Regret Forever</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-30409544697186916802018-02-19T13:10:00.004-05:002018-02-19T13:10:49.070-05:00Housekeeping - Computer Problems<span style="font-size: large;">Been having some difficulties with this computer hence the lack of posting recently. It is sadly quite old and I am trying to eek out as much life out of it as I can. All in the interest of saving money and avoiding chucking something before I can get the full use out of it. Bear with me!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-70148433708087191562018-02-12T06:36:00.000-05:002018-02-12T06:36:21.874-05:00Links for the week<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some links from US News. Trying to keep it simple and stay focused on goals. Reading and re-reading the basics definitely keeps me focused.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2018-01-25/9-affordable-hobbies-to-discover-this-year" target="_blank">9 Affordable Hobbies to Discover This Year</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2018-01-18/heres-how-to-save-for-a-big-ticket-item" target="_blank">Here's How to Save for a Big-Ticket Item</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2018-01-22/5-life-audits-that-will-save-you-money" target="_blank">5 'Life Audits" That Will Save You Money</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2018-01-24/take-on-your-new-years-resolutions-without-going-broke" target="_blank">Take on Your New Year's Resolutions Without Going Broke</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2018-01-12/5-clever-ways-to-stay-financially-disciplined-in-the-new-year" target="_blank">5 Clever Ways to Stay Financially Disciplined in the New Year</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/articles/2018-01-03/how-to-use-deliberate-experimentation-to-improve-your-finances" target="_blank">How to Use Deliberate Experimentation to Improve Your Finances</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-84690859484325722032018-02-05T06:26:00.000-05:002018-02-05T06:26:03.466-05:00Links for the week<span style="font-size: large;">A few interesting links from Fidelity:</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/markets-economy/learning-from-history-bubble" target="_blank">The lesson for diagnosing a bubble</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/personal-finance/success-for-average-american-infographic" target="_blank">This is what success looks like to the average American</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/retirement/life-could-change-for-retirees" target="_blank">5 ways life could change for retirees in 2018</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/personal-finance/what-assets-make-up-wealth-infographic" target="_blank">What assets make up wealth?</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/personal-finance/5-money-mistakes-to-avoid" target="_blank">5 money mistakes to avoid in the new year</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-54193541232615040112018-02-04T13:18:00.002-05:002018-02-04T13:18:29.958-05:00Savings Increased Slightly<span style="font-size: large;">Not sure why I didn't combine this with the last post...but my savings information has been updated in the <a href="https://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/ultimate-goals.html" target="_blank">Ultimate Goals</a> page. I did some reorganizing of accounts and took the opportunity to top them up a bit especially the 2nd Home account. Every extra penny helps!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-25112421643975930992018-02-04T13:03:00.002-05:002018-02-04T13:03:44.634-05:00Brokerage Account Portfolio Update<span style="font-size: large;">My <a href="https://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/brokerage-acct-portfolio.html" target="_blank">Brokerage Account Portfolio</a> page has been updated as of 2/2/2018. The total has dropped as a result of the market's drop this past Friday. No surprise as sooner or later the market will drop.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In January I purchased 7 shares of the BND ETF for $500-something. I keep forgetting to double check the exact price that I bought at...will do...will do...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-20686052106934084482018-02-03T16:25:00.000-05:002018-02-03T16:25:21.508-05:00Mortgage Payoff Update<span style="font-size: large;">Made the usual mortgage payment this month plus a <i>smidge</i> extra that was really for rounding purposes (to make writing a check easier).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will be doing this for most, if not all of 2018. Extra amounts will be put to the side and used to pay off mortgage in December or early 2019.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is so nice to see that I am almost at the 50% payoff mark :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/kill-mortgage.html" target="_blank">KILL My Mortgage</a> page has been fully updated now.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-26321943528996011142018-01-30T22:04:00.001-05:002018-01-30T22:04:07.615-05:002018 Goals - Quick check in<span style="font-size: large;">Nearly the end of January and since I have the time now but may not tomorrow, thought it would be good to have a quick check-in.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"How am I doing?" is the key question. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">OK is the response. See below</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span>2018 Financial Goals (Cash is Queen!)</span></u></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>1) Start tracking spending again. <span style="color: blue;"><b>I've started and I'm keeping up with tracking despite the occasional tedious nature of it.</b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>2) 183 No Spend Days. <span style="color: blue;"><b>On average I would need about 15 a month and to date in January I have had 19 No Spend Days. Definitely on track and I'm enjoying them once again.</b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>3) Earn $$$ in a side hustle. <span style="color: red;"><b>Been thinking but no action yet.