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2million's Personal Finance Blog
My Journey To Financial Freedom |
Highlights for AugustIm posting this several months later and hard to remember what even happened in August. We are going to see Hamilton! I was able to land tickets to Hamilton when it travels to Durham in November for...
Continue reading "August 2018 Net Worth Update (+$19,155)" »
Highlights for JulyI come out of July feeling optimistic all the way around. We had positive developments on numerous fronts including the bottom line.In July we purchased our 5th rental property! The property market is very hot around our...
Continue reading "July 2018 Net Worth Update (+$52,101)" »
Highlights for JuneIn June our activity picked up a bit and we closed with another solid month in the books.Our largest individual stock holding (Genworth) had a breakout month as the US govt (CFUIS) approved the deal for it...
Continue reading "June 2018 Net Worth Update (+$22,779)" »
Highlights for MayIn May we closed on some long term financing (5.375% 30 yr fixed) for our rentals that we used to pay off our equity line and reloaded our cash for the next acquisition. Ive started looking for...
Continue reading "May 2018 Net Worth Update ($20,481)" »
Highlights for AprilApril was a busy month, with positive momentum as much of the month was focused on some long term financing for our new rental.It took us longer than I expected, but for most of April we worked...
Continue reading "April 2018 Net Worth Update (+$22,946)" »
Highlights for MarchIt feels a little like I have woken up from a coma and finally taking some action to continue building our net worth! March was an exciting month as I dove back into real estate investing. Its...
Continue reading "March 2018 Net Worth Update (+$11,292)" »
Highlights for FebruaryFinally some sanity kicked in and markets were all over the place in February. Who knows where the markets are headed now, but I still think they are richly valued.Ive started working on my taxes and realized...
Continue reading "February 2018 Net Worth Update (-$47,198)" »
Highlights for JanuaryJanuary was another incredible month of growth for our net worth growth kicking of 2018 with a nice start. Only a few days into the new year and I had to unexpectedly replace a HVAC system at...
Continue reading "January 2018 Net Worth Update (+$43,834)" »
Highlights for DecemberDecember was another good month of growth for our net worth growth bringing 2017 to a close. Our net worth grow over $245k USD in 2017! Its hard to complain about that kind of YoY growth. If...
Continue reading "December 2017 Net Worth Update (+$32,893)" »
Highlights for NovemberNovember was another good month with our net worth still growing at a healthy clip.Ive decided to go ahead and payoff our equity line on House #1 as I received a letter reminding me it matures in...
Continue reading "November 2017 Net Worth Update (+$31,585)" »
Highlights for OctoberOctober still had healthy gains after a significant bump in September.We spent the first part of October on a Disney family vacation. I had a lot of heartburn about the expense of this trip for several months,...
Continue reading "October 2017 Net Worth Update (+$14,082)" »
Highlights for SeptemberSeptember was a fantastic month with a huge gain on paper, our net worth is up $40k. Feels good to see such growth, but it does remind me of one thing my grandfather would remind me of...
Continue reading "September 2017 Net Worth Update (+$40,835)" »
Highlights for AugustAugust was a pretty muted month for us in terms of net worth change. We still ended up slightly positive. I have bumped up my short term bond allocation in my 401k. I can't find any investment...
Continue reading "August 2017 Net Worth Update (+$3,767)" »
Highlights for JulyAnother great month in the books for 2017. If this was a typical net worth month for us we'd be financially free in I've ramped up post-tax contributions to my 401k plan. I intend to try out...
Continue reading "July 2017 Net Worth Update (+$25,312)" »
Highlights for JuneFinally a net worth jump to get excited about. I've been a little frustrated with Mint lately as some of my account values weren't getting updated. I finally spent some time in June to get those fixed...
Continue reading "June 2017 Net Worth Update (+$26,879)" »
Highlights for MayAnother month, more gains in the stock market. It seems to just go up, up, up. That is when I get uncomfortable as a value investor, who knows what will happen.I had another 2 week business trip...
Continue reading "May 2017 Net Worth Update(+$12,231)" »
Highlights for AprilOur net worth change was moderated with little market movements - our main change came from a bump in our international investments.I had an uneventful 2 week AP business trip in April. At the end of April...
