Women in Red SAVERS 2020

[azucena]

Jun 3, 2020 16:53:27 GMT -5 Saving4Norway said:

When I refer to "my Early Retirement Fund" I'm talking about my own unique situation.

I'm 51 and have been teaching for 28 years. I'd like to stop teaching anytime after I've done my 30 years. So, I'm going to spitball (something I do a lot) that I'll be done with earning the "big money" at around 55 or 56 years of age. That would leave me with 5 - 7 years between a decent, reliable salary and... a "who the heck knows" kind of salary until I decide to start drawing on my IRAs, TSAs, pension, etc. 

Before we got married 25 years ago, my DH and I were really good independent money managers. So when we got married, we divvied up the bills and everything has been peachy-keen having separate accounts. When I quit teaching I'll either get no job, or a low paying one. Point is that I would still hold myself accountable for "my share" of the bills. That, plus offering, and other incidentals come to roughly $2300/month.

So, between now-ish and when I stop teaching, I want to have about $25,000 per year saved for each year between the end of my teaching career and technically retiring (AKA drawing my pension). Clear as mud, right?

I have hefty IRAs, TSAs, and the like, but that money is pretty much off limits until I hit... what? 59.5? or 62.5? Regardless- a long while. So, I want to have this wad of "Early Retirement" money in a vehicle that is safe, generating as much interest/income as possible but still rather liquid/accessible for whenever I decide to quit teaching. Now is a great time to invest in the stock market so I'm doing some of that, but I also want to avoid risk so I'm also funding a Money Market account that's getting a bit more than my CU's savings account.

So, I ask myself, how would I set this as a goal?, how could I count it down? Kinda tricky where there are no firm dates. Would it look like...

Save the first $25,000 = Won't have to teach after 59 years old?
Save the second $25,000 = Won't have to teach after 58?
Save the third $25,000 = Won't have to teacher after 57?
Save the next $25,000 = Won't have to teacher after 56?
Save the last $25,000 = Won't have to teach after 55?

And they're such big hunks of money to set as a goal. I kinda like smaller bites.
Well, enough blathering on.

I know you may have thought you were blabbering, but this post really resonated with me.  I'm 41 so a decade behind you, but my goal has been to set us up so that we have the option to retire at 60.  Your $25k steps are a great way to think of those final years.  I added it to my budget spreadsheet so I can keep it in mind.  Right now, I'm just saving as much as possible.

[azucena]

May 29, 2020 8:01:56 GMT -5 azucena said:

May 15, 2020 8:37:55 GMT -5 azucena said:

Deposited $3,536.  This update includes $400 tax refund and $870 in stimulus money that we weren't expecting because we figured that our combined 2019 salary was too high.  Pretty sure it's based on 2018 numbers even though we had already filed for 2019.  We clearly don't need it.  Then, May is a 3 payday month so our healthcare didn't come out of my paycheck.  Plus, we both got paid today.

DH has been shopping for a used car for himself that will be about $15k from savings.  Seems weird to pull the trigger when we're not going anywhere right now.

Azucena $26,347 of $30,000 goal (88%)

Going to post this update in stages. 

6/5 DH found a used car so our savings took a $17,921 hit since we paid in cash.  Was tough to watch that cash go out the door particularly since we were getting really close to having $100,000 in liquid accounts for the very first time ever.  Oh well, part of why we've been saving so diligently and aggressively is that we knew this expense was coming.  This marks the third time we've paid for a car in cash and it's been about a decade since we've had a car loan.  We are true believers in the cycle of buying used, maintaining well, driving until the car is done, and saving up for the next one in the meantime.

6/5 Azucena $8,426 of $30,000 goal (28%)

Two pay periods since then where we have saved $5,121.  Savings rate has increased since we are sheltering in place.  Even though we are spending more in groceries, we are only getting takeout once a week which is way less than we tended to eat in part because we don't have kids activities that butt right up against meals where it's always tempting to just eat out.

We've also received some summer camp refunds (waiting on a few more).  And, we haven't taken any long weekend trips - need to add those back in ASAP for my mental health.