</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>4) Rewire savings - $75/month (unchanged) <span style="color: blue;"><b>Done!</b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>5) G2H-FU savings - $75/month (unchanged) <span style="color: blue;"><b>Done!</b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>6) 2nd Home savings - $250/month (unchanged) <span style="color: blue;"><b>Done! Plus I had a little extra and so sent a little extra :-)</b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>7) Send $10K to Vanguard (may or may not purchase shares) <span style="color: blue;"><b>Early days yet. But I did purchase several BND shares (over $500 worth) and I had a few extra dollars so I sent $25 more to Vanguard at the end of the month.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Not bad thus far. Still need to think a bit more about the side hustle and then take action.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-88618980931260483552018-01-28T14:34:00.000-05:002018-01-28T14:34:51.565-05:00Links for the week<span style="font-size: large;">These are some good ones coming to us from Fidelity. I suggest reading one a day and taking the time to ponder on it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(The last link has me particularly worried. Tighten the belt, squeeze each penny until it squeaks - I'll be putting money aside to pay down the mortgage later this year or in early 2019 after I get an idea of how the new tax bill really affects me.) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/markets-economy/bonds-stocks-funds-shift?ah=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Investors have been favoring bonds over stocks for years</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/investing-ideas/surviving-a-market-bubble?ah=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">How to survive a stock market bubble</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.fidelity.com/news/article/us-economy/201801281115MRKTWTCHNEWS_SVC000057" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Tax overhaul will have a limited effect on U.S. economy</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>*This one has lots of links to other articles which could be interesting...but I haven't had a chance to look at them...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/markets-economy/federal-reserve-economy-strategies" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">As economy strengthens, Fed ponders new approach</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/markets-economy/bond-investing-environment-end" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">It has been a new perfect investing environment. But it may end soon.</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/markets-economy/what-could-derail-economy" target="_blank">The economy is doing great. Here is what could derail it.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.fidelity.com/insights/personal-finance/americans-take-on-more-debt-infographic" target="_blank">One sure-fire prediction for 2018: Americans will take on even more debt</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-20099312593422988312018-01-25T23:49:00.000-05:002018-01-25T23:49:08.783-05:00What if you didn't have it?<span style="font-size: large;">Like many people, I carry with me a credit card or two, a bank/ATM card, and some cash. Right now I am giving myself an allowance of $20 each week. This can be used for a coffee, a lotto ticket, a snack, or anything else that comes to mind :-) </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Entering 2018 I still had a bit of cash left over so I didn't take out any more money for my allowance. I spent most of the cash on a planned post-holiday dinner with friends leaving me with $7. Last week Tuesday I went to the bank to take out some allowance money. It was after it had closed but I entered to use the ATM. I put my bag down to get my wallet and had the following thought:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">What if you didn't have any money?</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of us have far more than we need. A few do not - but the majority are doing OK. Perhaps not great but okay nonetheless. And while I do have the typical old lady-bag lady fears/nightmares some times, generally I know that I am okay. I have money to pay my bills for several months and I don't really think too hard about my day-to-day spending. Part of the reason is that I am not interested in buying many things (and thus don't) and my income fully covers my needs and wants.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Still, if I want a pack of gum or a coffee, I buy it. It's only a couple dollars, right? Not major, right? I have the money so I spend it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But what if I didn't have the money? The answer is I wouldn't spend it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Right now I'm bringing lunch from home which means my grocery money is covering my lunches. I'm not buying snacks (trying hard!) because I really want to take a nice trip this year. And aside from that dinner with friends, I haven't needed to spend money besides my weekend errands (e.g. grocery store) and paying bills.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>You wouldn't spend it</i>. With that thought I closed my wallet, put it back in my bag and I left the bank without taking out any money.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a thought that has stuck with me for over a week. And I hope it will stay much longer. Realistically, I will take more money out of the bank (did so yesterday). I have specific things that are planned - some needs and some wants and some I'm-not-sure-what-yet. But if it is not a need, and it is not a major want, then I simply don't want to waste cash. Perhaps going to the bank less often, carrying around a tiny amount of money is what I need to do to be more successful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-13811575161246708902018-01-24T13:36:00.000-05:002018-01-24T13:36:03.025-05:00Another share purchased<span style="font-size: large;">Last weekend I found another $100 in the budget that wasn't going to be used and off it went to Vanguard. Then I placed a purchase order for 1 BND ETF share. The cost was $80.73. