Net Worth Report #5, December 2017 – Goodbye 2017!

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Welcome to the fifth net worth report here at NMI!

The year is coming to and end, and what a year it has been.  Notwithstanding the political and social dumpster fire that was 2017;

 

 

two-thousand and seventeen was a huge one for investors, including myself.  My investment portfolio increased by over $3,500.00, (a gain of about 13%!) while my overall portfolio increased by over $25,000.00*!

* I started investing in late November of 2016.  At the time, I had about $15,000.00 saved total, with practically no debt. 

 

I’m really happy with how my portfolio continues to grow.  I don’t know if this bull run is coming to an end or not, but I’m happy I threw as much as I could at my investments.  Now that they’re larger, provided the market continues its course, they’re going to really start bringing in some good returns.

 

For those new to my net worth reports, I’d like to give you a few minor details. I get paid semi-monthly, which means I get paid on the 15th and the last day of the month.  Sometimes my money isn’t made available to me until two or three days after the month has already changed, so in order to ensure the most accurate net worth reports, I will always include both incomes.  As such, my reports will be made available on the third or fourth day of the following month, possibly a few days after.  In rare circumstances in which I fail to get paid on time, I will either wait until that money is made available to report or I will include it in the following month’s net worth report.

You can find the latest and/or past reports here.

These figures are accurate as of the end of the day, January 5th.

 

 

MY INCOME

 

JOB INCOME

I received both of my checks this month (actually early!).  Woohoo to a steady paycheck!  Unfortunately, this is the time of year we usually slow down.  I’m hoping it doesn’t hit us too hard.  Fortunately, the economy seems to be doing well, and the past few months have been pretty good.

 

 

SIDE INCOME

If you saw my last report, I mentioned that I was trying a couple of new ways to make some additional income.  I purchased a used desk from an auction and am still trying to sell it through the consignment store I work at.  I also have some comics, purchased at the same auction, that I’ve yet to run through that may potentially give me some additional income as well.  I need to do a little research and compile the list of all of them, which takes time, and well, I’m lazy.  Unfortunately, I made no extra income this month.

 

 

 

MY ASSETS

 

SAVINGS & INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

I’m assuming it’s because of the drumming up of the new tax bill, but my VTSAX stock went crazy this month.  I don’t agree with many of Trump’s policies, but as a FI-er in progress, I’m happy with the results of my portfolio.

My cryptocurrencies had a bit of a crazy month as well.  My Ethereum practically doubled, and just hit an all time high of $1,000.00 a couple days ago.  My Litecoin has been staying steady in the $250.00 value, and my NEO has quadrupled in price.  I bought in at $27.00 during the summer, and it just passed the $100.00 mark for the first time in the last week or so.  I also had a little money left on an exchange and bought some Ripple, and even that quadrupled in price, making my $30.00 into over $100.00.

What’s crazy is that if I had kept my thirty Ethereum that I purchased in August and September, my portfolio would be up by about $10,000.00 to $20,000.00 right now!  There is definitely a huge gain to be had in crypto, but it is such a huge risk – I’m not sad that I pulled out on a lot of the major ones.  There’s just too much to lose.  I will say that I don’t see it slowing down at all in 2018 – I expect it to grow even further!

Here’s to another prosperous year for crypto!

 

Remember, when it comes to cryptos, never part with more money than you’re willing to lose!  I’ve learned that the hard way!

Here’s a link to my article on cryptocurrency that every beginner should check out before jumping in

*I decided to try an experiment in which I purchased 43 different cryptocurrencies (worth about $900.00 total) in the beginning of 2018 with the intent of holding onto them for one full year.  You can check out the initial post here.

 

MY LIABILITIES

 

 

My liabilities didn’t change too much this month either.  Even with my current spending, my overall debt only went up by about $200.00.

I’m continuing to use the interest-free card until next year for pretty much all of my purchases, while using my other CitiBank card for my auto-pay bills.

I really recommend automating all of your bills, especially if they allow you to pay with a credit card.  You set it up once and you don’t have to worry again.  The only ones I don’t automate are accounts that need a checking account – you want to be sure the money is in there before it gets debited.

 

 

MY NET WORTH

 

 

An increase of + $2,829.08!

 

Woohoo!  I’m getting closer and closer to that $40,000.00 net worth!  Though 2018 is going to be all about wiping away that debt.  I saved quite a bit in 2017, so I suppose I should start tackling that issue.  I do have a somewhat conflicting goal of acquiring over $75,000.00 in assets by the end of 2018.  I think it is possible.  While it is a lofty goal, it’s what I’m aiming for!

Here’s to a great 2018!  I wish you and your family nothing but the best.

 

Thanks for visiting!  What are your goals for 2018?  How was your road to FI in 2017?  I’d love to hear!

 

          – NMI