Fitting that we're hoovering at 50% as we approach mid-year.  Will be a bit of a reach to save the other 50% in the back half of the year since my March bonus gives us an early head start.  But, I'm game to try

6/12 Azucena $13,547 of $30,000 goal (45%)

[seriousthistime]

Update

Account Name	Goal	Start	Amt. Saved 6/12/20	Amt. Saved %	Roses
Gifts	$2,600	$2,300	$2,613	100.0%
Property Tax	$5,500	$0	$5,500	100.0%
Travel	$4,000	$5	$4,000	100.0%
Car	$3,000	$17	$3,000	100.0%
Survival Fund	$6,000	$16	$6,000	100.0%
Weekly Savings	$1,378	$13	$1,214	88.1%
Household/EF	$2,000	$5	$2,042	102.1%
Mortgage	$6,000	$695	$6,000	100.0%
Total	$30,478	$3,051	$30,369	99.6%

Seriousthistime, 6/12/2020, $30,369 (Goal, $30,478)


Weekly Savings Tracker:

$1	$2	$3	$4	$5	$6
$7	$8	$9	$10	$11
$13		$15	$16	$17	$18
$19

[seriousthistime]

Seriousthistime [2], 6/12/20, $3,800 (Goal $10,000).

[forwardwego]

6/14/2020 $7630 (begin $3200; goal $15,000*)

  

GOAL	AMOUNT	STARTING	$$ TO DATE	% OF GOAL	$$ TO GO
JPPCU CUSHION	1000	100	200	20	800
RENTAL MARGIN	8000	2100	4700	58	3300
PERIODIC EXPENSE	5000	1000	2600	52	2400
CASH STASH	1000	0	130	13	870
TOTALS	15000	3200	7630	51	7370

A little backward motion due to insurance premium. 

[seriousthistime]

Jun 14, 2020 11:21:41 GMT -5 forwardwego said:

A little backward motion due to insurance premium. 

And that is why we save! -- so we are not caught off guard when predictable expenses become necessary. 

[shanendoah]

shanendoah [Q2]: $3,475 6/15/2020 (Goal: $2,500 6/30/2020)
ROTH [Q2]: $1,500 5/26/2020 (Goal: $2,000 6/30/2020)
Savings [Q2]: $1,975 6/15/2020 (Goal: $500 6/30/2020)

$500 in general savings today. Good chance I'll be able to throw more in there later. Still have the ROTH contribution at the end of the month. Feeling pretty good about where we are.

I also want to thank everyone for sharing the different ways they think about savings, goals, and retirement here. It gives me new ways to think about my goals and helps me reflect to make sure I am not stuck in a rut or in a process that is no longer working for me.



shanendoah [Q1]: $7,037.28 3/25/2020 (Goal: $5,040 3/31/2020)

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Rukh O'Rorke #2  Multiyear EF Goal 06/15/2020 18,258.85 ((Start=$500 / Goal=$20,000)

I forgot about the auto-savings into the EF that I set up. auto pay added 250 to the pot, and about 3 more in interest has accrued. 

I'm going to have Rukh O'Rorke #2 be the multi year EF goal, and Rukh O'Rorke #1 as the 2020 specific goals.

These will be advancing at different times, so I was thinking of just updating them separately whenever they may occur. Is that too busy/too many posts of small steps? It helps keep me motivated and positive.

Not sure if I can keep this $250 auto depo up every two weeks, while also having the 401k at 20%....will play it by ear for a while.

[seriousthistime]

Jun 15, 2020 15:57:45 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Rukh O'Rorke #2  Multiyear EF Goal 06/15/2020 18,258.85 ((Start=$500 / Goal=$20,000)

I forgot about the auto-savings into the EF that I set up. auto pay added 250 to the pot, and about 3 more in interest has accrued. 

I'm going to have Rukh O'Rorke #2 be the multi year EF goal, and Rukh O'Rorke #1 as the 2020 specific goals.

These will be advancing at different times, so I was thinking of just updating them separately whenever they may occur. Is that too busy/too many posts of small steps? It helps keep me motivated and positive.

Not sure if I can keep this $250 auto depo up every two weeks, while also having the 401k at 20%....will play it by ear for a while.

Nope.  Update them as needed. 

[speechchick71]

Oh my Wise Saving Friends!  I need some help and guidance. I have run myself so far down the rabbit hole and have thoughts of pleasant drives in my future but I think I might need a slap back into reality. I have a feeling this is part of the "I want a" tax.  Let me explain my situation....

