| The stock market started out poopy, but the house continues in the proper direction. Give here, take there, and that's how this game works.
I was given a modest raise at work to help offset having to purchase individual health, dental, and vision insurance. (No more group plans.) Unfortunately I don't get a tax-deduction benefit this way, therefore taking a sizable hit to take-home pay. I'll just have to continue stepping it up with side jobs, most notably music gigs, whenever and wherever I can. I never factor those in for the year; I only budget with what's guaranteed to come in. Keeps me out of trouble that way!
I've also increased monthly investments to the Roth IRA, now at $300/month. That amount will keep increasing every 6 months until it reaches the max annual contribution, which is still a few years away.
Finally, I also think it's time to go on a little spending fast for February. Haven't been able to get my credit cards close to sub-$1000 for quite a few months. Since I never carry over debt, this means I've been charging a little more than I'd like. Let's see what I can get away with... |