Women in Red Savers 2016

[snapdragon]

I am really excited for October. My race WILL be done and I really want to focus on getting some more money into savings. I have been paying extra on the HELOC and I really want to put that towards savings. 

I know that I my goals are actually moving targets because of having to save money for needed upcoming house repairs. Even though those won't be into effect until 5+ years down the road I really want to save up in case I find a better fitting place for me. I'm not really looking but you never know when you will get bopped over the head with a great opportunity.  

[murphath]

SavingforNorway:

I noticed you have a line item "Santiago 2019".  Are you planning on doing the Camino de Santiago?  I'm asking because I just hiked all 480 miles of the Camino Frances-backpack and all, LOL.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask.  It was HARD (and I'm a hiker) but extremely beautiful.  

[Ombud]

Liking this seasonal work thing. 12° a week now, FT 8/1/16. Summer's coming to an end & I won't fall so far behind next year but life happens when you're making other plans!

Ombud $2413 ($5500 by 12/1/16 goal)

[Deleted]

Update for August...slow but steady.  Car maintenance is almost complete, but it won't be near enough.  I'm going to need new snow tires and a battery this Fall and spent a bunch replacing bearings this Spring and getting two new all season tires, so the account is a little sick (like only about $300).  I'm expecting a property tax refund in the next month or two, so that will help.  I spent $1000 of the 5K I had in vacation fund for a piano for the kids.  We skipped vacation this Summer, so I felt like it was ok to blow it on that.  I'm still on track to have enough for the cruise next Summer that I've been saving for. 

Fund	2016 Goal	Current	Needed	% Comp.
2016 Roth	$5500	$5500	$0	100.00%
2017 Roth	$5500	$5200	$300	94.55%
Replacement Car	$3600	$3600	$0	100.00%
College	$2400	$1400	$800	66.67%
Vacation	$3000	$3000	$0	100.00%
Pr. High School	$3750	$2600	$1150	69.33%
Car Maint	$1000	$975	$25	90.00%
Christmas	$1000	$1000	$0	100.00%
Sea Base	$500	$500	$0	100.00%
Y Membership	$500	$500	$0	100.00%
Total	$26750	$24475	$2275	91.50%

[Jaguar]

Okay, why I haven't posted anything.......The government screwed up my payments and the bank screwed up my cheques. I found the government error on my bank statements and now I have to fix that. The cheques are fixed, I done that this morning. I'm mailing out everything early Tuesday morning, so hopefully I can get everything fixed.

I gotta fix the government thing or else there will be fees, service charges, taxes and taxes on the fees and service charges. Frankly I'm hitting it off at the get go so I can have peace and quiet.

I lost count on how many government people I've spoken to over this. Well I finally hit pay dirt about a week ago and found someone who helped me. So now I got the proper form and I'll fill it out.

Think good thoughts for me, cause I'm sure Revenue Canada is sick from hearing from me.

[snapdragon]

Best of Luck Sugi!

That sounds like a real pain in all areas.

[TheHaitian]

TheHaitian : 08/01/16 ----> $23,388.18 / $40,000.00

So since my last update a lot happen. Second IVF cycle did work so my wife is pregnant! We are relocating to DC for my job in August!

I did not see a purpose updating this thread since every penny we saved this year has been spent and digging into savings that was saved previous years.... I cannot participate in the 401k plan till 90 days after my date of hire so September... We close on our house in MA on 08/17 and close on our house in DC 08/26... Hopefully September things can start getting back to normal!

Account	Account Goal	Account Balance	Spent Money	Total Saved	Difference	% Goal
Savings	14,500.00	0.00	14,500.00	14500.00	0.00	100.00%
C - Retirement	18,000.00	4,314.00	0.00	4,314.00	13,686.00	23.97%
S - Retirement	7,500.00	4574.18	0.00	4,574.18	2,925.82	60.99%
TOTAL	40,000.00	8,888.18	14,500.00	23,388.18	16,611.82	58.47%

[TheHaitian]

Jul 29, 2016 13:21:20 GMT -5 Jaguar said:

Okay, why I haven't posted anything.......The government screwed up my payments and the bank screwed up my cheques. I found the government error on my bank statements and now I have to fix that. The cheques are fixed, I done that this morning. I'm mailing out everything early Tuesday morning, so hopefully I can get everything fixed.

I gotta fix the government thing or else there will be fees, service charges, taxes and taxes on the fees and service charges. Frankly I'm hitting it off at the get go so I can have peace and quiet.