I have less than $13k left on my Mustang convertible (no other debt beyond my mortgage). It has become my "fun" car as I didn't want to pile the miles on it. I drive 75 miles to work (150 round trip), 60 of it being on the highway. When I started this job, I bought a "beater", a 2008 Pontiac G6 with 67k miles for $3k. I am now pushing 120k miles. It runs fine, body is poor, for some reason the seat belts in the back seat cannot be found. It is BASIC...the base model. There are a few things about it that I don't like that cannot be fixed. I deal with it but...given the choice, I'd have something different.

And that's where I need some help I think. I heard that Hertz is selling off their fleet of cars so I looked and that led me to looking at other things and more cars, and researching more and more things. I was looking at a 2019 Chevy Cruze because of the 40mpg hwy (29mpg city) for about $11k. And then I found a Fusion Hybrid (44mpg city/40 hwy) for $14k (and fewer miles than the Chevy) which then had me searching for those!  And now I've almost convinced myself that I should get a more up to date car with more safety and reliability (the Fusions I'm looking at are all under warranty) with better gas mileage.

Is this a dumb move? Do I just need to suck it up and keep driving my old-G? I haven't put too much money into the G beyond normal maintenance (maybe $600?) but I'm always concerned about the distance I drive daily. I am being lavish and spoiled? I compare the Chevy Cruze and the Ford Fusion and you get much more of a car with the Fusion for $3-4k more. But again, I think I'm looking at a want more than a need. 

I NEED GUIDANCE! Help me find my way thru this. Like I said, I think I've taken too many turns down the rabbit hole! I can afford it...but SHOULD I afford it? I think that's what's making me frustrated with these thoughts.

[plugginaway22]

Without really knowing more about your situation, my thought is to sell both those cars and get something newer with lower mileage for about $20k.  My DH has had a mustang and now a small older sports car that sits in the garage and seldom gets driven.  He sold the mustang and is now about ready to sell the other car.  He had his fun.  Cars mean nothing to me, just a means of transportation.  When you go on vacations (if we are ever able to again ha-ha) you can rent a fun car for the week to get the urge out of your system!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Rukh O'Rorke 06/19/2020

2020 goals: $19,687.17  (Start=$0 / Goal=$43,600)

                                            

Saving Goals for 2020

Account	Goal	Added	Saved	Percent
401k	$26,000	$400	$6,179.82	24%
HSA	$7,600	-	$3,507.72	46%
EF:MM	$5,000	0	$5,000.00	100%
EF:ETFs	$5,000	0	$5,000.00	100%
Total	$43,600	$400	$19,687.54	45%

Spending Targets

Spending  Categories	Goal	Amount	Percent
Vacation	$3,000	0	0%
Holiday/Gifts	$2,000	0	0%
Rukh Discretionary	$1,000	0	0%
Total	$3,000	0	0%

Got a small bonus - so an off-cycle 401k addition marked here. Only $400. Was kind of hoping for more, and/or a raise, but only bonus'.

Right now I'm embroiled in thinking - I can't up my 401k any higher than 20% and still make bills comfortably and pay down the student loans. But on the other hand - I do really super need the tax benefits of maxing this! Worried about what my RI income this year will do to my taxes. Worried about.... a lot of things.

I do have the EF, and job situation is relatively more secure than when I started focusing more on EF than 401k. Kind of think taxes are a bigger threat financially right now? Maybe - things could change! I think I should up it to max by end of year - try to make it work budgetwise, and draw off of savings a bit here and there if needed. Can adjust down if that looks more like draining than drawing modest amounts?

Based on ad hoc calcs - maxing will save me about 7k in taxes this year. ok - going to go for it! See what happens.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

ok! I have put in my request!

Hopefully - it will be effective for next week's payroll, otherwise, I will have to up it a little bit at some point to max...

I will draw what is needed from savings until October - which is a 3 paycheck month. In October, I should be able to assess if I can maintain that through end of year. If student loan payments come into play again - yeah - that might sink my battleship!

[shanendoah]

speechchick71 - No answers for you. I am, however, now looking at the local Hertz Rental Sales site and realizing I could get a Jaguar or a Mustang with less than $20k miles for "only" $30k.
I am honestly more interested in the Fusion Hybrids for $17k. And now I probably want to go look and see what the C-Maxx is running....

