Net Worth Update - April 2014

While cash flow is more important when it comes to financial independence, it's still good to look at the balance sheet too, which is why I provide these net worth updates.  The S&P 500 was essentially flat for the month increase 0.50%.  Although with some disappointing earnings reports, announcements from the Fed, and the issues in the Ukraine led to a much more volatile month than the end result.  Since more and more of my net worth is tied to the markets, there's a larger between my net worth and the markets.  As a dividend growth investor I'm not overly concerned with the short-term gyrations as long as the dividend stream remains in tact, but the markets' effect is noticeable.  I had just over $6,000 in after-tax savings from my paycheck (although only $4.5k is directly earmarked for savings/investment), around $850 in ESPP contributions, and over $1,150 in 401k contributions counting the employer match.  The rest of the changes were due to dividends received and changes in the stock market.  All in all April saw a $10,725.43 increase in my net worth.

Current Assets: $555,186.60
Curent Liquid Assets: $180,339.73
Current Debts: -$190,217.56
Net Worth: $364,969.04

My monthly changes have smoothed out after the decrease in January and then record setting February.  April was about the same as March so it's good to see things settle down a bit.  I set a little bit of a personal milestone by passing $550k in assets, although we'll see how long that lasts depending on what the markets do.  Liabilities are pretty much just the mortgage on our house which we now have 20.71% equity in our house.  I don't see the point in paying extra on the mortgage given our relatively low interest rate and think we'll come out much further ahead investing extra cash flow for the time being.

April's increase came in at a 3.03% improvement over March and year-to-date I've had an increase of $44,854.82 for a 14.01% improvement.  My goal for the year is to have a $125,000 increase in my net worth, and so far I'm 36% of the way towards my goal and a little behind pace to get there.  Of course, there's no telling what the investment assets will do towards my progress towards that goal.

I've changed the chart for my net worth to better reflect our situation now that there's significant debt on the books with our mortgage.  The chart will now show both assets and liabilities as well as the net worth.  I also changed the colors because I didn't notice this until April but assets were red and liabilities were green.  So that's now been fixed.



My after-tax savings rate for April came in at 52.50% which is over my goal of 50%, so I'll be looking to increase that target during my half year review post.  This is a big drop-off from 2013's 81.31% rate, but that's because I changed the way I calculate my savings rate.  It's now just savings from my after-tax income that is specifically marked for investment.  I think this gives a purer savings rate since it's only true savings/investment capital.  I'm averaging 53.58% through the first four month of the year which I'm ecstatic about and hope to be able to push that even higher throughout the rest of the year.


It's great to see a new trend forming in my liquid assets expense coverage after the 3 month decline towards the end of 2013.  I've got a new streak going with 3 consecutive months of increases and I hope to keep that up throughout the rest of the year.  As expenses hopefully head lower and savings move higher this ratio should continue to increase in most months.  Based on my expenses from April, my liquid savings would last for 5.42 years, a 0.09 year increase from March.

I've updated my Progress page to reflect April's changes.

Also, I'm starting a newsletter and I hope to get the first edition out over the next week or two so go on and sign up to receive new posts to your email and newsletter!  Also you'll be the first to hear about new things that I have in store for the blog.

How did your net worth do in April?  

Comments

  1. Congrats on passing $550k. I had a solid month on my net worth. This month I will pass $60k for the first time. :)

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  2. Hi PIP - What do you do for a living, you seem to have a high income and a high expense per month?

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  3. Nice job...a $125K increase to your net worth is a huge feat but it looks like you are well on your way to accomplishing that goal. 14% and almost $45K year-to-date is already a win in my book. Nevertheless, keep the pedal to the medal. Good Luck reaching your goal...we wish you continued success!

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  4. Great growth chart man. Straight up trajectory. Keep doin your thang man cause you are doing it right

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