2023 Women in Red Savers

[debthaven]

Name	Goal	Saved	Spent
General savings	25,000	22,000	0
Windows/Paint/Shutters	10,000	10,000	10,000
Travel	2,600	2,600	2,600
Bridge (estimate)	1,400	0	0
TOTAL	39,000	34,600	12,600

Debthaven: 29 Sept 2023: 22,000 euros (General savings goal: 25,000)
(Plus 10K saved for/spent on windows/paint/shutters)
(Plus 2.6K saved for/spent on summer)

Nothing more in general savings for now, but I paid for an unexpected trip to NY this month to see my sister. I hope to add to general savings later in the month. 

I'll earn decent money over the next few months, but I also have to pay for a dental bridge.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Sept 29, 2023 11:25:04 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Debthaven: 29 Sept 2023: 22,000 euros (General savings goal: 25,000)
(Plus 10K saved for/spent on windows/paint/shutters)
(Plus 2.6K saved for/spent on summer)

Nothing more in savings for now, but I paid for an unexpected trip to NY this month to see my sister. I hope to add to savings later in the month. 

I'll earn decent money over the next few months, but I also have to pay for a dental bridge.

that is a lot of savings for being retired

[seriousthistime]

Update

Name	Start	Goal	Saved	% Saved	Spent
Emergency Fund	$0	$3,000	$8	0.0%
Gifts	$0	$3,000	$831	27.7%	$823
Travel	$0	$8,000	$5,172	64.7%	$3,886
Property Tax	$0	$6,200	$6,988	112.7%	$6,066
Periodic Expense	$0	$3,500	$12	0.0%
Weekly Savings	$0	$1,898	$1,459	76.8%
Total	$0	$25,598	$14,470	56.5%

Seriousthistime [1], 9/30/23, $14,470 (Goal $25,598)

Seriousthistime [2], 9/30/23, $2,346 (Goal $10,000; saved $5,002, spent $2,658) (*DGS OOP Medical)


Weekly Savings chart:

					$16
$18					$23
	$26					$31
		$34	">	$36		$38
	$40		$42		$44
$46		$48

Monthly savings (not tracked above):

January	February	March
April	May	June
July	August	September
October	November	December

I added a bit to the gift category, a few weeks of Weekly Savings, and a chunk to property taxes.  

I managed to cross off another month of the monthly savings.  I don't think I can save 5 monthly savings amounts within the next 3 months, but I'll see how close I can get. It would be great if I could cross off either May or July and stay timely on the rest.  

[debthaven]

I feel weird about posting this, but here we go ... true confessions.

Remember my 7K loan from DS2 for the paint/shutters? Long story short, my DS2 forgave the loan. He was absolutely shocked when I came up with a payment plan, he had assumed it was a gift, and he had assumed I knew that too. We argued!

DS2 told me his partner got his parents an expensive new car, and told me I had two choices ... either I accept his gift of 7K, or I pay him back and he'd buy me an expensive car instead. He said I'd be doing him a favor by accepting the loan. LOL!

Such a strange, unexpected turn of events! But indeed, I did accept. 

I was thinking about writing it into my will, the next time we redo it. But I probably won't, because he was happy to give us this gift (which I know he can afford).

He wanted a tent for his birthday ... we got him a FABULOUS tent. He's moving to a bigger apartment soon, with a nice outdoor space. So I think nice gifts are probably the best way to go, going forward. 

[TheOtherMe]

How sweet of your son, debt.  

It is obvious that he does intend it to be a gift.  Change the will if something in his life changes where he might need the money.

[debthaven]

That's an excellent idea TheOtherMe. Thank you. 

[debthaven]

We've redone our wills several times over the years, because our oldest and youngest are 11 years apart. Our first will had DS3 (the youngest, and DH's only bio-child) going to England to be raised by DH's cousins if something happened to both of us. 

As our older kids got older, we rewrote our wills to give our two oldest kids "custody" of DS3. DH's cousin was initially in charge of the money. With time, we transferred the (theoretical) use of that money to DS1 and DS2.   

DS3 is 25 now, he finished his Master's degree in August. He started a great new job last week, so we need to revisit our wills again, probably for the last time.