[speechchick71]

Jun 19, 2020 10:52:04 GMT -5 shanendoah said:

speechchick71 - No answers for you. I am, however, now looking at the local Hertz Rental Sales site and realizing I could get a Jaguar or a Mustang with less than $20k miles for "only" $30k.
I am honestly more interested in the Fusion Hybrids for $17k. And now I probably want to go look and see what the C-Maxx is running....

I'm actually looking at the Fusion Hybrid as well. I found a local dealer that is pricing about $2k below that with lower mileage. 

I may have to entertain the thought of getting rid of the Mustang. I really do love that car though...so much fun to drive!

[seriousthistime]

If you folks have Costco memberships and are looking for a new car, check out their auto purchase program. 

I considered buying a Ford Escape back in 2016 and was convinced not to based on Ford's issues with some transmissions.  Not sure if that's still an issue, but buyer beware. 

[forwardwego]

speechchick71 I'm super glad you brought your car purchase ponderings here. It is easy to go down the rabbit hole, especially when you are solely responsible for the decision. We are here for you, and glad you are here for us.

Would the purchase replace both the Mustang and the G?  If it is replacing both, then I agree with plugginaway22.

Are you considering keeping the Mustang in addition to buying a new commuter car? If so, then I'd suggest that you either buy the new commuter car outright, or payoff the Mustang before buying the new commuter. Even if you are in a position to make 2 car payments there are much better uses of that money than committing to a second car payment. Also I would crunch the numbers on how much faster you could be car payment free and/or mortgage free if those monies were applied to accelerating your existing obligations. 

It's not very exciting to keep driving the G, but it appears to have been a good plan and sticking with it still seems good. If it poops out, then you could drive the Mustang for a little while until you find another economical commuter.

[shanendoah]

speechchick71 - Again, being completely non-helpful, I noticed when I went to the Ford page to look for the C-Max (now discontinued) that this fall, there will be an all-electric Mustang.

[resolution]

Update: Resolution 06/25/20 $23,9000 (Goal: $35,000)

I haven't done so well this month with savings. We have had a lot of one-time expenses and I didn't have a lot of excess to invest. I am still on track annually because I had such a good savings month last month.

My husband has been building a new fireplace mantle to keep himself occupied during the pandemic. We spent around $2500 in materials this month on the project. I am also starting to think more about our outdoor space and what we can do to make it more usable for social visits.

My parents agreed to get a smart phone, so I bought a phone and a year of service. The phone is supposed to arrive today and I plan to set it up and then mail it to them. My sister lives within driving range and has agreed to teach them how to use it. 

Account	Goal	Saved  YTD	% of Goal
IRA 1	7,000	7000	100%
IRA 2	6,000	6000	100%
457 plan	10,000	4900	49%
Brokerage	12,000	6000	50%
Total	35,000	23,900	68%

[bobosensei]

Account	Goal	Saved	Percent
401k	8430	3161.88	37.5%
HSA	3500	1250	35.7%
Roth	6000	3000	50%
House Projects	3000	850.05	28.34%
Sinking Funds	2400	0	0%
Christmas	2000	0	0%
Total	25430	8261.93	32.49%

bobosensei 6/25/20 7785.61 saved for 25430 goal 30.62%  No progress this month.

I still haven't found work, but my unemployment started.  I'll be fine with what is in my checking account for a while.  As long as my boyfriend retains his job and is giving me 1k a month I'll be fine until December when I'd have to dip into savings to pay for living expenses.  I have 3k cordoned off in a savings account with the intent to contribute the rest of my roth or to put it in my online savings account if I find work soon.

My real concern is if I don't find work in the next couple of months, whether a second wave of Covid would freeze hiring again and leave me in a worse spot.  I'm debating whether I should pull some money from my taxable investments now that they are back up to what they nearly were.  My fear is if things go to crap again and I do need money I'm cashing out at a loss.  I'm trying to stay positive and believe that I will find something in the next few months.

I haven't ruled out mortgage forbearance, but I want to wait a few months to see how things go.  My feeling is I might do forbearance before cashing out brokerage funds.  But I'm trying not to think too much about that now.  It is easier to just keep thinking I will find work soon and none of this will be an issue.

