Financial Goals 2017: Budget Harder

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Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

My big picture goals for the year are to increase family net worth to 220K and stick to a budget. We currently have about 180K between savings/roth/401 and are aiming to save ~24k, throw our ~10k tax return at it (we went from zero to maxed 401k after sitting on a lot of cash), and expecting 5-6k in gainz/dividends.

I recently moved from lovely public housing (which allowed me to save like a boss) to an actual house worth living in (which costs twice as much but allows me to actually like where I am). Between that and an imminent babby expenses will go up, but I want to keep spending under control and know where my money is going.

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle.

Non-financial goal is to regularly work out to get (back) in shape, also to maintain some semblance of work/life balance.

Guest2553 fucked around with this message at 20:57 on Dec 30, 2016

# ¿ Dec 30, 2016 20:48

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# ¿ May 2, 2024 01:33

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

Guest2553 posted:

My big picture goals for the year are to increase family net worth to 220K and stick to a budget. We currently have about 180K between savings/roth/401 and are aiming to save ~24k, throw our ~10k tax return at it (we went from zero to maxed 401k after sitting on a lot of cash), and expecting 5-6k in gainz/dividends. Only saved 1500 in Jan because there were a bunch of one-off expenses like maternity clothes, winter clothing, and baby stuff. I'm expecting this rate to drift up over the year so I'll call us on target for savings so far. Net Worth ticked downwards because of the market though.

I recently moved from lovely public housing (which allowed me to save like a boss) to an actual house worth living in (which costs twice as much but allows me to actually like where I am). Between that and an imminent babby expenses will go up, but I want to keep spending under control and know where my money is going. We started tracking expenses to see what money was going where which will help us create a realistic budget

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle.I have an idea worth investigating but don't have the time to follow up on it yet.

Non-financial goal is to regularly work out to get (back) in shape, also to maintain some semblance of work/life balance.My job is super busy but I've managed to leave work at work so far this year, which gives me time to do things like hobbies and regularly work out. Something something positive feedback loop.

# ¿ Feb 4, 2017 17:03

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

End of Feb update

Guest2553 posted:

My big picture goals for the year are to increase family net worth to 220K and stick to a budget. We currently have about 180K between savings/roth/401 and are aiming to save ~24k, throw our
~10k tax return at it (we went from zero to maxed 401k after sitting on a lot of cash), and expecting 5-6k in gainz/dividends. Only managed to save 1k this month due to babby stuff - furniture, carseat, and ordering food a couple times because of pregnancy ickyness. We also have to replace current kid's carseat after discovering some damage to it (thanks united) and my wife's 7 year old computer is hitting the end of its life, so our 1500 shortfall will widen a bit. On the other hand my tax return is about 1000 higher than expected and I'll be getting grossing a couple hundred more a month after a small raise in May, so I might be able to catch up later this year.

I recently moved from lovely public housing (which allowed me to save like a boss) to an actual house worth living in (which costs twice as much but allows me to actually like where I am). Between that and an imminent babby expenses will go up, but I want to keep spending under control and know where my money is going. I fell off the wagon and am a week change behind in budgeting due to a huge tempo increase at work. We have good control of our spending and the end of month numbers added up, so I'm not gonna sweat it and just try again next month.

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle. on hold, but still pondering a couple solid ideas.

Non-financial goal is to regularly work out to get (back) in shape, also to maintain some semblance of work/life balance. Work/life balance ran into a wall a couple weeks ago because of some gigantic projects with quick turn times. It's a great challenge and I like the work, but it's had me working late or bringing stuff home to meet the schedule. I've had to drop a workout or two a week because of the mental fatigue, but am still regularly working and am down like 15 pounds total since Dec I'll surge through it for another couple weeks before trying to shed some work. Probably gonna get a good review out of it though and promotions are good with money.

Guest2553 fucked around with this message at 02:12 on Mar 8, 2017

# ¿ Mar 8, 2017 01:40

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

I was going some account maintenance today and was pleasantly surprised to see my net worth broke the 200K mark. Even though I'm only worth like 500 bucks more than yesterday and the difference is all because of market activity outside of my control, it's a pretty sweet psychological milestone. Not as cool as good as breaking the $0 barrier though :colbert:

Tarry onwards, goons :salute:

# ¿ Mar 15, 2017 21:40

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

March update. Still on track overall :toot:

Guest2553 posted:

My big picture goals for the year are to increase family net worth to 220K and stick to a budget. We currently have about 180K between savings/roth/401 and are aiming to save ~24k, throw our ~10k tax return at it (we went from zero to maxed 401k after sitting on a lot of cash), and expecting 5-6k in gainz/dividends. I was able to throw my whole tax return of 11k into savings for a really sweet boost. Normal monthly savings didn't happen though since I splurged on a luxury item. It was something I had my eye on for a couple years but some stacked discounts brought the price down to a level I was willing to pay. Net worth has been hovering at 200+1k depending on the market, so if I meet the 2k/mo goal for the rest of the year I'll be on track.