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I am up to 11 BND ETF shares. It's not a lot of shares but each month it is about $1.65 in pre-tax dividends. That's nearly a bag of rice! It seems silly but equating the dividends into something practical like food keeps it real for me. Also, one day they are likely going to be used for something like food. So....if I can hit a number that pays for my entire groceries, utilities, maintenance costs then that would be fabulous. Suppose it's more of a when and not an if since I need to hit that number.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-52171902141848944272018-01-15T06:52:00.000-05:002018-01-15T06:52:01.810-05:00Links for the week and a thought<span style="font-size: large;">Below are a few links to read this week from USA Today. These are a few reminders (always good to keep reading the basics) and the last link is a good plan to follow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One thought that has been rattling about the ole brain is that now is the time to plan for Christmas/end of the year/any other holiday you celebrate :-) I know it is 12 months away but now is the time set a budget and make sure that you are tucking money away with each paycheck. On my end Christmas is usually low key so not too much to plan but I do spend a good amount of money on "thank you" gift cards for various people. In addition to figuring out how much that is going to cost, this year will likely involve a bigger end of year/holiday splash so I need to really focus on setting aside money (a lot more than usual).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't track my yearly savings categories on this blog but it is money related so a mention is worth it. I cannot say how wonderful it is to put the money aside throughout the year and then *poof* suddenly December arrives and you can shop (if you so choose) and enjoy yourself without worrying about debt that cannot be paid. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you do one thing this year, starting to set aside small amounts of money every single time you get paid will make your life so much better. Whether it's for summer camp for the kids, a nice family vacation, Christmas, back-to-school shopping, these are all things that come up every year and have their greedy little hands out trying to grab money from you. Plan ahead when you can and stash the cash!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm also thinking about a nice trip this year. Not sure when or where or any of the details but it would be nice to get away. I don't have a lot of extra money to put towards it. All this means is the thinking cap got put on tight and I decided to save money on lunches, coffee, teas etc. For every work day that I bring my lunch, I am putting that money towards a <i>fabulous</i> trip. OK it's not a ton of cash daily which means this trip is probably not happening before June. But it will happen. (If I save between $5-$10/work day, I will save anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 for a nice trip involving a plane ride.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Think about where money needs to go this year (needs plus a want or two) and then stash what cash you can.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now on to the links!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/budget-and-spending/2018/01/13/3-money-resolutions-that-are-worth-getting-right/109185532/" target="_blank">3 months resolutions worth getting right</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/budget-and-spending/2017/11/05/how-to-start-taming-your-budget-busting-bills-cutting-spending/535731001/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">How to start taming your budget busting bills</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/budget-and-spending/2018/01/13/12-months-of-smart-money-moves-to-end-2018-richer/109247166/" target="_blank">12 months of smart money moves to end 2018 richer</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-50836403758548673272018-01-13T17:12:00.000-05:002018-01-13T17:12:39.380-05:00Investing Update<span style="font-size: large;">The 6 shares of the new bond (BND) ETF are in my account. I paid $487.98 for them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Also, I have calculated my investments for 2017 and it came to a grand total of $11,456.74. This means that I am on track to reach my 10-year investing goal! For the first two years of my rewire plan, I have invested a total of $23,353.05. Not bad!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For 2017, most of that investment came in the form of one day's trade into a brand new mutual fund for $10,000...all good of course!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have updated my <a href="https://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Actuals</a> page to report all the investments made to date. Also, I removed the actual savings since I hadn't updated that section since 2016 and frankly that is too tedious to keep up with. The savings totals on the <a href="https://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/ultimate-goals.html" target="_blank">Ultimate Goals</a> page will have to suffice. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Next up is the Dividends page and I'm really not looking forward to that :-( </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hope everyone is doing well! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-30132923682776558402018-01-11T22:02:00.000-05:002018-01-11T22:02:50.499-05:00Links for the weekend<span style="font-size: large;">Just a few articles that I've read this week (from Kiplingers):</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/investing/T047-C032-S014-shore-up-your-financial-house-to-keep-wolf-away.