Picking up Nickels

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

November 2014 Financial Asset Roundup

Here are my current financial assets as of the market close on November 10th, 2014:


Asset Oct
2014
Nov
2014
Change
Checking 1,486 927 -559
Money Market 58,778 47,836 -10,942
Savings Bonds 92,718 92,887 169
Treasury Bills 0 0 0
CDs 53,422 63,599 10,177
Brokerage 121,278 129,429 8,151
401k 130,255 134,862 4,607
Roth IRA 88,203 100,398 12,195
SEP IRA 449,397 483,832 34,435
529 Savings 109,450 113,690 4,240



Total Assets $1,104,987 $1,167,460 $62,473
   
 
5.65%


The S&P 500 has been on fire over the past few days while rising to record highs, up 8.72% since the last update:

(chart courtesy of yahoo.com)

On the jobs front, the unemployment rate for October fell once again to 5.8% (the lowest since 2008) continuing the strong job growth we've seen in 2014. Oil prices have continued their slide from $85 to below $78, and I have finally paid less than $3 per gallon for both heating oil and gasoline for the first time since November 2010! American politics have also taken an interesting turn with the Republicans taking majority control of the U.S. Senate. Time will tell if this will be a positive or negative development for our country.

On the financial front, my assets have reached a new all time high, surpassing the previous high from September. My E-LOAN 1.10% APY 1 year CD matured with no issues and I've used those proceeds to open a Penfed 1.21% APY 1 year CD. I also made full 2014 Roth IRA contributions for myself and Mrs. Frugalson and took an equity distribution from my S Corporation to partially offset the cost.

Other than that, I need to assess our YTD income tax withholding and see if the changes to our payroll deductions will keep us from writing the IRS a fat check (with potential penalty) when our 2014 tax returns are due. Good times. :)