[TheOtherMe]

Yes, it sounds like it's time.  My sister and her husband have had to redo theirs for that same reason.  Now they are to be the custodial "parents" of the oldest grandson and granddaughter.  I'm guessing since grandson is 18, he can do whatever he wants, but the granddaughter is not quite 16

Guessing she advised DN3 and his wife to do the same now that they are pregnant.  I'm guessing they would want the stepson to go there, too since his wife doesn't get along with either of her parents (because she should not have married DN3) and she would never want her son to go to his paternal grandparents after how they enabled his father in his abuse of her regarding custody.  That kid have Covid at least 5 times when he was with his dad and grandparents but they refused to show her the positive tests.

Since NIL does not want their son going to Ukraine, I know sister has advised them to do wills stating that.  They had not done it when they were here last summer.

I was advised as long as they live in Toronto, DN1 should decline being my executor.  It's too messy.

[seriousthistime]

Generally the courts prefer executors to live within the state where the estate is located. Being outside the country might be a problem. 

[TheOtherMe]

Oct 2, 2023 19:26:14 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

Generally the courts prefer executors to live within the state where the estate is located. Being outside the country might be a problem. 

The attorney said tell him no matter what, if he is living in Toronto, to turn it down.


With people in academia, one never knows where they will be.  I know they will be in Toronto until DN1 gets tenure.  His wife got it this year but he was not in a tenure track position until this semester.  They were actively looking for positions because the university had dragged their feet on tenure track for DN1.  They said they didn't realize he left a tenured position.   So they are treating him as a brand new professor and he has one less class this semester.

The executor for my will is DN2.  He is by far the most qualified and organized.  He has an MBA, CPA, and CFP.   I think he can handle it.  He has pointed out many ways that his dad was not operating the farm efficiently.  One was doing the books the last week of December.  Accountants do not do that.  He is also in charge of the planting and harvest and there is no more harvesting up until Thanksgiving.  

[seriousthistime]

DN2 sounds like a good choice.

[TheOtherMe]

Oct 3, 2023 12:29:16 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

DN2 sounds like a good choice.

We had a long lunch to discuss it.  He agreed to abide by my wishes when it comes to cremation.  

My sister said she would have a full blown funeral and not do cremation.  My niece just commented she doesn't believe in cremation.  

So the will was changed to a person who will follow my wishes.  That is in the will and he knows where the original will is here in my house.  

[seriousthistime]

Is it a religious objection to cremation?  

I plan to be cremated and have my ashes pressed into rocks.   They can each take some or leave them at places we enjoyed together.  

[seriousthistime]

Oct 2, 2023 17:00:50 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I feel weird about posting this, but here we go ... true confessions.

Remember my 7K loan from DS2 for the paint/shutters? Long story short, my DS2 forgave the loan. He was absolutely shocked when I came up with a payment plan, he had assumed it was a gift, and he had assumed I knew that too. We argued!

DS2 told me his partner got his parents an expensive new car, and told me I had two choices ... either I accept his gift of 7K, or I pay him back and he'd buy me an expensive car instead. He said I'd be doing him a favor by accepting the loan. LOL!

Such a strange, unexpected turn of events! But indeed, I did accept. 

I was thinking about writing it into my will, the next time we redo it. But I probably won't, because he was happy to give us this gift (which I know he can afford).

He wanted a tent for his birthday ... we got him a FABULOUS tent. He's moving to a bigger apartment soon, with a nice outdoor space. So I think nice gifts are probably the best way to go, going forward. 

That is wonderful!  You know you've raised your kids right when they show their generosity, generally AND specifically with the family. 

[TheOtherMe]

Oct 3, 2023 15:36:55 GMT -5 seriousthistime said:

Is it a religious objection to cremation?  

I plan to be cremated and have my ashes pressed into rocks.   They can each take some or leave them at places we enjoyed together.  

I am sure it is not with my niece.  They don't attend church.

My sister doesn't like that I have paid for direct cremation with a graveside service.  She needs to see the body for closure.  Well, she isn't seeing mine and I've told DN2 that.  

That raises the price for what I have paid.

Like my attorney said, hopefully we live a long time and she's already gone.