I lost count on how many government people I've spoken to over this. Well I finally hit pay dirt about a week ago and found someone who helped me. So now I got the proper form and I'll fill it out.

Think good thoughts for me, cause I'm sure Revenue Canada is sick from hearing from me.

Sending good juju your way!

[lund]

Sending lots of good thoughts your way, Sugi!

[Ombud]

Oh Jaguar!

[seriousthistime]

Savers,

You have extra time to get updates posted before I do the smileys.  Please post all updates by Friday morning.  I will get the smileys done Friday night.

Yes, my Friday nights are just ... that... exciting.  

[Ombud]

Thanks. Taking this time to make one more deposit. I now have enough in my goal savings to pay off my property taxes, next month I will add enough to pay off the earthquake insurance. Then I'm just down to trying to find some money for a trip. Currently stuck between a hiking trip in Scotland versus going to the south of France. The south of France hiking trip looks a little more interesting, but it's sketchier because it's self guided. The Scotland hike would be a total of 4 people with a guide.

Ombud $3200 ($5500 by 12/1/16 goal)

[snapdragon]

Snapdragon 8/01/16 --- $5283.21 / $10,000 -- update

Car/House $ 500.98 / $1500

Savings $ 1598.21/ $4000

Travel $ 3184.02 / $4500

New Totals $ 5283.21 / $10,000

[Jaguar]

Jul 29, 2016 13:21:20 GMT -5 Jaguar said:

Okay, why I haven't posted anything.......The government screwed up my payments and the bank screwed up my cheques. I found the government error on my bank statements and now I have to fix that. The cheques are fixed, I done that this morning. I'm mailing out everything early Tuesday morning, so hopefully I can get everything fixed.

I gotta fix the government thing or else there will be fees, service charges, taxes and taxes on the fees and service charges. Frankly I'm hitting it off at the get go so I can have peace and quiet.

I lost count on how many government people I've spoken to over this. Well I finally hit pay dirt about a week ago and found someone who helped me. So now I got the proper form and I'll fill it out.

Think good thoughts for me, cause I'm sure Revenue Canada is sick from hearing from me.

Everything is finished and done on my end, now I have to mail everything in. And it's all mailed in.

[nodebt42]

8/3/2016 (2016 Goal: $6,500)

Account	Have	2016 Goal
Emergency Fund	$3,236.77	$6,000
Christmas	$0	$500
Total	$3,236.77	$6,500

[forwardwego]

UPDATE 8/5/2016 $15024 (goal $24000)

2016 FUND	Present	Goal	% Met	$$$ Needed
Homestead EF	2000	2000	100
Vehicle XF	1000	1500	66	500
Medical XF	1000	1500	66	500
Retirement Bridge	2800	9600	29	6800
SL Payoff	5000	5000	100
DD Wedding Pt 1	1240	2000	62	760
Rusty J Boxer Pt 1	900	1000	90	100
Weekly Challenge*	1084	1400	77	316
TOTALS	15024	24000	62	8976

*Weekly challenge/53 Friday summary

1	2	3	X	5	6	7	8	9	X
11	12	13	X	X	X	17	18	19	X
X	22	23	X	25	X	27	28	29	X
31	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
X	X	22

14+10+22+24+20+4+50+16+40+52
+48+30+15+21+51+49+47+46+41
+45+44+43+42+26+39+38+37+36
+35+34+33+32=1084


Updating a day early.
I'm going to start picking off more than one number a week for the weekly challenge. That money is going to replace our garage door, and I'll need it sooner than the end of the year. 

[movinonup]

movinonup 08/05/2016 $6,581.65 (Goal $24,829.61)

	Saved	Goal	% Saved	Periods Completed
Monthly Challenge	$540.00	$780.00	69.231%	7/12
Weekly Challenge	$721.00	$1,378.00	52.322%	29/52
Daily Challenge	$70.65	$671.61	10.519%	31/366
Skiing	$0.00	$2,000.00	0.000%
House Addition	$5,250.00	$20,000.00	26.250%
Total	$6,581.65	$24,829.61	26.507%

My finances make me sick lately.  I did put a little more away this morning so that I could actually post an update.  I'm waiting for an insurance reimbursement that should help the situation a bit.  Our spending on restaurants and groceries was out of control.  We have reigned it in a lot the last few weeks.  Keeping my fingers crossed that we stay disciplined.

