I skimmed some sites on moving back, and one suggested I buy a house and rent it out. Not enough money in the budget to go buy another house right now. I might ask some friends to go halfsies with me on a duplex: I could count on them to keep an eye on real estate prices.
Today my first kitchen designer comes through. I am worried about the cost of the kitchen: I have a large enough HELOC to cover it, but the preferred credit utilization ratio is less than my anticipated kitchen budget.
I had a good phone screen yesterday: a half-hour call turned into a 95-minute conversation. I hope to interview in person next week. This is a full-time permanent position that will not be cut back in an economic downturn. My concern is transit: I fear my options would be limited to scooter, car, carpool or vanpool. It piques me that there's so much promotion about riding transit: it's a no-brainer if I'm going downtown or to a major employment center on the Eastside, but try going to a minor employment center in an industrial park in another county 24 miles away and there's no hope to make it taking fewer than three buses or two hours. The commuter rail runs counter to my route (I would have reverse rush-hour). Is it my fault for choosing a house in a major city and getting away with public transit for most of my years in that house? Should I spend $28.00/day on transportation (rail fees) to prevent "climate change" when gas would cost me $36/week by car or $20/week on scooter? I see that my choice to ride the bus for free hasn't singlehandedly reduced gas prices or eliminated the threat of climate change.
Ever worry you won't be saving enough?
August 7th, 2008 at 11:57 am
August 7th, 2008 at 05:24 pm
August 7th, 2008 at 07:32 pm
August 8th, 2008 at 09:28 am
I picked up a book from the library from Jane Bryant Quinn, titled, "Making the Most Out of Your Money". In it, you filled out alot of information and came to a retirement number. It was the most complete I've seen so far. I felt satified with the results and I use those figures as my base and for future years.
Once you have the number, you know what your number should be at the end of 2008, 2009, etc.
It has helped me to relax a bit even though the market is a bit crazy right now. Just continue investing monthly and get the shares at a lower cost.