Finances 2010

Financially, 2010 was a really good year for us. I know that many people are really struggling with their finances whether it is from debt or job loss or health problems and my heart goes out to them. We are fortunate because we both have jobs that pay well and provide medical insurance. Another major factor is that we have no debt--no car payments, the house is paid off, and the credit card is paid off every 2 weeks. We are both frugal and have lived well below our means all 42 years of our marriage.

Our net worth has increased by about 10% to $1.2 million; of that about half is in our combined 401Ks, the house is worth and property is worth about $415,000, and $56,000 is in savings (Emergency fund, New vehicle savings, Household Savings).

The key for me is planning--saving $500 per paycheck for the taxes, homeowners insurance, and homeowners association fees; saving in advance for a new vehicle (my van has 131,000 miles on it and JMM's truck has even more miles) so it is likely that we will need a new vehicle soon, and finally having an Emergency fund so that if one of us loses their job or a hurricane blows off the roof, the money is there to pick up the pieces.

My financial goal for next year is to continue on the same path--work, save, give, enjoy.