My Frugal Miser - July Income: $8,773

If I didn't know my business better, I would have begun to give up the hope of having a month  where my income exceeds my expenses.  Alas, I know better than to throw in the towel.  Very soon, my finances will be headed back in the right direction.

July was a mediocre month for income, as I still have two empty townhouses.  My mystery shopping income bounced back nicely.  That category should contribute nicely to my monthly numbers through the rest of the year thanks to the mystery shopping route I am beginning this week.

Last month I reported that five properties were underperforming.  One of my tenants who was behind on his rent paid me $1,000 the day after I posted the 7 Day Notice on his door.  That doesn't get him current but it goes far so I am giving him a little more time to get caught up.  Of the two vacant properties, one is ready to rent and the other will be very soon.  I did lower the asking price on the first townhouse from $750/mo. to $650/mo. in hopes of getting a tenant before school starts.


July Income

$2,547 Mystery Shopping
$6,134 Rental Income

$92 Other Sources

$8,773 Total Income for July

Notes:.  

• I don't include transactions in my retirement accounts.  This includes rental income, dividends and capital gains and losses.
• I include merchandising and hospitality work in the mystery shopping category since the companies that I shop for provide this extra side work.