I would like to have a savings at least 2 x the size of one I have now (not including the 401K) and have enough for more than 20% of a down payment on a house. But I think I have been too passive about it. I think it's going to take me a long time to achieve these goals by making what I am making now (which is not too bad, but I could do better), living in one of the most expensive cities, and having only control over what I spend on my grocery and "want" items. I need to think big, and while in the process of "thinking big", I need to bring in extra income. Seriously I have to do something. I will start by updating my resume this weekend, and looking at what kind of side gigs I can do. Now that I am done with grad school, I do have the time!
In other notes, I have been keeping up my running, eating healthy most of the times. Yesterday was the only day in the week that I did not bring my own lunch. So ended up buying pasta made for you for lunch. I also ate veggie pizza after my run and a small bag of chips. No wonder I gained 3 pounds between the morning and the evening! Does anybody know when is the best time to weigh yourself? I guess I could google it, but if anyone knows, please let me know.
I brought in my lunch again today. And I am going to plan out our (BF is visiting this weekend) meals for the weekend and my meals for the next week.
I plan to keep it a cheap weekend. I am going to rent some dvds from the library, although we might watch the new Harry Potter movie. Not sure though.
Well, have a good weekend everybody!
I think I am being too passive
July 17th, 2009 at 02:01 pm
July 17th, 2009 at 02:32 pm 1247841146
July 17th, 2009 at 02:51 pm 1247842283
July 18th, 2009 at 01:31 pm 1247923904
When i bought my house in 1995, i was able to put about 45% down. I didn't have to do that, but i'm so gald i did becus it made my monthly mortgage payments that much smaller, plus it's taken a lot of pressure off me each of the 3 or so times in the last 14 years when i was laid off and had no income. If i'd only put down 10% or 15%, i imagine my financial pressures would have been much greater.
Most people don't have the discipline to save that much, or the patience to wait long enough to accumulate that much. Instant gratification. But i wanted to make sure that no matter what happened with my income earning ability, i more than likely would not find it impossible to pay the mortgage. And it's worked.
Good luck with your savings. I agree it would be very hard if you have to pay the going rate for rent in an expensive city.
August 28th, 2009 at 03:36 pm 1251473779
Jerry