[debthaven]

Name	Goal	Saved	Spent
General savings	25,000	22,500	0
Windows/Paint/Shutters	10,000	10,000	10,000
Summer/Travel	2,800	2,800	2,800
Bridge	1,000	0	0
TOTAL	38,800	35,300	12,800

Debthaven: 10 Oct 2023: 22,500 euros (General savings goal: 25,000)
(Plus 10K saved for/spent on windows/paint/shutters)
(Plus 2.8K saved for/spent on summer/travel)

I added 500 to general savings, and 200 to the travel fund. My best childhood friend is coming to Europe. We're meeting up with her and her BF for a weekend.
 
I should earn a good amount in Oct/Nov/Dec (although Dec is Christmas). I hope it'll be enough to achieve my general savings goal and pay for the bridge.

[seriousthistime]

Update

Name	Start	Goal	Saved	% Saved	Spent
Emergency Fund	$0	$3,000	$8	0.0%
Gifts	$0	$3,000	$831	27.7%	$823
Travel	$0	$8,000	$9,245	115.6%	$7,959
Property Tax	$0	$6,200	$6,988	112.7%	$6,066
Periodic Expense	$0	$3,500	$12	0.0%
Weekly Savings	$0	$1,898	$1,544	81.3%
Total	$0	$25,598	$18,628	72.8%

Seriousthistime [1], 10/16/23, $18,628 (Goal $25,598)

Seriousthistime [2], 10/16/23, $2,346 (Goal $10,000; saved $5,002, spent $2,658) (*DGS OOP Medical)


Weekly Savings chart:

					$16
$18					$23
	$26					$31
		$34		$36
	$40		$42		$44
$46

Monthly savings (not tracked above):

January	February	March
April	May	June
July	August	September
October	November	December

[azucena]

Sept 29, 2023 8:08:47 GMT -5 azucena said:

Payday savings for past two weeks

9/29/23 Azucena $54,602 of $65,000 goal (84%)

Payday savings update.

DH got an unexpected $4k bonus tied to early childhood teachers state covid fund.

10/16/23 Azucena $60,072 of $65,000 goal (92%)

[debthaven]

Your DH must have been thrilled azucena !

[azucena]

Oct 16, 2023 13:27:26 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Your DH must have been thrilled azucena !

Yes, it's nice for him to be recognized for his hard work. After some thought, he went out and bought new tv 

[seriousthistime]

Update

Name	Start	Goal	Saved	% Saved	Spent
Emergency Fund	$0	$3,000	$8	0.0%
Gifts	$0	$3,000	$1,023	34.1%	$1,015
Travel	$0	$8,000	$9,245	115.6%	$7,959
Property Tax	$0	$6,200	$7,448	120.1%	$6,066
Periodic Expense	$0	$3,500	$12	0.0%
Weekly Savings	$0	$1,898	$1,618	85.2%
Total	$0	$25,598	$19,354	75.6%

Seriousthistime [1], 10/30/23, $19,354 (Goal $25,598)

Seriousthistime [2], 10/30/23, $2,346 (Goal $10,000; saved $5,002, spent $2,658) (*DGS OOP Medical)


Weekly Savings chart:

					$16
$18					$23
	$26					$31
				$36
			$42		$44
$46

Monthly savings (not tracked above):

January	February	March
April	May	June
July	August	September
October	November	December

I managed to save the designated amount for October.  I'm thinking ahead to 2024 goals.  I'm doing fine cash-flowing gifts and periodic expenses.  My emergency fund has a hefty balance and what I'm saving in my monthly savings chart is getting added to the account I use for emergencies. So I may just track Travel, Property Tax, and Weekly Savings, and also do the monthly savings, which is simply a transfer of funds from one of my sources of income from checking into savings/emergencies. 

Has anyone else given any thought to next year's savings strategy and goals? 

[debthaven]

Great job seriousthistime !

Yes I've been thinking about 2024 too. I'd like to save as much as this year, but I also plan to reduce my hours in January. That obviously won't work, so I'm still pondering. 

[debthaven]

I've gotten my salaries from Jobs 1 and 2, and Pension 1. I still hate having to wait until the 9th of the month when I get Pension 2 (the lion's share of my monthly income!) to post my savings for the month. So frustrating!

For now, my salary from Jobs 1 + 2 generally pays for my half of our monthly living expenses. Pension 1 generally pays for my personal purchases. Pension 2 is generally savings.

DH gets his pension a few days earlier than I do. I don't understand why. 

