dull numbers journal

Where are you and where are you going?
fog_tree
Posts: 42
Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2016 12:35 pm

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by fog_tree »

I needed the leave I had this month. We went to Morawy (Czech/Austria) border and cycled 230 km in 7 days on 20 inch wheels. This was a very frugal vacations on a 600 euro budget (for a family 2+2 for including transfer, accommodations and home made food). I spend half of my holidays budget and only 600 euro left. This leave didn't interfere my savings and my current numbers are:
Liabilities : 224,401
assets : 298,352
NW : 73,950
Time passed: 19,11%
Ere savings : 18,48%
Savings/Time ratio : 96,7%

wolf
Posts: 1102
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2017 5:09 pm
Location: Germany

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by wolf »

Hi fog_tree. Your frugal vacation is a great idea. I also want to cycle in my holiday. Did you camp or stay in small apartments?
Why do you use a "Savings/Time ratio"? What is the idea behind this? Looking forward to learn a new indicator.

fog_tree
Posts: 42
Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2016 12:35 pm

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by fog_tree »

@MDFIRE2024
We stayed in 'rooms for let' - small appartments rented by family, size ~ 30 - 40 m2 but equipped with stove and pots and other equipment.
Saving/time ratio ..... I estimated amount of money I need to retire (Savings) and assumed time to reach it. 100% is my target, showing that month ofter month I'm gathering sufficient amount of money to reach my ERE target on time.
<100% shows that I'm below my target and I need to motivate myself to save harder, and >100% that I have some reserve on my way towards ERE.

fog_tree
Posts: 42
Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2016 12:35 pm

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by fog_tree »

Current asset allocation:

Image

fog_tree
Posts: 42
Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2016 12:35 pm

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by fog_tree »

That was very educational month. We left our kids in my in laws and went for a holidays - first time without children since 2002 year.... and found there is communication gap between us. We learnt a lot about our habits we never heard before. So, before early retirement we need to come close each other again. Raising kids is a huge disruption in a relationship. We focus on other staff and don't see the spouse. On the number side everything is pretty well:
Liabilities: 222,412
assets : 302,362
NW : 79,949
Saving/time ratio : 97%

wolf
Posts: 1102
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2017 5:09 pm
Location: Germany

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by wolf »

fog_tree wrote:
Sun Jul 30, 2017 1:49 am
.... and found there is communication gap between us. We learnt a lot about our habits we never heard before. So, before early retirement we need to come close each other again. Raising kids is a huge disruption in a relationship. We focus on other staff and don't see the spouse.
I guess, not only the numbers count on the way to a good life, but also (or even more important) the relationships we have in our life. Wish you all the best, that you two manage this phase in your lifes.
You can always earn more money, but time is limited. IMO, that also counts somehow for the relationships.
BTW, good to see that you also have a positive progress on the numbers.

fog_tree
Posts: 42
Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2016 12:35 pm

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by fog_tree »

You are right @MDFIRE2024 time is priceless. This is why we go on a holiday instead of more saving. These years are the time we have willingness, health and money to go but in a 5 years this can change. Our last trip was to Hungary for 2 weeks on a 600 euro budget (for both) including accommodation, food, fuel and tolls ( we went by car). We also took our bicycles and did 400 km in 5 different locations (most of the time in over 30 C degree heat). I have nearly reduced my holidays/emergency found to null so it is time to start saving for next year holidays.

10cents
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:42 pm
Location: Poland

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by 10cents »

This is me fog_tree; I dont know why but I was neither able to log in nor to recover my password; I think I lost my credentials :(
Never mind, I'm still on ERE path but under different name.
You can recognize my by my faulty english :)
So below are my end of august numbers:
Assets: 305,578 PLN
Liabilities: 219,675 PLN
NW: 85,901 PLN
Saving/time ratio : 97,1%

JollyScot
Posts: 212
Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2015 3:44 am

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by JollyScot »

Flying towards retirement, congrats

I know a few people who have been on cycling holidays, however your version sounds like a nice relaxing trip. As opposed to the midlife crisis fuelled "look I'm an athelete now" versions.

10cents
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:42 pm
Location: Poland

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by 10cents »

During this year's holidays I slipped on over o dozen houses/accommodation and after returning home decided to improve 'my place' to be more energy efficient.
1) I replaced my tub with a shower to reduce my water bill.
2) I replaced my gas stove with induction hob to reduce moisture (gas stove is a big moisture producer) and burns oxygen to carbon dioxide. Many survey says that there is far too much carbon dioxide in houses with gas stove.
3) I separated hot water container from cental heating system to be independent.
Everything above were done myself. Hydraulics works seems to be my new hobby.
I paid for it ~ 4,200 PLN (1000 euro) including new hob (old one were 9 y.o.)

wolf
Posts: 1102
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2017 5:09 pm
Location: Germany

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by wolf »

10cents wrote:
Wed Sep 20, 2017 12:18 pm
During this year's holidays I slipped on over o dozen houses/accommodation and after returning home decided to improve 'my place' to be more energy efficient.
1) I replaced my tub with a shower to reduce my water bill.
2) I replaced my gas stove with induction hob to reduce moisture (gas stove is a big moisture producer) and burns oxygen to carbon dioxide. Many survey says that there is far too much carbon dioxide in houses with gas stove.
3) I separated hot water container from cental heating system to be independent.
Everything above were done myself. Hydraulics works seems to be my new hobby.
I paid for it ~ 4,200 PLN (1000 euro) including new hob (old one were 9 y.o.)
What is the ROI, you think? When will your investments will be paid back?