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Shore Up Your Financial House</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T063-C000-S000-find-a-match-to-share-your-home.html" target="_blank">Find a Match to Share Your Home</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T027-C032-S014-the-impossible-reality-of-long-term-care-planning.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Impossible Reality of Long Term Care Planning</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/spending/T059-S002-bargain-vacations-off-the-beaten-path/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">5 Bargain Vacation Destinations Off the Beaten Track</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-31106631420063382852018-01-07T17:36:00.000-05:002018-01-07T17:36:11.152-05:00First share purchase of 2018<span style="font-size: large;">2018 is off to a conservative start! I mentioned in a previous post how I was going to focus more on bonds. After moving about $705 to my brokerage account earlier this week, I just placed an order for 6 shares of the BND ETF. That will bring me up to 10 shares. Will update the brokerage account page next weekend with exact share amounts etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I also went ahead and reallocated some of the shares in my retirement account so that I have more bond exposure. While I do not expect to touch these monies for some time (well until the nanosecond that I officially retire), I think I would probably not feel very well (i.e. I would probably vomit) if the market went south and I saw a significant reduction in value.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bonds are not sexy but they are supposed to help you sleep a little better at night. Only time will tell.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I should also note that I do have other funds in my brokerage account that I do not track here. Technically the monies I transfer can be used to purchase shares in those funds. Since I am tracking my money market fund (where the initial money transfers go) thought it good to mention. Guess I'll go add another comment to that page...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Have a good week!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-79014039048014721612018-01-07T13:26:00.000-05:002018-01-07T13:26:58.102-05:00Links for the week<span style="font-size: large;">Just a few articles that I've been reading from Kiplingers:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/business/T019-C000-S010-unemployment-rate-forecast.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Job Growth Becoming More Sustainable</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T047-C032-S014-3-financial-moves-to-make-as-a-new-year-starts.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">3 Financial Moves to Make as a New Year Gets Underway</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T047-C001-S003-12-smart-financial-moves-for-the-new-year.html" target="_blank">12 Smart Financial Moves For the New Year</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/investing/T047-C032-S014-right-now-is-right-time-to-prepare-for-bear-market.html" target="_blank">Right Now Is The Right Time To Prepare for the Next Bear Market</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/taxes/T054-S001-26-ways-the-gop-tax-reform-will-affect-your-wallet/index.html" target="_blank">26 Ways the New Tax Law Will Affect Your Wallet</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/article/investing/T023-C000-S002-the-perks-of-a-portfolio-review.html" target="_blank">Review Your Portfolio in 3 Easy Steps</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-7225507242174068252018-01-01T13:52:00.001-05:002018-01-01T13:52:27.244-05:00Happy New Year!!!<span style="font-size: large;">May 2018 bring us all health, wealth and joy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Slowly getting back on this wagon...and realizing there is a lot that I need to update on the site. Bear with me if you are following along this journey. I may try to simplify some of the information that I am providing just to make it easier on myself :-) because I am already expecting 2018 to be a very busy year. Also, I've decided to turn off reader comments while I am updating the site since I really do not have much time to respond to them. They will be turned back on though because I did so much enjoy commenting with the readers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now getting down to some business (I can be so wordy at times!)... While I stopped blogging last year, I continued to make my deposits to savings and investments and overpay my mortgage. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My <a href="https://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/brokerage-acct-portfolio.html" target="_blank">Brokerage Acct Portfolio</a> page is updated and you will notice that I added a new mutual fund and a new ETF. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/ultimate-goals.html" target="_blank">Ultimate Goals</a> and <a href="https://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/kill-mortgage.html" target="_blank">KILL My Mortgage!!!</a> are updated as best I can. I will eventually go back and fill in the mortgage payments and overpayments plus I need to calculate how much cash I invested this year. (It is over $10K since that was the minimum purchase price for the new mutual fund I selected.) But it involves going through some paperwork (online but still...) so that will not be happening today.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On to goals for 2018! Not all of them will be tracked on this blog but this will give you an idea of where my head is. Firstly, I want to say that I am still somewhat uncomfortable about where the stock market is and where it is going. It simply cannot keep going up up and up. While I have continued to send money to Vanguard, I am not buying much with that money. Instead it is sitting in the money market fund (I have now added that line item to the brokerage accounts page). I would like to have a good amount of cash sitting there for when the inevitable happens and I can purchase some shares on sale! However, I am going to be buying more of the bond ETF this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<u><span style="font-size: large;">2018 Financial Goals (Cash is Queen!)