* After much consideration I started seeing a psychologist. I wanted an unbiased professional to take a look at things and give me an analysis of my ERE related decisions. Speaking my mind was nice, for a change. Felt like Tony Soprano.
* After 3 meetings I told her about ERE and my motivation for being financially independent at such a young age. She seemed worried because according to her I am so disappointed with career life (true) that I'm slowly "shrinking / shying away" from life (she used a hebrew term that literally means "to minimize oneself" , not sure about proper translation). She meant it not only career wise but also socially and mentally, which, unfortunately, is true again.
* She left me with quite a lot to think about. Did I convince myself I was an introvert? Did I convince myself I have low need for acceptance? Did I convince myself I hate careerism? Did I convince myself I don't want a girlfriend, a wife, a family? How much of it is REALLY true, and how much is ERE inspired rationalization? I wish I knew how to find out the answer.
* Been considering the possibility of taking a year long unpaid vacation, so I have more time to think. I'm really worried about making hasty decisions with massive implications. I really feel like I despise my job, but quitting now might be a little bit too early / too extreme and may inject even more confusion to my mentally fragile ISTJ mind.
* Financially this has been the best month this year thanks to Mr Market and the decline of the Israeli Shekel vs the USD. For the first time ever, my unrealized monthly capital gains were higher than my paycheck! I know it won't continue like this in the future, but this feels really good. My 50-50 boglehead portfolio is almost fully implemented but I'm still too heavy on cash in my non-stock part of my portfolio.
August Income:
Paycheck: 10,045 ILS
Total Income: 10,045 ILS
August Expenses:
Food: 360.21 ILS
Trading fees: 225.55 ILS
Barber: 60 ILS
Parking: 10.34 ILS
Phone: 84.98 ILS
Cables: 80.53
Internet: 99.78
VPN service: 270.66 ILS
Total Expenses: 1192.05 ILS
Savings Rate
This month: 88.2%
This year: 83.19% (target: 90%)
Total money spent this year: 13,857 ILS
Total money earned this year (after tax): 82,418 ILS
Money left to spend in 2014 (20,000 ILS challenge): 6542.76 ILS (32.7% left)
A couple of charts to track my progress so far:
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/B9qOaBn.png)
![Image](http://i.imgur.com/omK5IN0.png)
As always thanks for your invaluable input.
Elegant