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About Me:

Monkey Mama

Just a 46-year-old mom of 2 in Northern California. My kids are Monkey Monkey(MM) and Drama Llama (DL). I am married to Monkey Hubby (MH).

We were a one-income family for 13 years. In late 2015 my spouse returned to work (minimum wage/part-time/seasonal). Something recent on his resume just buys us more options for the long run. The main benefit of this job is that he just works while the kids are in school. As always, we are saving 100% of his income.

{2023 Update: I expect that MH will retire from this job when kids are done with college and/or home is paid off. I think he likes the idea of finding more interesting or full-time work, with kids both adults now. But practically, might just stick out the *good* and very flexible job as long as possible. The very part-time job is allowing him to pursue his film passions. We are only about 5-ish years away from financial independence. Would be very different if we "needed" the money or he thought he might have decades of working years ahead of him.}

We saved a lot while we were very young and also moved to a lower cost-of-living area, to make life much simpler. We still live in California though (in one of the most expensive regions of the U.S.). *Simple* and *inexpensive* is relative.

Likewise, we have never had debt aside from our mortgage.** My blog is a testament to how much simpler life is without debt; how we have that much more money to both save and enjoy!

**Caveat: I have no problem whatsoever with credit cards paid off monthly, or low-risk credit arbitrage (for example, 0%-interest debt while earning 5% on FDIC-insured cash). These are the kinds of debt we have had. Just not interested in high-interest debt, using debt to buy beyond means, and not interested in the hassle that comes with loans and payments. With age and means, the latter (hassle) is our biggest debt avoidance motivation.

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2024 Goals

[ ]Small monthly Charitable Contribution
...($35 @ 1/31/24)
...Trying to be more mindful about how the little amounts add up and are helpful.
...This is not an all inclusive list of charitable giving but it is a new habit I want to add in addition to other donations of time, goods and money

[ ]Pay cash for college
...This is so much a given, to me. But I realize not everyone can read my mind, and so will memorialize in my goal list.
...#1 We don't do Debt
...#2 The student loan system is a scammy and corrupt mess.
...Seriously, wouldn't touch these student loan servicers with a ten foot pole.
MM YEAR 1 ✔
MM YEAR 2 ✔
MM YEAR 3 ✔
MM YEAR 4

DL YEAR 1 ✔
DL YEAR 2

[ ]$10,000 to savings
...($4,529 @ 3/31/24)
...$1,000/month, plus interest
...Topping off with snowballs

[ ]$7,500 to investments
...($1,750 @ 4/30/24)
...$350/month, plus snowflakes
(Snowflakes: credit card rewards and dividends)
...Topping off with snowballs

[ ]$2,025 to mortgage
...($0 @ 4/30/24)
...Topping off with snowballs and/or excess cash
...Keeps us on track with $10K principal paydown per year

[/]9% of household income to work retirement plans
...(9% @ 3/31/24)
...This is the minimum for the match; I'd otherwise rather fund IRAs.
...Note: Total retirement savings rate is 20% (with IRAs)

Goal savings rate = 25% of gross salary, plus funding IRAs from other sources.

[ ]$14,000 to IRAs 2024 (MAX)
...($0 @ 4/30/24)
...Will fund with MH's income
...Will not fund until the year is over. This is for tax and planning reasons. I won't know what mix of Traditional/ROTH IRA we literally can contribute until we do our 2024 taxes. In addition to that, can make a more informed decision based on our financial and tax situation for the entire year.

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**Long-Term Goals**

[X]$500,000 in retirement accounts by age 45.

Current big picture goal:

[ ]$1 Mil in retirement accounts by age 52.

Stretch Goal: Achieve by age 50

Have decided to pretty much stay the course. Keep saving 20%+ to retirement. This means taking 401K match & maxing out IRAs.

NOTE: WE HAVE NEVER CONTRIBUTED LESS THAN 10% TO RETIREMENT. NO EXCEPTIONS.

If we can't achieve at least 10%, then something else has to give. I share because it's infinitely easier to save for retirement if you start early. Let the investments do the hard work for you.

-------------------------------

Debt: $85,000 mortgage
{Home Purchase Price $290,000}

Ongoing goal is to *never borrow money again.*

Took on a $230k mortgage in 2001 and have not added to that.

-------------------------

Net Worth: Increase net worth by $600,000 in the next 10 years. This is my "financial independence" goal.

2017: +$ 70,000 (partial year)
2018: +$ 51,000
2019: +$105,000
2020: +$104,000
2021: +$215,000
2022: <$ 65,000>
2022: +$ 85,000
TOTAL: +$565,000

This is in line with prior goal, saving 100% of our expenses every year.

{Our expenses are far more consistent than our income. Also, helps to prevent "living up to income."}

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My Pages

The Shopping is Done / Generation Candy

March 10th, 2010 at 04:58 pm

Will wonders never cease. Dh liked the bedside table thingy I picked out for LM.

& LM liked it too.

SO, I ordered that one last night.

So, his "room makeover" will complete within the week, when that all arrives.

I actually just picked them up because March tends to be a pretty low spend month for us. We don't really have the time to go anywhere or do anything fun. So this time of year we tend to stock up on the material things. Not that we generally have a lot of time to shop. But doing it all online makes it pretty easy. I can squeeze these out of the monthly budget.

----------------------------------------

I went to Target last night to pick up a few groceries (for the most part). Still helping out dh more than usual. Not sure if it is necessary, but I have been doing so much, and running there so much, I don't mind. Seemed easier for me to just stop by there on the way home.