Continue reading "April 2017 Net Worth Update (+$8,354)" »
Highlights for MarchWe purchased season passes for the 4 of us to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA for $246 (youngest was free). If we visit twice this summer we'll break even. We went for 1 day already in early April...
Continue reading "March 2017 Net Worth Update (+$9,582)" »
Highlights for FebruaryStock markets drove another very good net worth gain for us this month with a $32k pop.I signed my wife up for another Barclay Arrival credit card with 50,000 bonus points after $3,000 in spending (effectively a...
Continue reading "February 2017 Net Worth Update (+$32,457)" »
Highlights for JanuaryWe started off the year playing catch-up from 2016 We paid our annual real estate taxes on 2 properties in the beginning of January. We also had a large chunk of our holiday spending hit our balance...
Continue reading "January 2017 Net Worth Update (+$12,144)" »
Highlights for DecemberIm far behind with updates on the blog for the past several months. Playing catch-up.We closed 2016 with a nice gain offsetting increased spending. Our net worth rose $170,147 in 2016 still comfortably ahead of our financial...
Continue reading "December 2016 Net Worth Update (+$19,452)" »
Highlights for AugustOur net worth hit $1.5M for the first time in August. It took 43 months to growth $500,000 since January 2013 when our net worth first crossed $1M to get here. I signed up for a US...
Continue reading "August 2016 Net Worth Update (+$27,077)" »
Highlights for JulyJuly was a much quieter month for us as we returned from our overseas trip from Vienna early in the month and stayed home for the rest of the month.After turning the keys over in June on...
Continue reading "July 2016 Net Worth Update (+$33,703)" »
Highlights for JuneJune has been a busy month for us, a Carpe Diem kind of month to me. Overall spending has been up as we try to make the most of summer.I handed the keys over to a property...
Continue reading "June 2016 Net Worth update (+7,831)" »
Highlights for MayOne of my rental properties lease is ending and the tenants are vacating in June. I've wrestled with using a property manager in the past, but have a hard time justify it given the cost. We'll this...
Continue reading "May 2016 Net Worth Update (+$12,330)" »
Highlights for AprilThings settled down in April - not too much activity in the markets, not too many highlights at home.Our properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We have...
Continue reading "April 2016 Net Worth (+$19,978)" »
Highlights for FebruaryWell February was looking very exicting there a couple weeks in, but the stock markets came roaring back too qualiy and my hopes of a significant buying opportunity vanished. Our properties are listed on our balance sheet...
Continue reading "February 2016 Net Worth (+$21,570)" »
Highlights for JanuaryWell 2016 is off to an interesting start! Ive been pessimistic about valuations over the past couple years and now I'm starting to get excited. Its hard to be patient, as already some stocks appear interesting. I...
Continue reading "January 2016 Net Worth (-$63,181)" »
Highlights for DecemberWell we ended up closing out 2015 on a down month. On the surface our net worth grew $59,700 which isn't great, but growth none the less. Our stock investments ended up slightly in the RED for...
Continue reading "December 2015 Net Worth Update (-$15,351)" »
Highlights for NovemberIm happy to report that November turned out to be another positive month for us.Our properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We have done this during the...
Continue reading "November 2015 Net Worth Update (+$13,459)" »
Highlights for OctoberWith the holiday vacation Im finally catching up for the past couple months and posting our monthly reports.Our properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We have done...
Continue reading "October 2015 Net Worth Update (+$67,372)" »
Highlights for SeptemberWe have earned approx $3,400 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through credit card signup bonuses in the past year. Our properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value....
Continue reading "September 2015 Net Worth Update (-$23,199)" »
Highlights for AugustWe have earned approx $3,400 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through credit card signup bonuses in the past year. Our properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value....
Continue reading "August 2015 Net Worth Update(-$44,297)" »
Highlights for JulyWe have earned approx $3,400 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through credit card signup bonuses in the part year. I just redeemed a $475 bonus on the Barclays Travel Credit Card to help offset the final...
Continue reading "July 2015 Net Worth Update (-$2,103)" »
Highlights for JuneWe have earned approx $3,400 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through credit card signup bonuses in the part year. We just finished the last 2 offers and will be looking for my next opportunity.Our properties are...
