Why do I do a monthly status report? I find it best to do a monthly status report for a few reasons. It helps me evaluate how I did the previous month. Did I hit a target reduction in spending or did I go way over budget for a particular category? Did I earn more? What was my overall savings rate? It helps keep me accountable. How […]
I just made $15K
Yesterday was a gloomy, gross day. It rained most of the day (torrential downpours interspersed with black skies), I was coming back to work from a 3 day weekend, and had attended a concert the night before and was up far past my bedtime. But none of that mattered in the end. My coworker and I were discussing various rates […]
Small Steps to Saving
I’ll be the first to tell you I have a problem with doing the dishes. “uh, Gwen…? How are dishes related to saving for retirement?” I’m getting there. Go with the analogy flow for a second. Dishes. I hate doing them right after cooking. It’s bad enough I have to make my own food, but then to do the dishes […]
My First Year: 12 Months of Savings
The paycheck I received this week marks a big milestone for me: My first full year of saving! Mid April last year was when I bumped up my 401k contribution to max it out (or so I thought). I started my first official “big girl” job in January, but gave myself until mid April to outfit my house and buy […]
Questions to Ask About a New Job
The job hunting process. Isn’t it just the most fun thing you’ve ever done? What could possibly be better then endlessly making cover letters and throwing your resume at a million potential employers? Oh gee, Gwen, I don’t know, actually having a job? [sidenote: results not guaranteed for the resume throwing process. Better results come from gently setting it on […]