I went on a much needed vacation from March 14-18. First trip with my bf and the first I’ve gone on with anyone dating in almost 10 years. Other than the flight delays it was wonderful. People in Canada are so much friendlier than in the US or at least the places we visited in Toronto and Quebec.

Sharing a few pictures of my March 2024 experience. It’s been more about experiencing the moment and less about trying to make sure everything is perfect or overthinking.

Trying to keep track of everything that’s happened

1. Some team changes at work, I think 4 people have left in the last month or so. Most to take on higher paying positions and I’m happy for them.
2. Bought a pair of Vince high top sneakers in this lovely camel color. They were a little expensive at 154.88 plus tax but I also get 10% cashback.
3. Experienced this amazing bar + restaurant called Finch and the food and the drinks were completely on point. Close to $100 with the margarita flight included. I don’t go to these fancy places often but once a month or so isn’t bad.
4. Leveraged my annual gym HSA redemption to get $500 back from my HSA. $400 of that went right toward extra car payments.
5. Related to the above $1800 went toward car payments. Doesn’t feel sustainable but I’m making really great progress.
6. Only 1 more contribution away from hitting the 2023 Roth IRA limit. Setting aside $371 per paycheck has been a bit of a strain but it’s for my future self. FZROX all the way.
7. Dealing with an annoying ants situation outside the door of my apartment. I went crazy on them some weeks ago but keep seeing them come back. Hoping the baits work but I’m still pretty skeptical.
8. New season of kickball is underway, the team is a lot of fun to be around. Kinda nice having younger energy around, to a point. I’m not getting trashed off alcohol but a drink or 2 is fine…
9. Seeing the Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire movie tonight but have seen Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and Dune: Part Two this month. No regrets. Was supposed to see The American Society of Magical Negroes but the reviews looked so bad and I overslept.

	3/31/2024	3/1/2024	Difference	%Change
401K	$257,260	$247,070	+$10,190	+4.1%
Roth IRA	$39,020	$37,111	+$1,909	+5.1%
M1 Acct	$2,367	$2,189	+$178	+8.1%
Cash	$3,392	$3,589	-$198	-5.5%
HSA	$2,693	$3,067	-$374	-12.2%
Total	$304,731	$29,026	$11,705	+4.0%
Credit Card	$65	$440	-$375	-85.2%
Auto Loan	$13,587	$15,314	-$1,727	-11.3%
Net Total	$291,079	$277,272	+$13,807	+5.0%

I’ve been grinding, maybe not as hard as some people but April 1, 2023 my net worth was $195,115. So I’m up $96k in the last year and that includes two time periods where I was making aggressive car payments. I feel myself getting a little out of balance so making sure I take time for myself including sleep, eating better, and meditating. My investments are at $300k which is a huge milestone and I’m proud of it. When I started this blog in April 2012 I was negative $50k, so that’s about 7X .

Looking at houses again, a place not far from me is listed at $290k. I think more will show up in the high $2XX range if I wait longer. $250k would be right up my alley but I’m not sure that’s goign to happen. Goal is to pay the car off early then put cash in a high yield savings acct while still maxing out my retirement account. It’s Easter and I’m extremely blessed for everything in my life. Time to hurry up so I’m not late for the movie. Be safe and find happiness each day. ❤