</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1) Start tracking spending again. It got a bit tiresome in 2017 with everything else going on. Haven't been spending crazily but I'd like to know where the pennies are going.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2) 183 No Spend Days. Yup these are back and definitely needed for a bit of mental calm.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3) Earn $$$ in a side hustle. Time to start one!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4) Rewire savings - $75/month (unchanged)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5) G2H-FU savings - $75/month (unchanged)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6) 2nd Home savings - $250/month (unchanged)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7) Send $10K to Vanguard (may or may not purchase shares)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What is not on this list is to overpay the mortgage. With the new tax bill I'm not sure if I should be overpaying. Instead a lot of my money will just be sitting in savings for most of the year. (I expect to be significantly impacted by the tax bill and not in a good way. I am basically in a wait and see period and will just be holding on to cash until the dust settles.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am also hoping to switch jobs so hanging on to some cash due to the uncertainty of my job situation is important.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That's it! It's more of the same but with a focus on saving as much cash as possible and tracking expenses more closely. Not fun but it is my reality. No use in not facing it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hope everyone is looking forward to this year and making their own financial goals!</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-31780842203007870622017-12-23T22:24:00.000-05:002017-12-23T22:24:10.056-05:00Hello World!<span style="font-size: large;">Helloooooooo out there! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Guess it's been a long time since I had the opportunity to post anything. It has been a long and toxic year for me. But I have missed blogging and I feel I am ready to add this back into my life. I am not sure if I have any readers out there but it is still good to type type type for little ole <i>moi</i>. And it is good for me to see that I am moving forward inch by inch on my financial goals. (Btw all is good on that front.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Over the next two weekends, I am going to revisit this blog and post up some goals for 2018. Nothing overly exciting I expect but it will still be good to stretch the blogging legs a bit next year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">:-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For anyone celebrating Christmas, I hope you have a very merry holiday. For everyone else, I hope you have Monday off and a nice long weekend!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-60586238111317918702017-04-16T21:25:00.001-04:002017-04-16T21:25:27.451-04:00Taxes done...taking a bit of a break...<span style="font-size: large;">Ahhhhh the sweet sound of hitting click and having my tax information be swirled through the internet space to our lovely governing treasury authorities.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well it was more like the sound of my head hitting the back of the sofa at 1:30 a.m. on 4/15 followed by the sound of my laptop falling to the ground. I failed miserably with getting my taxes done this year. I usually have my accountant do them but life/work/ugh happened and I was scrambling at the last minute. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To avoid filing an extension, I did them myself. I think I did okay but time will tell.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One interesting lesson for me was reinforced this year since I did my own taxes and had to make a payment. Although I do about the same amount of work as my accountant each year (I tend to study tax information as well as my forms and regularly visit the IRS' website each year...). But some of the conversations that I have had numerous times with my accountant had not quite sunk in until this year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">First and foremost, my state (like most states) does not have the same deductions/credits as the federal government. This sucks big time. BIG Time. And means that I usually pay something to my state (usually something small).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, this past year was particularly unusual because I began investing a lot more than before when I was focused on either saving money for a home or paying off my mortgage early. And all those nice investments and lovely dividends came rearing their pretty little heads in the form of additional taxes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Definitely not happy about this. But as they say it is a cost of doing business. And we all know that Uncle Sam (and Aunt Samantha) like their share of the pie.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What this means for me is that I need to put a bit aside for next year's taxes since I will owe a little bit since I am still gonna be investing and earning dividends. And I hate having to pay something without having the same amount sitting in the savings wings, ready to go on stage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Taxes filed, and now I can say state taxes paid - Yes! I'm good for another 10 months. (Next year I will not be rushing to do my taxes at the last minute.) All this means is that Pru was able to head out for a mini-break to get some much needed rest (still working on this!) and change of scenery. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hoping things are well with you, whoever you may be dear reader :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh and if you are experiencing great weather, like my state is, get out and enjoy it!