-movinonup

[seriousthistime]

Sorry, Savers, for not updating the smilies last night.  

I've been so crazy busy that I don't believe I have updated my savings for July, and I have no time now, so I'll post my update mid-month.  

Smilies coming ASAP...

[seriousthistime]

Updates!

	Stars	Name	Amt. Saved	Goal	% Saved	Roses	Smilies
1		azucena	$44,208	$50,000	88.4%
2		bankergurl	$18,253	$12,000	152.1%
3		forwardwego	$15,024	$24,000	62.0%
4		megaptera	$13,445	$19,500	69.0%
5		minnesota paintlady	$24,475	$26,750	91.5%
6		movinonup	$6,582	$24,830	26.5%
7		nodebt42	$3,237	$6,500	49.8%
8		Ombud	$3,200	$5,500	58.2%
9		Saving4Norway	$13,550	$20,000	68.0%
10		scrgrl47	$24,069	$43,050	55.9%
11		seriousthistime	$4,451	$8,148	54.6%
12		shanendoah	$3,050	$7,250	42.1%
13		snapdragon	$5,283	$10,000	52.8%
14		Sugilite	$115	$9,000	1.3%
15		teachermom	$6,313	$15,100	41.8%
16		TheHaitian	$23,388	$40,000	58.5%
17		tobinikui	$0	$17,170	0.0%

[azucena]

Jul 5, 2016 6:48:06 GMT -5 azucena said:

Jun 17, 2016 6:47:19 GMT -5 azucena said:

Previous updates

3/29 deposited bonus of $2671 for a total of $38,511
4/4 federal tax refund $510, jumped into a new tax bracket (yay, boo) so refund was less than expected but I really shouldn't complain $39,021
4/8 $550 from paycheck $39,571  I think this is a new record for my savings account, I know for sure $40,000 will be
4/18 State tax refund of $493 for a total of $40,064 (new personal record)
4/22 paycheck transfer of $100 for a total of $40,164
5/3 withdrawal of -166.11 for a total of $40,000 (cc payment was due)
5/6 paycheck transfer of $675 for a total of $40,675 (new personal record)
5/11 daycare reimbursement $830 for a total of $41,505
5/20 paycheck transfer of $100 for a total of $41,605
6/3 paycheck transfer of $1003 for a total of $42,608
6/8 daycare reimbursement deposit of $166 for a total of $42,774

6/17 paycheck transfer of $660 for a total of $43,434

6/20 daycare reimbursement of $109 for a total of $43,543
7/1 paycheck transfer of $665 for a total of $44,208

New updates

7/14 withdrawal of $700 for home repairs for total of $43,508
7/20 paycheck transfer of $405 for total of $43,913
7/29 paycheck transfer of $100 for total of $44,013
8/3 withdrawal of $1783 for home repairs for total of $42,230
8/9 paycheck transfer of $100 for total of $42,330

The home repairs were to fix some drainage issues around the house in preparation for sale.  Unfortunately, this will be the third fix put in place, but it looks way better this time.  We were also able to get a 5 yr warranty for ourselves that transfers to new owners for one yr.

I messed up my back a couple of weeks ago, so doing anything extra around the house is impossible.  We may delay our sale until early spring just to get some breathing room and also save up a bit more money.  Our original budget max was $250k, but as we've been looking around, our ideal house is probably $275 - 300k which also gives us the option of the very best school district in the area.  We currently have our kids in a private Lutheran school, but would like the possibility to switch to public school when they reach high school age.  Private hs is $20k here (st Louis area).  With a 20% downpayment, continued low interest rates, and my recent salary increase, that monthly payment would be $200 more than our current payment so that feels reasonable.

[tobinikui]

Still no numbers to update, but I am sssssooooclose!!! My first full paycheck posted to our account today, since June 2015. I immediately turned around and drew down the balance to pay our monthly credit card bill in full, something else we haven't been able to do in a very long time. But, in 2 weeks, my next check will come & I will *finally* be able to start paying back into our accounts & replacing the money I have borrowed from ourselves! I also found out that we will be getting a small retroactive pay raise within the next few months - the retro part will be in a lump sum, which will probably work out to be $750 or there abouts. And again, it will go straight to savings! I am incredibly relieved that we've made it this far, and soon, our account balances will start going UP! Now that we have a car payment again, I don't think I'll be able to save as quickly as I'd like, but hopefully, I'll hit our goal of $17,170 by the end of next year.