10cents
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:42 pm
Location: Poland

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by 10cents »

@MDFIRE2024 I think this improvements wont benefit in financial way ever.
Point 1 economical positive (lower water bills)
Point 2 economical negative (electricity is more expensive than natural gas)
So I don't expect any ROI, but I expect life quality betterment.
My house in next to forest and close to wet places;
this is good in a summer time, flora is quite lush and gardening is my april to october hobby
but in a late autumn and early spring despite good ventilation I have in my house problems with humidity;
Moreover winters in Poland can be severe; heavy ventilation when there is -20 C degree can be expensive
and my wife hobby are cooking and baking; she even likes to bake a bread and I don't want to restrict her - winter is really boring time in Poland (snow& rain & hardly no sun).

10cents
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:42 pm
Location: Poland

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by 10cents »

I have been thinking long and hard about FIRE and have problem with 'RE' part. What will I be doing on early retirement? Now my life is full with obligations: kids, family, work. I feel tired. But in a few years my kids will start theirs own life. So if I drop a job then - how will I fill every single day. I need more preparation to RE tha FI part of my FIRE targets. Maybe some staycations next year as mini-retirement, part time job or just simle my current job but without a fear or a stress. FI part is stil on track:
End of September numbers:
Assets: 311,365
Liabilities: 219,634
NW: 91,732
Saving/time ratio: 97,4%

wolf
Posts: 1102
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2017 5:09 pm
Location: Germany

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by wolf »

10cents wrote:
Sat Sep 30, 2017 11:45 am
I have been thinking long and hard about FIRE and have problem with 'RE' part. What will I be doing on early retirement? Now my life is full with obligations: kids, family, work. I feel tired. But in a few years my kids will start theirs own life. So if I drop a job then - how will I fill every single day. I need more preparation to RE tha FI part of my FIRE targets. Maybe some staycations next year as mini-retirement, part time job or just simle my current job but without a fear or a stress.
Hi 10cents. Don't stress out. I guess you have enough time to plan and prepare for it. Although my nickname suggests that I want to RE in 2024, I am not too confident that I actually do it like from 100% work to 0%. I also have thoughts about mini-retirements, part-time-work, work change, ... I call this the transition phase. You don't know what the next few years bring for you (or me). Preparation is good. I guess the important part is FI, because it gives you many opportunities...and when you are FI you will have time to think about your next steps. How long do you expect it takes you to FI? Maybe you can try something (traveling, mini-retirement, new hobby or activity) next year in your vacation?`
By the way: Keep on going...and saving...and investing...Take care.

10cents
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:42 pm
Location: Poland

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by 10cents »

Thank you for your comment MDFIRE2024. FIRE is far more complicated than save 75% now and retire in 5 years. I started my journal with 100% saving goal and now I'm transforming my goals towards better life now and in future. FI part goal is to reduce now and annihilate in future money problems. 70% saving is a perfect way to reach this. RE can be tricky. When you separate work from money, when you work just for fun, or to meet some people you like, or to prove yourself you are good at solving problems - work loses his negative impact on you mood.
Well, I'm still thinking about FIRE 1000 times more than I write here and now can see many capabilities for me.

I predict to achieve FI in 52 months +/- 6 months.

10cents
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:42 pm
Location: Poland

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by 10cents »

End of October numbers:
Assets: 316,245
Liabilities : 219,058
NW : 97,187
Saving/time ratio : 97,2%

10cents
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:42 pm
Location: Poland

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by 10cents »

This month is a dual fete. My first anniversary on this forum and my targets for 2017 are completed one month earlier.
This 12 months has been the best in my live (in a financial way).
Hurray for me !!!!
End of november number:
Liabilities: 218,009
Assets: 320,480
NW: 102,471
Saving/time ratio: 96,78
Well, there is a drop in saving/time ratio due to high dental expenses this month, but healthy teeth are worth every money.

SavingWithBabies
Posts: 882
Joined: Mon Aug 31, 2015 2:50 pm
Location: Midwest, USA

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by SavingWithBabies »

Congratulations! In terms of the RE part of FIRE, I realized what I wanted was FI and with it, I don't wish to retire in the conventional sense but rather work on my own ideas/businesses and/or help my family (by which I mean both my children, my siblings, my parents and those of my wife). I do want the freedom to just go on say a camping trip as I wish or spend the day reflecting. I expect with FI and leaving the day job, to be more free.

The funny thing though is that as I go along this path, I realize that much of this is mindset. In every journal, I read about people realizing they can change things now instead of waiting. I too am doing the same. So I am left wondering what exactly FI will give me and I think it is the safety net to live without the fear my family will become destitute. I see that as a wonderful thing (particularly with American healthcare) so I continue to pursue it however I also pursue a life well lived now too.

10cents
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:42 pm
Location: Poland

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by 10cents »

I couldn't agree more @SavingWithBabies. Month after month it is more clear that FI part is more important for me than RE part. This also affect my medium/long term targets. I have so much mental energy that just leaving a job to retire wouldn't make me happy. Nomad lifestyle also is not a good for a father of two school aged kids. My dreams/plans are evoluting towards separating work from money. I follow to work just for fun, not for money, to remove money-related stress from my life.
My plans/dreams I had 1 year age are obsolate now so next year looks to be a time of constant targets improvements.

10cents
Posts: 113
Joined: Fri Sep 15, 2017 12:42 pm
Location: Poland

Re: dull numbers journal

Post by 10cents »

Below my current asset allocations:

Image

Most of 2017 portfolio increase was due to savings, my bonds part give me only 1,7% income while stock ~ 5%.
Stock market in Poland is very moody, we are still 30% below 2008 tops.

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