Continue reading "June 2015 Net Worth Update (+2,172)" »
Highlights for AprilWe have earned approx $3,400 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through credit card signup bonuses in the part year. We are actively working on 2 additional bonuses including the Delta Amex Card for 50,000 Skymiles &...
Continue reading "May 2015 Net Worth Update (+15,309)" »
Highlights for AprilWe have earned approx $3,400 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through credit card signup bonuses in the part year. We are actively working on 2 additional bonuses including the Delta Amex Card for 50,000 Skymiles &...
Continue reading "April 2015 Net Worth Update (+$16,009)" »
Highlights for MarchWe have earned approx $3,000 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through credit card signup bonuses in the part year. The last one I did in January and Im actively looking for some additional bonus opportunities.Our properties...
Continue reading "March 2015 Net Worth Update (+$5,216)" »
Highlights for FebruaryWe have earned approx $3,000 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through 6 credit card signup bonuses last year. Our credit scores are still hovering around 800, but since we have no plans to utilize our credit...
Continue reading "February 2015 Net Worth Update (+$44,489)" »
Highlights for JanuaryWe have earned approx $3,000 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through 6 credit card signup bonuses last year. Our credit scores are still hovering around 800, but since we have no plans to utilize our credit...
Continue reading "January 2015 Net Worth Update (-$20,867)" »
Highlights for DecemberWe have earned approx $3,000 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through 6 credit card signup bonuses this year. Our credit scores are still hovering around 800, but since we have no plans to utilize our credit...
Continue reading "December 2014 Net Worth Update (+$1,239)" »
Highlights for NovemberBetween my wife and I we have earned approx $3,000 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through 6 credit card signup bonuses this year. Our credit scores are still hovering around 800, but since we have no...
Continue reading "November 2014 Net Worth Update (+$26,286)" »
Highlights for OctoberBetween my wife and I we have earned approx $3,000 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through 6 credit card signup bonuses this year. Our credit scores are still hovering around 800, but since we have no...
Continue reading "October 2014 Net Worth Update (+$11,916)" »
Highlights for SeptemberBetween my wife and I we have earned approx $3,000 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through 6 credit card signup bonuses this year. Our credit scores are still hovering around 800, but since we have no...
Continue reading "September 2014 Net Worth Update (-$14,957)" »
Highlights for AugustBetween my wife and I we have earned approx $3,000 (in gift cards, points, and miles) through 6 credit card signup bonuses this year. Our credit scores are still hovering around 800, but since we have no...
Continue reading "August 2014 Net Worth Update (+$32,704)" »
Highlights for JulyI just signed up for our 4th and 5th new credit card promotion opportunity this year. Since we have no plans to utilize our credit for other financing anytime soon, we plan to make a little money...
Continue reading "July 2014 Net Worth Update (-$12,499)" »
Highlights for JuneWe signed my wife up for our 3rd new credit card promotion opportunity this year. We hope to earn $600 in gift cards after spending $5k over the next 3 months on this new card. We are...
Continue reading "June Net Worth Update (+$19,776)" »
Highlights for MayWe signed my wife up for our 3rd new credit card promotion opportunity this year. We hope to earn $600 in gift cards after spending $5k over the next 3 months. We are not spending extra, but...
Continue reading "May 2014 Net Worth Update (+$17,335)" »
Highlights for AprilWe finished up earning $1,000 in credit card signup bonuses for 2 credit card signups w/ spending requirements. Im not spending extra, but focusing our spending on these new cards to earn the bonuses and doing some...
Continue reading "April 2014 Net Worth Update (-$5,069)" »
Highlights for FebruaryWe are close to finishing up earning $1,000 in credit card signup bonuses for 2 credit card signups w/ spending requirements. Im not spending extra, but focusing our spending on these new cards to earn the bonuses...
Continue reading "March 2014 Net Worth Update (+$14,117)" »
Highlights for FebruaryWe are in the middle of earning $1,000 in credit card signup bonuses for 2 credit card signups w/ spending requirements. Im not spending extra, but focusing our spending on these new cards to earn the bonuses.Our...