[debthaven]

Name	Goal	Saved	Spent
General savings	25,000	22,500	0
Windows/Paint/Shutters	10,000	10,000	10,000
Summer/Travel	3,000	3,000	3,000
Bridge	1,000	0	0
TOTAL	39,000	35,500	13,000

Debthaven: 2 Nov 2023: 22,500 euros (General savings goal: 25,000)
(Plus 10K saved for/spent on windows/paint/shutters)
(Plus 3K saved for/spent on summer/travel)

Just a small update to account for the extra 200 euros I spent in Amsterdam.

I'll update again in a week when I get my second pension payment.

[TheOtherMe]

Now that Social Security staggers their payments, I don't get that small amount until the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

In the olden days, everyone got their check on the 3rd of the month.

[debthaven]

That's so late TheOtherMe ! I guess I should stop complaining LOL. 

[TheOtherMe]

Because I worked for the federal government, it's only $111 and it goes in to savings.  I don't live on it. 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Nov 2, 2023 15:50:59 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I've gotten my salaries from Jobs 1 and 2, and Pension 1. I still hate having to wait until the 9th of the month when I get Pension 2 (the lion's share of my monthly income!) to post my savings for the month. So frustrating!

For now, my salary from Jobs 1 + 2 generally pays for my half of our monthly living expenses. Pension 1 generally pays for my personal purchases. Pension 2 is generally savings.

DH gets his pension a few days earlier than I do. I don't understand why. 

could do it end of month rather than 1st of the month?

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Sept 2, 2023 16:12:38 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Jun 6, 2023 19:00:21 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Update!

Vehicle	Goal	Saved so far	Percent of Goal
401k	30,000	11,825	39%
SepIRA	5,250	5,250	100%
HSA	4,850	1,925	39%
IBonds	10,000*	12,500	125%
treasuries	10,000*	0	0%
taxable	5,000	1,000	20%
Total	65,100*	32,500	50%

Looks like my last update was in early June so a full quarter.....

I am on track with maxing my 401k and hsa - those are on auto pilot with payroll, but to provide numbers I'd need to log into work computer for pay stub and not doing that! Let's just say I am on track  so far! 8 more paychecks to go.....so about 71% if even......401k maybe a little less as I am making up a bit in last 6 months as opposed to first 6.

SepIRA and Ibonds were already done for the year.

There has been no further progress on other goals. treasuries is negative as bills mature they have been eaten up with bills, so far 1k. nothing further to taxable, and that will likely be the case for the rest of the year.

Got into a bit of credit card debt with a vacation and some pricy vet bills (vacay was about 3k, vet 3.5k) and I am expecting it may take the rest of the year to clear that up, and then it is xmas times!

ok - going to estimate 73% for HSA as employer kicked in 300 start of year, and 69% done for 401k as contributions were a little less than first 5/6 months

Vehicle	Goal	Saved so far	Percent of Goal
401k	30,000	20,700 20450	69%    68%
SepIRA	5,250	5,250	100%
HSA	4,850	3540   3450	73%     71%
IBonds	10,000*	12,500	125%
treasuries	10,000*	-1000	-10%
taxable	5,000	1,000	20%
Total	65,100*	41,990  41,650	65%    64%

so about 65% done, with 71% of paychecks....

Had no RI, Inc. money over the summer as one client cut back. Should have a few smaller project in the fall, so hopefully that will help out.

ETA: wanted something else off my pay stubs for my number crunching, so updated with actually numberrs YTD.

two months since my last updat. 401k and HSA savings have been on autopilot and should still be on track to max by year end if I don't need to make any changes.

As my t-bills mature, they continue to go into checking automatically and being eaten up by bills and similarly - no taxable savings is occurring. This trend will likely continue through to 2024 when I will reasses where I am at vis a vis incorporating the student loan payments into my routine. 

Credit cards are so insidious where by the purchases you make today can be due 2 months into the future so if not paying attention easy to get ahead of yourself while still paying them off monthly.....until suddenly you can't if something else comes up. So I'm still trying to rein that beast in without making any interest payments. This month is going to be cutting things very close. After my student loan payments go through, I'll be down to about 250 in the checking account until my next paycheck, 5 days later. I think I've accounted for everything that will come through, but I'll have to keep a close watch to make sure.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

and I just had to buy a new tire for the car due to a flat....... so that's gone on the credit card for December statement.