August 2014
My worst month yet in percent saved at 28%. This was the first time I've dropped into the 20s. This was due to some "emergency" repairs on the car consisting of four new tires, an alignment and a ball joint for $700. I've been looking for a low mileage car on craigslist but I haven't found the right one yet. The car has cost $230 a month over the last year (not including gas) and is no longer reliable enough for the distances I sometimes travel.
I also spent $200 on a new phone and phone plan so that I could switch from tracfone to republic wireless. My ZTE Valet tracfone had a broken on/off switch that was making it very difficult and sometimes impossible to use the phone and it was out of minutes/texts so it needed to be refilled. Either way I was spending money so I decided to spend a little more and get something better. So far I like both the service and the phone a lot more. I could have waited on this or bought a $20 flip phone and more minutes but I just didn't want to.
I set up an automatic transfer to Vanguard of $1750, or about half my paycheck, every month. I'm hoping this will help with the above problem of not saving enough. It was easier when money was automatically deducted for my 457b.
My internet has increased to $58 a month. I may call to complain in hopes of a reduction or may try a different service as I am using the fastest and most reliable available right now.
Alcohol & Bars 17.39
Auto & Transport 700.78
Business Services 17.98
Cash & ATM 200
Charity 28.94
Clothing 24.53
Gas & Fuel 141.40
Gift 23.94
Groceries 346.30
Health & Fitness 9.52
Mobile Phone 200.50
Mortgage & Rent 950
Restaurants 108.71
Shopping 7.37
Television 58.01
Trade Commissions 4
Total -FI $2835.37
Paycheck 3269.56
Amazon 132.42
Google 225.30
Checking 10.06
Sold lawn tractor 300
Total +FI $3937.34
Savings $1101.97
Monthly Savings Rate: 27.99%
Net Worth: $96,182.80
SWR: 35.37%
I'm still on track for $100,000 net worth this year:
"You deserve what you accept"
-Author Unknown