Continue reading "February 2014 Net Worth Update (+$21,948)" »
Here are some updated charts on our net worth growth and investment portfolio with Yr2013 included: Our financial freedom goal of $2million + our primary residence is getting closer to reality. If only we could have 4 more years in...
Continue reading "2013 Net Worth Growth" »
Highlights for JanuaryWe jumped back into utilizing our credit score for $1,000 in credit card signup bonuses this month.Our properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We have done this...
Continue reading "January 2014 Net Worth Update (+$4,719)" »
Highlights for DecemberWe close 2013 with a fantastic year of growth for our balance sheet. Our balance sheet grew $248K, more than any previous year for our family (see net worth growth for a nice summary of previous years)....
Continue reading "December 2013 Net Worth Update (+$24,052)" »
Highlights for NovemberOur properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We have done this during the the real estate market highs and lows. I believe real estate is too illiquid...
Continue reading "November 2013 Net Worth Update (+$23,958)" »
Highlights for OctoberOur properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We have done during the the real estate market highs and lows. I believe real estate is too illiquid to...
Continue reading "October Net Worth Update (+$40,500)" »
Highlights for SeptemberOur properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We have done during the the real estate market highs and lows. I believe real estate is too illiquid to...
Continue reading "September 2013 Net Worth Update (+$30,692)" »
Highlights for AugustOur properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We did this while the real estate market was riding high and we continue to do it now during the...
Continue reading "August 2013 Net Worth Update (-$12,557)" »
Highlights for JulyOur properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We did this while the real estate market was riding high and we continue to do it now during the...
Continue reading "July 2013 Net Worth Update (+$40,011)" »
Highlights for JuneOur properties are listed on our balance sheet based on their cost basis, not current market value. We did this while the real estate market was riding high and we continue to do it now during the...
Continue reading "June 2013 Net Worth Update (-$7,619)" »
Highlights for MayWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. We earned a $500 bonus on our last offer on new Capital One Spark credit card this year.Our properties...
Continue reading "May 2013 Net Worth Update (+$16,453)" »
Highlights for AprilWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. We earned a $500 bonus on our last offer on new Capital One Spark credit card.Our properties are listed...
Continue reading "April 2013 Net Worth Update (+$13,409)" »
Highlights for MarchWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. In January we earned a $500 bonus on a new Capital One Spark credit card.Our properties are listed on...
Continue reading "March 2013 Net Worth Update (+$28,259)" »
Highlights for FebruaryWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. We earned a $500 credit card bonus this month after meeting a spending threshold on a Capital One Spark...
Continue reading "February 2013 Net Worth Update (+$8,144)" »
We crossed a major financial milestone this month! Highlights for JanuaryWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. We are currently taking advantage of a promotion for a Capital One...
Continue reading "January 2013 Net Worth Update (+$43,105)" »
Well with the books closed we officially had a solid year in terms of net worth growth in 2012: Its hard to complain with double digit portfolio returns. I think its interesting that our annual growth has been very consistent...
Continue reading "2012 Net Worth Growth" »
Highlights for DecemerWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. In December I signed up for a Capital One Spark Business Credit Card that offered a $500 bonus after...
Continue reading "December 2012 Net Worth Update (+$6,595)" »
Highlights for NovemberWe 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...
Continue reading "November 2012 Net Worth Update (+$11,111)" »
Highlights for OctoberWe 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...
Continue reading "October 2012 Net Worth Update (+$1,863)" »
September was an all around fantastic month for us with positives across the board! Highlights for SeptemberWe like to take advantage of 0% APR balance transfers and other credit card offers for free money. We are actively looking at taking...
Continue reading "September 2012 Net Worth Update (+$33,420)" »
I've been struggling with a mental block over the past year that we are in a funk. Part of it is career frustrations, part I think a loss of focus, and I think part is a sense that we are...
Continue reading "Update on Net Worth Growth" »
Highlights for AugustWe 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...
Continue reading "August 2012 Net Worth Update (+$18,668)" »
Highlights for JulyWe 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...
Continue reading "July 2012 Net Worth Update (+$18,119)" »
Highlights for JuneWe 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...
Continue reading "June 2012 Net Worth Update (+$11,674)" »
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