I recently moved from lovely public housing (which allowed me to save like a boss) to an actual house worth living in (which costs twice as much but allows me to actually like where I am). Between that and an imminent babby expenses will go up, but I want to keep spending under control and know where my money is going. Not doing this religiously but we're aware of where our money is going and things add up at the end of the month so desired effect achieved.

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle.Still have a good idea, not in a position to pursue. Building the skills I'd need on a work project anyways so it's not a total bust (yet).

Non-financial goal is to regularly work out to get (back) in shape, also to maintain some semblance of work/life balance.The period of pulling insane hours has died down which is nice. I'm even starting to get excited about my imminent babby which will be born at the end of the month Up a couple pounds this month after everything but down 10+ pounds total.

# ¿ Apr 2, 2017 02:02

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

Guest2553 posted:

Increase family net worth to 220K from 180K The market gods have been kind so I'm on track despite being a couple thousand behind my savings goal. Savings should tick up upwards from here on out though (hitting yearly caps on paycheque deductions, extra buck-an-hour raise, plus a couple other small things). Sitting at 205k thanks to a sweet tax refund.

Stick to a budget No longer tracking every single line item, but we're aware of our spending and it all adds up at the end of the month.

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle.Had a babby two days ago so lol

Non-financial goal 1) regularly work out to get (back) in shape Workouts mostly dropped off while prepping for a babby, but I'm maintaining the gains I did make. I did a fitness test for work and was in the top 1% of scores (which isn't saying much given who my coworkers are) but it feels nice anyways

Non financial goal 2) maintain some semblance of work/life balance. Currently on baby leave. Thanks, communism! Work tempo has died down a lot too so it shouldn't be as hectic once I get back.

# ¿ May 1, 2017 16:03

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

Happy June, nerds :iamafag:

Guest2553 posted:

Increase family net worth to 220K from 180K Savings-wise I'm behind where I wanted to be by about 3k, but by net worth I'm ahead of my goal and sitting at 210K because of market performance. Of that, total invested assets broke 200K this month which is a pretty cool psychological milestone. Reasons for lower-than-desired savings are a slow but constant stream of little things which add up (passport renewal, car maintenance, whatever) and accepting the financial hit for quality-of-life reasons in the aftermath of a hard pregnancy (massage therapy, doula, occasional bit of too-tired-to-cook). I hope to catch up to my original savings goal though.

Stick to a budget Not gonna religiously track this one anymore. Technically a failed objective, but desired effect achieved so

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle.Had a babby ~~two days~~ four weeks ago so lol

Non-financial goal 1) regularly work out to get (back) in shape I went outside a couple times and worked out like twice. Avoided scales because I'm a little afraid of what they'll show but clothes still fit

Non financial goal 2) maintain some semblance of work/life balance. Work will pick up but I'll be taking over some things that afford me a bit more latitude, plus I won't have to bring things home as much so I'll probably come out ahead.

Guest2553 fucked around with this message at 01:35 on Jun 2, 2017

# ¿ Jun 2, 2017 01:31

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

June update

Guest2553 posted:

Increase family net worth to 220K from 180K I got a bit of extra cash this month after receiving some backpay (CoL adjustment and government baby money) so I've been able to catch up to my desired level of savings for the year. Despite this influx of a few grand, my portfolio took a beating (rounds up to 200k after cash inject, but down 10k from its monthly high) so my net worth is unchanged at 210k. Once the transfers clear I'll have a few grand to invest with though, so I'll be able to buy into the dip a little. Having money is cool but it's also a pretty boss feeling to know that I can (on paper) take a loss of about two months' net salary like it weren't no thang.

~~Stick to a budget~~ This one's a wash since I generally follow what I set but don't actually track it. Gonna stop updating this section.

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle.~~Had a babby two months ago so lol~~WTS babby, send pm

Non-financial goal 1) regularly work out to get (back) in shape I'm partway through a 3 week business trip so I've been going ham at the gym while I can. Feels good, man.

Non financial goal 2) maintain some semblance of work/life balance. not this month

e. next month doesn't look too good either.

e. holy poo poo dividends are awesome, I earned like 1500 in quarterly distributions. Net worth now 211k :toot:

Guest2553 fucked around with this message at 21:39 on Jul 5, 2017

# ¿ Jun 30, 2017 14:01

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

Early July update. Unless a meltdown happens it won't make a huge difference anyways.

Guest2553 posted:

Increase family net worth to 220K from 180K Done! I had maybe $500 of unexpected costs (bicycle and car maintenance) but it was more than offset thanks to a lucky windfall. I'm currently at about 236k and could crack 250k by EOY I might take another couple hundred to ball out on something dumb like a rifle scope, idk.

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle. For the moment I'm focusing efforts on setting myself up for a promotion at work. It would allow me to meet some personal/professional goals and comes with a pay increase of about 16%, giving my financial plans a lot of extra buffer room.

Non-financial goal 1) regularly work out to get (back) in shape Going through another short term surge at the cost of my health, but the end is in sight. Now that my bike is fixed I plan to start cycling to work next week. Still down a couple pounds from Jan though

Non financial goal 2) maintain some semblance of work/life balance. Better than it used to be. Gonna try and take some parental leave this year.

