For the month of January, my net worth is down 2.05%. Not really the best way to start the year, and it just continues a downward trend that’s been going on for quite some time. And as has been the trend, my investment accounts are down, and my cash accounts are up, just not up enough.
January was a high spending month, which was planned. I had some birthday money that I wanted to put towards some new clothing for work. I hate shopping for clothes, but every January, on or around my birthday, I make a big trip to the mall and do a lot of the shopping I’ve been putting off in the previous months. Going shopping around my birthday gives me both the benefit of post-holiday sales as well as a number of birthday coupons sent to me by the stores. I also used this month to replace my gym shoes and some worn out gym clothes.
Even with that, I still managed to save a bit of money this month. February might not be as great – my car insurance and renters insurance are due this month, and I’m hoping to finish my taxes, which means another payment due. I’ve been planning for these expenses, of course, but it’s still an expense that takes away from my net worth.
I still haven’t figured out what I’m going to do about this year’s Roth IRA contribution. I’m going to do it. I just haven’t decided when.