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-9149759110219208862017-04-02T16:37:00.000-04:002017-04-02T16:37:05.546-04:00Housekeeping & A Catch-up- 3/31/2017<span style="font-size: large;">Hello! Still here (barely!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lot going on in my life (both work and personal) but I'm still keeping on with the financial goals. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bit of a reorganization going on at my office so I'm dealing with that. Not sure how that is going to work out as people are not very happy. I'm not ecstatic either to be perfectly honest. Needless to say things are bit rough at the office for my entire team and a few people have separately told me (late at night when no one is around) that they are planning to look for jobs in the coming months. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I too would like to look for a job but I am in a financial catch-22. I need my bonuses to pay down my mortgage quickly and invest monies. I think I get my bonus sometime in may-end june. With the craziness going on in politics and the uncertainty, I do not know how likely people are to be hiring. This means I could be stuck at my current job. (Yes woe is me...) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On the flip side, if I get a wonderful bonus then (and I struggle with this internally), I should do the logical thing and stay with the current job for at least one more year to make another sizeable dent into the mortgage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">No easy decisions in life eh.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And then there are my taxes. Still not done. Need to be done. In the next 2 weeks. Double sigh.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So the next few weeks sees me working on getting my taxes filed (on time), adjusting to a new work environment, organizing a few things at home, reviewing my financial status (always good to do at tax time), and getting ready for the warmer weather.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a bit of a need to spend some money on clothes etc. I am trying to minimize that need as much as possible and make do where I can. But I am also being realistic - my orthotics shred my socks so new socks are being bought today also my sneakers have work thin on the soles so sneakers will also be bought (wear them every single day so a must!).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I haven't kept up with other people's blogs and I am very annoyed at this. I do think about others (Jill! Frugal Desperado!) and hope they are doing well.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Should be in a better position in 2 weeks (post-tax time) and will start catching up and blogging more. Stay tuned! Hopefully you will all still be here then :-) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pages have all been updated through 3/31/2017 (except for the historical actual savings amounts):</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/ultimate-goals.html" target="_blank">Ultimate Goals</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/brokerage-acct-portfolio.html" target="_blank">Brokerage Account Portfolio</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/dividend-income.html" target="_blank">Dividends</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://rewirein10.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Actuals</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hope everyone has a good week!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998504977408101229.post-25076511060558108162017-02-26T14:02:00.002-05:002017-02-26T14:02:44.947-05:00My 2nd Home - Location! Location! Location!<span style="font-size: large;">Another thing that has been keeping me busy is focusing on my next home. I have becoming more and more disillusioned with where I am living. Part of it is because of how expensive my neighborhood is and how much more expensive I believe it will become. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am feeling squeezed. Not literally. Clearly I have excess funds to invest in savings and investments and overpay my mortgage. But I have this feeling of not being able to breathe well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My original plan was to buy another cheaper (much cheaper!) home in the same county. This was important because it was still somewhat close to my job. My commute would have worsened but I would still be close - especially on weekends when I used my car. The town I was looking at was also a really nice low-to-middle middle class town which had a sense of community.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, the more I thought about it, I have become more concerned about property taxes. The proximity to a neighboring city means that this town will eventually be in demand and property taxes will go up. A lot more people will also look to live there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So I've started to look further away. In fact, I have started looking as far as 90 minute drive away. But a place that still has transportation so that I could get to my job. I've recently done a scouting trip. I am feeling good about this. In addition to property taxes concerns, I also just want to ensure that my community is peaceful. And I believe I will need to move far away to ensure that it remains peaceful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As part of this plan, one idea that I have is actually moving sooner rather than later. But I won't do it until I get my mortgage down to a certain reasonable level. What is reasonable? That is the question I still have not answered. I believe the answer is an emotional one and I'll know it when the mortgage reaches that amount - I'll just be in a position to sleep better at night. Hopefully by the end of this year I will reach my *reasonable* number.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pru</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0