[shanendoah]

shanendoah [Q2]: $5,475 6/65/2020 (Goal: $2,500 6/30/2020)
ROTH [Q2]: $2,000 6/25/2020 (Goal: $2,000 6/30/2020)
Savings [Q2]: $3,475 6/25/2020 (Goal: $500 6/30/2020)

Was able to throw another $1500 in savings today, along with the ROTH contribution. Q3 starts in 5 days, and I have no idea what my general savings goal is going to be. Need to think about that.



shanendoah [Q1]: $7,037.28 3/25/2020 (Goal: $5,040 3/31/2020)

[Deleted]

Update for June.  Just plugging along. 

 

Fund	2020 Goal	Current	Needed	% Complete
401K	$15,000	$10,925	$4,075	72.83%
HSA	$7,100	$3,550	$3,550	50.00%
College	$1,900	$1,200	$700	63.16%
IRA	$500	$500	$0	100.00%
Pr. High School	$500	$500	$0	100.00%
Vacation	$500	$500	$0	100.00%
Christmas	$500	$0	$500	0.00%
Total	$26,000	$17,175	$8,825	66.06%

MPL 6/25/2020  $17,175 - Goal $26,000

[azucena]

Jun 12, 2020 15:31:45 GMT -5 azucena said:

6/12 Azucena $13,547 of $30,000 goal (45%)

Payday update.  DH is on unpaid leave but using up all of his PTO for except a week first.  I think this means he will get at least one more check 6/30, but I'll wait until I see it before I count it.  At our current shelter in place level of spending, we can weather it.

Still trying to get $800 worth of camp refunds back.  Have emailed 3 times to leave a paper trail and have also left two voicemails.  I have better things to do and would turn this errand over to DH except that camp is thru his employer so it gets tricky for him to ask for a refund.

Makes my mathematical heart happy that we nailed 50% as we are ending June.  Couldn't have 'budgeted' closer 

6/26 Azucena $15,027 of $30,000 goal (50%)

[Rukh O'Rorke]

MIDYEAR UPDATE!!!

Rukh O'Rorke 06/26/2020

2020 goals: $21,404.60  (Start=$0 / Goal=$43,600)

                                            

Saving Goals for 2020

Account	Goal	Added	Saved	Percent
401k	$26,000	$1,424.74	$7,604.57	29%
HSA	$7,600	$292.31	$3,800.03	50%
EF:MM	$5,000	0	$5,000.00	100%
EF:ETFs	$5,000	0	$5,000.00	100%
Total	$43,600	$1,717.05	$21,404.60	49%

Ok - first half of 2020 is done, payroll wise anyway, 13 out of 26 pay periods, are in. My 401k is upped to max by year's end. 

Although the numbers look pretty on target, at 49% of goals right now - which is pretty darn close to 50%!! I had a lot of extra income in the first half of the year, two small bonuses at work, a large RI side project. I don't think any of the anticipated extra income via RI is going to happen for the rest of the year due to client suspension of operations and then lost income may have them rethink the project altogether. Anticipated gross about 10-11k.

I'm removing my spending targets - which were vacation (already deleted!) and holiday/gifts and some discretionary/fun money for me. Not much fun to be had, and I unsure right now how to think about holidays. Not getting the extra 10k is going to hurt! how quickly we start to count on things! 

Not entirely sure I can keep this level of 401k contribution up, but if I can't - I have some real soul searching to do. About where I am financially, and where I want to get, and when.

Coming at if from a few perspectives:
401k maxing can really reduce my tax liability 
Current gross minus max 401k contribution is still higher than my previous job's gross salary
Fed student loan payments and interest are on hiatus

If I can't max now - what does that say about my spending vs income vs ability to ever retire? That is the big question!

Meanwhile I have a lot of things need doing, aka costing $$. Trying to refi house right now with cash out. Need to up my clean/upkeep/reorg for maximum valuation on inspection. Then use cash out for all those higher ticket items on home maintenance. Hopefully refiing at lower rate for 30 years with the cash out will keep payment at least the same?

My switch to HDHP was worst timing ever. So far - more medical expenses this year than ever in history of household! them's the breaks. may need to deplete those recently saved funds, and then some! Who knows! Need to address these bills.

Wondering if I should stop my *brand new* regular contributions to EF? Maybe lower to 50/paycheck? 

