About Me

Dido

GOALS for 2008

1. Continue to save 15% of earnings (ideally 20%). To do this, I will make special effort this year towards cutting food costs.

2. For 2008 only, put most of that towards short-term savings (CD ladder) to give myself sufficient liquidity during a career change.
Jan 1, 2008 cash balance: $8023
Mar 31, 2008 balance: $8200
June 30, 2008 balance: $8606

3. Do everything possible to make that career change happen! Planning to do an internship this summer and apply for jobs in the fall. Although I'm not a traditional college student, that's what the market is geared for, so I expect the career changeover to occur in June 2009. I am set with employment until then (phew!)

4. Continue paying extra on the mortgage. Goal is to cut my payoff date down to 22 years total (age 67) or ideally 20 (age 65).
Jan 1, 2008 balance: $89,300.
Mar 31, 2008 balance: $89,000
Jun 30, 2008 balance: $88,560

5. Continue investing for retirement--at least 1 million. Goal is to get there by no later than age 65, ideally age 60. Currently I'm on track to do so, as long as I can (1) earn an average of 8%/year on my retirement savings and (2) get some contributions towards my retirement from my employer.
balance 1/1/08: $127K
balance 6/30/08: $121K (market drop)

6. Nonfinancial goals: Lost at leat 15% of my weight (so far I lost weight during Jan & Feb and regained it during Mar & Apr), exercise daily, and maintain at least a semblance of a social life.

ABOUT ME

I grew up just outside of Beverly Hills in a family characterized by both a Depression-era fear of want and a tendency to solve many problems by throwing money at them. I still struggle with both tendencies myself. About 15 years ago, I had a "financial awakening when I read "Your Money or Your Life" and I've made significant progress since then, but I still find the journey a struggle on a daily basis.

My first paid survey check arrived

July 28th, 2006 at 01:27 pm

I can not recall on whose blog I read the reference, but I signed up for Pinecone Research, apparently met their criterion, completed my first survey for them last week, and received a $5 check in the mail today!

Posted in $20 Challenge | 4 Comments »

4 Responses to “My first paid survey check arrived”

jacquelynrose Says:
July 28th, 2006 at 05:46 pm

I Love Pinecone Research!

Jacquelyn
Lady Jennelle Says:
July 28th, 2006 at 07:25 pm

I love Pinecone also .... have been doing their survey for probably 5 or 6 years 'n those $5.00 checks really do help!

So glad that you were able to sign-up and qualified.
Dido Says:
July 29th, 2006 at 06:46 am

Jennelle, it was probably your blog on which I saw the site mentioned, so thanks!
Steve Says:
August 5th, 2006 at 11:49 pm

Thanks for the tip! I hadn't heard of this company before. I'm always wary about offers like this (be a mystery shopper, work from home, etc.), so it's good to know some are legit, and that it actually can work. Now I just have to figure out how to sign up..

Fiscal Fitness

Aiming to save 15% of my earnings and to lose 15% of my weight in 2008!

My first paid survey check arrived

4 Responses to “My first paid survey check arrived”

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