Well, my net worth has increased modestly this year by about $5,500. I've had some big expenditures this year, too -- furniture, rugs, computer, and a big tax bite. Barring any emergencies, I expect next year to be better.
Starting in January I will challenge myself to limit non-bill spending to $350. I'll try to do it for 3 months. It should give me an idea of how well I will manage in my first four years of retirement.
After last night's party, I stopped on the way home for gas ($34) and at the grocery store, where I shopped not for food but presents. I bought some fortune cookies, gift cards, and a sticker book and spent $68. Tonight I'll spend about $50 on a tin of caramel nut popcorn. Then I'll be ready for tomorrow's gift opening. This is the gift opening among those of us who will not be together for Christmas Day, not the REAL one.
I'm supposed to bring something for tomorrow's dinner, but haven't gotten my assignment yet! So I hope it will be easy!
I learned that one of my gifts to one of my grandsons has been duplicated by his other grandma. I will keep the game at my house, and try to find something else for GS. Just a small gift, but I have no ideas yet. I still have a few days, though, till the REAL gift opening on Christmas morning.
The party last night was mostly fun. Loud. I couldn't hear what most people were saying. There was a ton of food and my apple pie was mostly ignored. So frustrating to pay a lot for something and see it go to waste! I guess it won't really go to waste, since someone will bring it in to put in the break room. But now I wish I'd brought something cheap.
This is my last day of work until the 31st (all hands on deck for end-of-the-year gift processing). I'm really looking forward to some relaxing days at home. I really need a rest!
Net Worth Up
December 20th, 2013 at 03:26 pm
December 20th, 2013 at 04:12 pm 1387555978
Do you think you would continue to buy a train pass as a retiree? I'm guessing you'd have breakfast at home, eliminating the coffee and muffin or lunch costs. There are not enough hours to make realistic meal plans and shop loss leaders. I know from working mostly at home, my wardrobe has changed dramatically.
December 20th, 2013 at 06:48 pm 1387565321
However, if you COULD get your spending down to retirement levels in this busy time of your life, it would hopefully prove to be a snap in actual retirement. So an interesting experiment nonetheless!
December 20th, 2013 at 07:23 pm 1387567436
No, I won't buy a monthly train pass as a retiree. I may buy 10-ride passes and use them sparingly. I can walk to many locations, and I have a son and a nephew to give me rides when I really need them. I'll use them sparingly, too.
December 21st, 2013 at 09:17 pm 1387660654