Bonus financial goal: open a 529 for my babbys.

# ¿ Jul 28, 2017 01:53

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

August update, gently caress the haters

Guest2553 posted:

Increase family net worth to 220K from 180K Done! Sitting at 240k despite some pretty sideways market activity. Didn't meet savings goal this month because we elected to splurge on a much needed getaway weekend and replace some kitchen stuff. No regerts.

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle. Primarily focusing efforts to get a promotion at work right now. Also evaluating on whether or not it's worth it to cross train into a related but more marketable career stream - doing the training would probably knock me back 2+ years in seniority and I'd have to change employers/lose out on some sweet benefits if I wanted to see a salary increase, so it would be a long con.

Non-financial goal 1) regularly work out to get (back) in shape Plateaued this past month after doing nothing towards it. Oh well

Non financial goal 2) maintain some semblance of work/life balance. Scheduled a month of parental leave in Oct to spend time with my babbys. Thanks, socialism!

Bonus financial goal: open a 529 for my babbys. Done and funded

e. the D matters (e2: :parrot:

), babby leave has already been scheduled.

vvv: goddamn, 1k/month difference is huge. Congrats on that and keeping the babby alive!

Guest2553 fucked around with this message at 02:11 on Sep 4, 2017

# ¿ Sep 3, 2017 22:56

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

September progress

Guest2553 posted:

~~Increase family net worth to 220K from 180K~~ Done! Challenge mode - 250k NW by EOY. Met savings goal this month even after a bit of frivolous spending on hobbies and unexpected expenditure for car maintenance. Income will be down next month while I'm on babby leave

~~Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle.~~ On hold while I'm trying to get a promotion at work.

Non-financial goal 1) regularly work out to get (back) in shape Started working out again while on baby leave. Still rocking a muffin top but still have a ~~good~~ ~~decent~~ okay base of fitness to (re)start from

Non financial goal 2) maintain some semblance of work/life balance. Currently on babby leave. Feels good, man.

~~Bonus financial goal: open a 529 for my babbys.~~ Completed in Aug

# ¿ Sep 29, 2017 23:20

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

Oct update

Guest2553 posted:

Increase family net worth to 220K from 180K Done! Challenge mode - 250k NW by EOY. Technically done - sitting at 257k, most of which is due to FX changes in my mostly international portfolio. I didn't manage to save anything this month due to a reduced paycheck while on parental leave, having to buy winter gear for growing childrens, and overpriced duct cleaning for a house that has never had its ducts cleaned in a town where there is only one provider.

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle. On hold while I'm trying to get a promotion at work. I recently received a very favorable review this year so I have a realistic shot at getting selected in the next year or two.

Non-financial goal 1) regularly work out to get (back) in shape

Non financial goal 2) maintain some semblance of work/life balance. I'm in the process of handing over a major project but also picking up two others so net loss

# ¿ Oct 31, 2017 22:30

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

Nov Update

Guest2553 posted:

Challenge mode - 250k NW by EOY. Done - was sitting at 264k at close of business yesterday, though that's down about 3500 today thanks to whatever prelude to civil war you yanks are getting on about.

Stretch goal is to develop some sort of side hustle. On hold while I'm trying to get a promotion at work. I was apparently close this year in the closed-door-ranked-board system they have (still technically possible if enough stars line up, but they won't). Good chance of being on the short list next year though, so it's time to fire up those sacrificial goats.

Non-financial goal 1) regularly work out to get (back) in shape right back where I was year ago

Non financial goal 2) maintain some semblance of work/life balance. Finishing up some major projects but some more are on the horizon so ? I've been home more, at least.

# ¿ Dec 2, 2017 00:17

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# ¿ May 2, 2024 01:33

Guest2553: Aug 3, 2012

EOY update

Guest2553 posted:

Goal 1 - increase family NW from 178k to 225k. Challenge mode - 250k: Success! Even after the significant decline this past week I'm sitting at 266k. Stretch goal was possible due to a huge tax return, a retroactive COLA, and a minor windfall after a relative sold some family property.

Develop some sort of side hustle: Cancelled Put this one on hold since I'm focusing my efforts towards getting a promotion at work. Have a couple ideas in the back of my head but not planning to action them.

Non-financial goal 1) regularly work out to get (back) in shape: FAIL Lost 10 pounds or so up until our second kid was born and put it all back on. I'm maaaaybe in marginally better shape from working out sporadically, but my diet and workout schedule generally go to poo poo when I'm overworked and don't sleep properly. Which leads to

Non financial goal 2) maintain some semblance of work/life balance: Success! I'm definitely spending more time at home to do family and hobby stuff. I

Based off this year's performance, next year's goals are to 1) keep saving money, 2) get promoted, 3) eat better/work out (with actual benchmarks!), and 4) read more. 2017 was a dog poo poo year but this thread was pretty cool.

# ¿ Jan 1, 2018 00:47

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Ask/Tell > Business, Finance, and Careers > Financial Goals 2017: Budget Harder