July 2007 Net Worth Update (+$4,505)

Another positive month, slightly better than June, but below average for me over the past year. I guess I should be pleased that it was still a productive month given the significant drop in the stock market over the last few days. Given all the changes going on for the next several months, my monthly net worth gains will continue to be just as unpredictable.

Assets	Jun-07	Jul-07	Change	%
Cash & Savings	$ 35,786	$ 48,657.02	$ 12,871.21	35.97%
Taxable Brokerage Accts	$ 65,267.97	$ 63,078.29	$ (2,189.68)	-3.35%
Roth IRA	$ 36,702.60	$ 35,219.95	$ (1,482.65)	-4.04%
Pre-tax Retirement Accts	$ 140,698.21	$ 142,000.56	$ 1,302.35	0.93%
Stock Options	$ 9,520.00	$ 13,840	$ 4,320.00	45.38%
ESPP	$ 35,351.59	$ 29,649.34	$ (5,702.25)	-16.13%
House #1 - Rental	$ 160,000.00	$ 160,000.00	$ -
House #2 - Rental	$ 128,225.00	$ 128,225.00	$ -
Receivable (Payable)	$ 1,517.00	$ 2,290.53	$ 773.53	50.99%
Other Assets	$ -	$ -	$ -
Total Assets	$ 613,068.18	$ 622,960.69	$ 9,892.51	1.61%
Liabilities
Credit Card Balances	$ (13,025.97)	$ (13,685.73)	$ (659.76)	5.06%
House #1 Mortgages	$ (115,767.95)	$(115,767.95)	$ -	0.00%
House #2 Mortgages	$ (102,729.88)	$(102,729.88)	$ -	0.00%
Rental Deposits	$ (2,800.00)	$ (6,447.00)	$ (3,647.00)	130.25%
Additional Tax Liability	$ (2,380.00)	$ (3,460.00)	$ (1,080.00)	45.38%
Other Liabilities			$ -
Total Liabilities	$ (236,703.80)	$(242,090.56)	$ (5,386.76)	2.28%
Net Worth	$ 376,364.38	$ 380,870.13	$ 4,505.75	1.20%

Highlights for July

All credit card debt (except current month's purchases) is in the form of 0% APR balance transfers earning interest in my savings accounts.

I started my international assignment in Shenzhen, China.

My fiancee and I got some financial counseling in our premarital counseling sessions that we found to be a big help.

I sold another 100 shares from my ESPP.

I have hired a mangement company to manage one of my rental properties. This will negatively impact my cash flow for the next year.

I have set an $80,000 savings goal for a down payment for our home.

Additional Stock Investments July (Outside of 401k & ESPP):

$25 in ConocoPhillips DRIP
$100 in USG DRIP
$250 in Vanguard Roth IRA
$50 in Pfizer DRIP

You can see my previous monthly net worth updates here.

Related in Net Worth Archive:

May 2012 Net Worth Update (-$28,098) (Jun 10, 2012) Highlights for MayWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. We are actively looking at taking advantage of new credit card arbitrage opportunities. Our properties are listed on our...

April 2012 Net Worth Update (+$2,763) (May 09, 2012) Highlights for AprilWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. We are actively looking at taking advantage of new credit card arbitrage opportunities. We received $1,000+ in rewards cash...

March 2012 Net Worth Update (+$22,032) (Apr 11, 2012) Highlights for MarchWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. We are actively looking at taking advantage of new credit card arbitrage opportunities. We are close to earning ~$1,000...

Comments (6)

The party may be less swinging than a couple of months ago, but really, calling a net worth gain of 4,5K mediocre means you are doing fine.

(Unless you are 45+. You are earlie 30's, right?)

Anyway, I will join you PFbloggers when I start working.

Posted by pj | August 3, 2007 10:39 AM

Let me start off by saying that I really enjoy this blog. It's entertaining, insightful and I think very helpful. It was one of the first I started reading when I got into reading personal finance blogs.

But, with that said, I'd like to make a suggestion about this post. I don't think a $4,500 monthly gain is mediocre, and I think a lot of people could read what you're saying the wrong way.

I can see where you might be disappointed if you look at it that you gained 1.2% for the month, and that's a lot less than you're used to...but even then, that's saying that a 13-14% annual gain in net worth is mediocre. Your goals are obviously much higher, but you have the means to set lofty goals....whereas a lot of people might consider a 14% yearly gain a pretty darn good year.

You have a great blog and I think you could teach a lot of people a lot of things. But, just realize that there's a lot of people that have debt that will take time to erase, or who don't have stock purchase programs or stock options....and my advice is to just make sure you don't alienate people, because that'd be a shame since you do have so many good things to say.

Posted by Michael | August 3, 2007 4:04 PM

Thank you for the comments and insight pj & Michael. I need to choose my words a bit more carefully. These results are mediocre if you look at my average monthly gains over the past year. However, I am very fortunate to be in the position I am in. These same results could be a stellar performance for someone in a different set of circumstances --- just like these results would have been amazing for me just 3 years ago.

Writing these posts is as much a mental exercise for me as it is something for folks to read. I use these monthly net worth updates to challenge myself to make improvements and take a hard look at my financial performance.

Posted by 2million | August 3, 2007 9:39 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I'll just stress that I don't think it's wrong for you to aim for much more than 4,5K monthly. In fact I think it's very good you do so, the world rather begins than stops at 50K yearly capital gains. Also, you are in a fortunate position because you made and make sacrifices for it. There is 'luck' involved, but you only get your share of it if you go for it.

So, in short, I wanted to provide my perspective (a student with some but few assets) so you maybe feel less depressed about your PF last month. Anyway, please continue calling 4,5K and more mediocre, it's motivating!

Posted by pj | August 4, 2007 7:48 AM

4.5K is all the more impressive given Mr. Market's flu in July. Market losses for me were about 3.5% for the month, which was enough to give me a networth loss for July. It was comforting to see that many had similar fates over at networthiq.com. In this case, my misery did appreciate the company.

Great work, and best wishes on your overseas assignment!

Posted by cmraynew | August 5, 2007 7:50 PM

As a new investor this seems like a pretty incredible return to me. I just started an investing blog www.betachaser.com. I was wondering if you could take a look at it and give me any suggestions you have. Thanks in advance.

Posted by tony | August 11, 2007 8:53 PM