Making Progress Towards My Goals - August 2024 Update

August is usually a slow month in my industry, and 2024 was no exception.  That doesn't mean I sat around watching Netflix:  I did several Amazon routes and found a sweepstakes hustle with Chumba Casino thanks to a friend of mine.

Financial

My goal this year is to invest 40% of my gross income from meeting work - 30% to index funds and 10% to something more aggressive.  In August I moved 56% of my meeting income to investment accounts.

In August, I earned $4,200 from meeting work.   I transferred $500 to the brokerage account where I make more aggressive investments and $1,850 to my other brokerage account. 

I purchased shares of the Vanguard Total World Stock Index Admiral Fund for the 30%.  For the "more aggressive" investment, I short sold Beyond Meat stock and also bought a PUT option against Beyond Meat.

*This will not match what I report in my income blog as payments aren't always received in the month the work was performed.

Health

I'm doing well meeting my exercise goals by exercising at least 5x/week.  

Simplify

We took an oversized bag of donations to our local thrift store.  It's next to our Planet Fitness which makes it really convenient.  I still have more clothes than I need and should find time to go through my closet again.

Have Fun, on a Budget

Our next vacation is in October.  We are taking a cruise from New Orleans.  The cruise was "free" - I paid a $200 deposit which is refunded as onboard credit.  We are flying to New Orleans two days ahead of the cruise to have a little local fun.  I redeemed free nights for the hotel (my Hyatt credit card gives me a free night every year and I earned a second free night because I spent $15,000 on the card last year).  The flights were also free.  I get a $200 annual credit through my Platinum AMEX card and used points as well.  This is definitely a frugal trip!  In September I will prepay for an excursion at our favorite all inclusive beach resort in Costa Maya.  I can't say enough good things about Maya Chan Resort.  I am such a fan that I even bought the book the founder wrote about starting the resort.