In other news, I have recently found a couple of "minimalism" websites, that have really appealed to me! That thought process goes along well with my desire to declutter & donate, and I've actually been able to ward off a couple of impulse purchases in the last few weeks by focusing on the minimalist lifestyle. With two LOs, and a DH, my ability to go the minimalist route will be limited for now, but since I am the main household shopper (groceries, clothes, assorted sundries, etc.), I am in the position to dial back what we bring into the house - and increase the amount of stuff we get rid of, pass on, and donate!! Finding time to work on it is the limiting factor right now. But, I have already been on this journey for a while now. This just drives it home even more! And at a minimum, if I can keep the urge to "buy, buy, buy" as minimal as possible, it's just more money in the bank! I'll take whatever tips & tricks I can find, to make that happen - and if it lessens the amount of crap we have to store, maintain, and clean, well then, that's even better!!

I will have a numbers update to share by August 26th at the latest. Hurrah!!

[forwardwego]

Shoutouts!!!!


Jaguar Will you have reimbursement/retropay coming for the time that your government payments were errant? I hope you are 


tobinikui Yahoo for your first full paycheck posted to your account and paying your monthly credit card bill in full... the tides are turning. Looking forward to your next update. Good job keeping your goals in sight  Please keep us updated also on your progress in minimalism.


azucena Congratulations on very nearly being able to cash flow the home repair and warranty. Hopefully those expenses will come back to you in the form of a speedier sale and some return on your $$. With your back out of whack, and the possibility of upping your new house budget, it seems good that you may delay your house sale. I hope your back eases up for you. Good job on saving toward your next house...your discipline will pay.

movinonup If it's any consolation, you are certainly not alone spending too much on restaurants and food. That is an incredibly easy area to spend, and overspend. Good job recognizing the trend and reining it in.
Your awareness should help you keep that discipline. (I absolutely need to join you in tightening up on food spending.) 

nodebt42 Heartfelt congratulations to you on kicking debt to the curb and coming on strong as a saver...You're so very close to 50% of goal! 

Ombud Nice work rebounding from setbacks and being ready for property taxes, and almost fully funded for the earthquake insurance bill. Your travels sound exciting. Which are you leaning toward Scotland or south of France? 


snapdragon Good job continuing to grow your savings. Where do you plan to go with your travel fund? I am so happy for your plans of savings when you have picked off that HELOC...I'm glad you'll be prepared for when you get "bopped over the head with a great opportunity." LOL

TheHaitian Congratulations on your impending fatherhood   When is your baby due?
Best wishes toward smooth closings on your home selling and purchasing. That is a lot of big events. It will be nice to get the move behind you and be able to settle into your new routine. Congrats on your saving $23388!

minnesotapaintlady Slow but steady wins the race! Over 91% of goal is quite awesome. Good job anticipating the property tax refund to channel into the car maintenance fund. And getting the kids a piano but skipping summer vacations sounds like a good tradeoff ...saves a lot of $$ and the kids have the gift of music, plus a cruise to look forward to next summer. Win/Win/Win!!!


sealy It's good to see you here. Congratulations on enduring and staying present, that's how you can "get back on the horse" and get started again. Though your regular full check doesn't happen til the 31st, could you put aside a little out of your 10th check to get you going? Either way, keep up your efforts, you can do this.

megaptera Nice update...now at 69%   Things have slowed for you as you anticipated, but your DH's quality of work life (and yours) are priceless. Congratulations on breaking ground, and having your ducks all lined up so that can be exciting and not financially stressful. Nice too that you have some more financial wiggle room coming up with your car paying off and DS1 assuming some expenses. Keep up the good work.  


seriousthistime I hope you didn't wear yourself out with your exciting Friday nights 
Thank you so much for the smilies update. Looking forward to your update mid-month.




More shouts to follow    thanks for your patience with the drawn out nature of the July shoutouts! Have been occupied with DD visiting from OR and DS from OH. Headed to work in a few minutes but will be back tonight with a bit more and a challenge/request ...woohoo cliffhanger 

[Jaguar]

I've mailed it in over a week ago and on Thursday I'll go to the bank to see if any progress has been made. I suspect that all parties have the info now cause I heard back from a company in Virginia that I order from and they got my order.

Everything is in progress, just cross all the fingers. My biggest issue is that the government could lock my bank account cause of their error, I hope they don't.

