Fabulous Financials

My net worth is $140,314, an increase of $7,234 or +5.44% over January 2008.

The market is volatile, so my investments are still taking a beating. Although I invested over $1,600 (excluding 401k match) this month, my retirement accounts increased by only $562 and non-retirement by only $108. Not the type of gains I’d prefer to see, but since my diversification is consistent with my risk tolerance, I’ll keep taking advantage of DCA.

Most of the NW increase can be attributed to cash, thanks to the long overdue bonus that JUST showed up in my check. I’m told a glitch in the HR system was affecting the bonus structure – nearly two months later than expected, but I’ll take it.

INCOME & EXPENSES

Although cash flow is tight, I survived the month spending less than I earned. This is also the first month I’ve completely separated business income and expenses, so the following will track earned income and personal expenses only.

Net Income: $4,600 (excluding bonus)

Total Expenses: $4,203

• Saved: $718
• Bills: $2,203 (83 under est.)
• Necessities: $1,181 (571 over est.)
• Non-necessities: $101 (149 under est.)

Net Cash Flow: $397

Not bad, not bad at all. It’s pretty cool to see the results of living paycheck to paycheck (on purpose). If it wasn’t for buying new tires, I would have been under budget in every area. That’s a first! I’ve considered spending the remaining $400 on a splurge, but I’m proud of my discipline and happy to report that I haven’t been shopping all year. When I’m chilling in Paris this summer, it will be worth the temporary delayed gratification.