BTW, we are getting a "super Target" with produce and meat everything - I believe within the year. Should be interesting. I honestly don't expect prices much cheaper than our local grocery store. (Which is a REALLY nice store with huge selection - but great prices too). BUT, will see. We usually get cereal (generic), and granola bars at Target. Maybe a few other things.

I spent $65, which wasn't bad since I went WAY off list. My usual rule is that I do not get a basket. At most, maybe a hand basket. If I can't carry it - I can't buy it. I just can't be let loose in there with a cart.

It was rather subconscious, but I decided at the last minute to get a cart since my grocery list had gotten so long. I think it was for the best. Picked up a few things I had been "needing" like kid sized hangers. I had grabbed some $1 plastic bowls before and figured I should grab some more. I don't think I picked up anything that wasn't either insanely cheap/useful or "I have been needing those forever but I never have room to carry them."

I also perused the furniture and stuff. Considering options for LM's room and to supplement our new entertainment center. Made sure the item I picked for LM wasn't in stock (I found it at Amazon - free shipping - in the end).

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**Generation Candy**

Is it just me, or are small children in "Generation Candy"?

I don't *get* it. I thought we were generation "HEalth Nut." But to the kids? The main food group is sugar???

I was pleased when I found the Valentine's cards I had bought on clearance last year (after V-day). They were very fancy and I thought, "Ooooh. BM will have the fanciest cards of the bunch. They will think I spent some insane amount on stupid V-Day cards." They were holographic and everything.

Instead, he came home with PILES Of candy. In the end, we were the cheap ones that didn't give away candy. LOL.

I mean - the candy rivaled HAlloween. IT was INSANE.

Thing is, every birthday, every Holiday, and every celebration of any kind means mountaints of candy and cake. I just don't *get it* in the least. I suppose this showcases my personality. Where is the excitement if this is like every single dang week of the year? I am not opposed to a nice treat once in a while. But when we have a neverending supply of candy sitting in our house. It kind of takes away the fun. Doesn't it?

I am not quite sure what to do about it. The candy load will DOUBLE next year once LM starts public school. (Not that he doesn't bring home loads of candy from preschool. Just not near the amount of kids in BM's class). Can you donate candy???? I Would if I could. Big Grin

I loathe to throw anything away, but this is just ridiculous.

Posted in Just Thinking | 9 Comments »

9 Responses to “The Shopping is Done / Generation Candy”

creditcardfree Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 05:18 pm 1268241528
1268241528

I agree with you on the candy thing. I don't buy candy but have found that I do buy other sugar snacks. Yikes. I'm aware of it and am going to cut back and up the fruits and veggies.

Can you take your extra candy to work or give it to the school office staff. Otherwise, let the kids pick a few of their favorites and just throw it out! In the end, throwing it out is better for everyone.
monkeymama Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 05:20 pm 1268241635
1268241635

I don't need to buy candy, ever, because there is an endless free supply.
Maybe we should hoarde it up for Halloween. To give away. That idea just occured to me. Taking it to work is an idea...
Analise Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 05:44 pm 1268243050
1268243050

The candy thing is very true...

When I was an elementary principal I had to put restrictions/guidelines in place regarding classroom parties because of the sugar overload. Sadly, I had way too many obese kids at my school (it was a high poverty school and there is a correlation) and they always brought candy or other sweets from home for snacks. Many schools now prohibit or restrict the sale of candy and soda on campus (like for fundraisers).
monkeymama Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 06:11 pm 1268244695
1268244695

I wonder if it's the same for "high income" schools, on some level. These parents have WAY TOO MUCH TIME on their hands. Your comment was just interesting because I was thinking the opposite. Everyone's birthday, and every little celebration imagineable, has to be a big production with candy goodie bags and such. I just don't remember anything like it, as a kid.

It's almost a Joneses kind of thing. Everyone trying to outdo one another.

I suppose your comment makes me think we should talk to the school about it. Call us the fuddy duddies! WE aren't health freaks by any measure, but we do preach moderation.
dmontngrey Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 06:16 pm 1268245018
1268245018

OMG - that's my Target rule too! If I can't carry it, I don't need it. The only exception is when we pick up dog food - yeah I need a cart for that. You'd be amazed at how much I've found I can carry though...
monkeymama Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 06:26 pm 1268245569
1268245569

dmontgomery - LOL. I have had quite a few salespeople ask me over the years "if I need a cart." I will pile it pretty high, myself. So I am not the only one carrying a mountain of stuff through Target? LOL. That is the only store I have issues with. Too much good stuff.

I mean, the place is filled with MONKEYS lately. Even with the cart - no monkeys. I was good.
snshijuptr Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 07:20 pm 1268248838
1268248838

As for the candy thing as an educator and healthy eater, I am totally against all the processed sugars and fat in children's food. I'm gonna be watching and supporting that new show Food Revolution more because I agree with the politics than that I like the show. I really hope it's good.
Ima saver Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 07:53 pm 1268250837
1268250837

I think saving it for halloween giving is a good idea. Candy has a long shelf life.
michellehell Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 07:59 pm 1268251140
1268251140

You can donate candy. I donate ours to a nearby nursing home. It provides little treats for the staff to hand out to the residents, or to give to small children that are there to visit their relatives. I would highly suggest giving it a try. My kids actually look forward to going with me to drop it off. They always get to keep one for themselves, and they like to hand out a peice to any resident they see. (I won't let them give any to a resident, unless the nurse says it is ok first.)

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The Shopping is Done / Generation Candy

9 Responses to “The Shopping is Done / Generation Candy”

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