As always - much to ponder! And not as much money as I'd like to ponder over

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jun 25, 2020 17:36:08 GMT -5 bobosensei said:

Account	Goal	Saved	Percent
401k	8430	3161.88	37.5%
HSA	3500	1250	35.7%
Roth	6000	3000	50%
House Projects	3000	850.05	28.34%
Sinking Funds	2400	0	0%
Christmas	2000	0	0%
Total	25430	8261.93	32.49%

bobosensei 6/25/20 7785.61 saved for 25430 goal 30.62%  No progress this month.

I still haven't found work, but my unemployment started.  I'll be fine with what is in my checking account for a while.  As long as my boyfriend retains his job and is giving me 1k a month I'll be fine until December when I'd have to dip into savings to pay for living expenses.  I have 3k cordoned off in a savings account with the intent to contribute the rest of my roth or to put it in my online savings account if I find work soon.

My real concern is if I don't find work in the next couple of months, whether a second wave of Covid would freeze hiring again and leave me in a worse spot.  I'm debating whether I should pull some money from my taxable investments now that they are back up to what they nearly were.  My fear is if things go to crap again and I do need money I'm cashing out at a loss.  I'm trying to stay positive and believe that I will find something in the next few months.

I haven't ruled out mortgage forbearance, but I want to wait a few months to see how things go.  My feeling is I might do forbearance before cashing out brokerage funds.  But I'm trying not to think too much about that now.  It is easier to just keep thinking I will find work soon and none of this will be an issue.

Depending on how much is in your taxable account - and what the asset allocation is - I don't think it would hurt at all to put some portion into less volatile/cash until you know where you are going.

Good luck finding a new position!! Hope it happens soon!

[chiver78]

interest update. wow!

background - I can't remember if I explained this or not, sorry if I'm repeating myself here. my CU savings account offers 6.17% interest for the first $1000 in the account, then whatever the regular rate after that. I transferred $1000 from the house sale proceeds into the savings account to just sit there and do nothing. I also put $30k into a high yield American Express savings account that has been idle for years. that will likely be my down payment when I find a place to buy, but in the meantime it can earn me some $$ while I wait. 

I was impressed with the $1.69 in interest from my CU savings account last month, but zoinks - American Express just gave me $28.18. that's going to add up pretty quickly! 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Exciting to see so many updates today!

Must be payday

[resolution]

Last paycheck of the month for me. I did my update yesterday when I decided I wouldn't be saving any of today's check. This thread does make me want to save more and more, just so i can see the numbers on my little chart go up.

[steph08]

UPDATE: steph08 6/26/2020 $27,838.61 7/31/2019 $6,626.16

Savings	Start	Previous	Current	Difference	Goal	Percentage Saved
Emergency Fund	$3,664.15	$12,870.43	$13,902.35	$1,031.92	$10,000.00	139.02%
DD1 529 Payback	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$2,700.00	0.00%
DD2 529 Payback	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$2,700.00	0.00%
DD1 Savings	$1,766.95	$3,043.25	$3,069.53	$26.28	$3,000.00	102.32%
DD2 Savings	$1,195.06	$2,074.95	$2,075.80	$0.85	$2,000.00	103.79%
401K Savings	$0.00	$3,279.23	$4,111.15	$831.92	$7,000.00	58.73%
401k Employer Match	$0.00	$3,257.94	$3,479.78	$221.84	$2,800.00	124.28%
DD1 529 2020	$0.00	$500.00	$600.00	$100.00	$1,200.00	50.00%
DD2 529 2020	$0.00	$500.00	$600.00	$100.00	$1,200.00	50.00%
TOTAL	$6,626.16	$25,525.80	$27,838.61	$2,312.81	$32,600.00	69.79%

Decent update to EF today - everything else is automatic. 

Hoping our appraisal goes up a bit (they listed a crawlspace instead of a full basement), so I don't have to take a bunch out of savings to close our construction loan next month. 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Jun 26, 2020 8:11:15 GMT -5 resolution said:

Last paycheck of the month for me. I did my update yesterday when I decided I wouldn't be saving any of today's check. This thread does make me want to save more and more, just so i can see the numbers on my little chart go up.

This community is so awesome for that motivation!

I don't think I'd be nearly as focused, or as diligent, as I am right now, without the support, cheering, commiserating, and all the wonderful information found here!

Thanks everyone!!