And to answer your question forwardwego, I don't expect anything at all from this, I only hope that my bank account isn't locked up.

[Ombud]

Thanks for the shout out, forwardwego.

If I can run up and down Mount Diablo with a pack then I am certain I can handle the Pyrenees. Otherwise I think that I really will just go to Avignon. To do that, I'm leaning towards flying to Paris with Air France then taking a train to Avignon from there. Flight + train + hotel = $1600. I would be based there but walk to Saint Rémy one day and then catch a ride out to Luperon to hike between four medieval villages. I'm in 'some sort of training' to make sure I can do this.

It's been years since I was in France other than Marseille. So I'm not sure what these two areas are like but I want something nice and quiet with a lot of nature once secondary crazy season is over October 15th

Of course if I can't get the money put together by October 1st, not going this year

[snapdragon]

Aug 9, 2016 19:06:30 GMT -5 forwardwego said:

snapdragon Good job continuing to grow your savings. Where do you plan to go with your travel fund? I am so happy for your plans of savings when you have picked off that HELOC...I'm glad you'll be prepared for when you get "bopped over the head with a great opportunity." LOL

The travel Fund ---- Where to start? Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Montreal, Vancouver, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia. I prefer going somewhere and staying for a bit I really can't abide rushing around and looking at everything it just gets too stressful for me. I prefer using the word holiday instead of vacation because holiday to me means relaxing more and going at a slower pace.

I will be going to E. WA for a girls weekend next month! It will be a wine tasting extravaganza! So excited to meet up with the besties and hang out and enjoy their company for about 48 hours. 

My next door neighbors are getting IKEA to come out next week and give them quotes and now I am getting the kitchen bug/excitement going on. They got generalized quotes which were really reasonable at about $3500 for cabinets. They were saying around $10K in total. So depending on when they pull the trigger I will be saving up for a newer kitchen. It needs to be done anyway and I want to enjoy the darn thing and possibly get back 2 of the 3 dead corners that I have in mine. Of course I have been wanting a newer kitchen since I moved into my place 10+ years ago.   

[forwardwego]

Shouting out support and love to savers who have been away. I hope you are well and that we get to see you soon. 


And 2 challenges:

1) Challenging all savers to evaluate and make a short term goal to achieve by the end of August.


2) Mollyc on the WIR Racer board has won her race against debt...woo woo woo (arm pump)
Anyone who would like to collaborate in writing her a victory song, please send me a personal message by Friday. 

ETA:
megaptera are you close to the finish of your debt race too?

[teachermom]

snapdragon Where are you going in E. WA to wine taste?? i live im E. WA

Teachermom

[snapdragon]

Aug 10, 2016 23:56:53 GMT -5 teachermom said:

snapdragon Where are you going in E. WA to wine taste?? i live im E. WA

Teachermom

Were going to Chelan and staying by the lake. There seems to be about 30 wineries in the area so we have lots to choose from. ( Of course, I really don't enjoy wine. Whites are too oakey and reds are to tanninsh so I prefer blushes or dessert wines....hopefully there will be cider hiding at a few of the places.

[Ombud]

Aug 10, 2016 19:46:45 GMT -5 forwardwego said:

1) Challenging all savers to evaluate and make a short term goal to achieve by the end of August.

I have no idea if this is possible, have:
♤ earthquake insurance $$s due December
♡ 1/2 France trip $$s ($800)
megaptera & mollyc , 

[forwardwego]

UPDATE 8/12/2016 $15825 (goal $24000)

2016 FUND	Present	Goal	% Met	$$$ Needed
Homestead EF	2000	2000	100
Vehicle XF	1060	1500	70	440
Medical XF	1050	1500	70	450
Retirement Bridge	3200	9600	33	6400
SL Payoff	5000	5000	100
DD Wedding Pt 1	1400	2000	70	600
Rusty J Boxer Pt 1	1000	1000	100
Weekly Challenge*	1115	1400	79	285
TOTALS	15825	24000	65	8175

*Weekly challenge/53 Friday summary

1	2	3	X	5	6	7	8	9	X
11	12	13	X	X	X	17	18	19	X
X	22	23	X	25	X	27	28	29	X
X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
X	X	22

14+10+22+24+20+4+50+16+40+52
+48+30+15+21+51+49+47+46+41
+45+44+43+42+26+39+38+37+36
+35+34+33+32+31=1115


Happy to have a   for our Rusty