Picking up Nickels

Friday, November 10, 2017

November 2017 Financial Asset Roundup

Here are my current financial assets as of the market close on November 9th, 2017:


Asset Oct
2017
Nov
2017
Change
Checking 491 810 319
Money Market 66,489 65,141 -1,348
Savings Bonds 137,015 137,283 268
Treasury Bills 0 0 0
CDs 41,671 41,788 117
Brokerage 153,160 156,473 3,313
401k 161,984 163,693 1,709
Roth IRA 139,904 141,324 1,420
SEP IRA 685,532 691,824 6,292
529 Savings 166,232 167,918 1,686



Total Assets $1,552,478 $1,566,254 $13,776
   
 
0.89%


The S&P 500 has once again continued to hit all time highs since the last update, rising 1.33% during that time:

(chart courtesy of google.com)

On the jobs front, the unemployment rate for October dropped to 4.1%, the lowest it has been since December 2000. Oil prices have risen to the $57 level (up from $51), while local gas prices have settled somewhat ($2.41 at my last fill-up). In other news, the Republican-controlled congress has finally announced their tax reform plans. At first glance, there doesn't seem to be much for someone like me to get excited about. I'm at least pleased that they have apparently dropped the idea of raiding people's tax-deferred retirement savings to help offset the costs of tax cuts.

On the financial front, my asset levels have reached an all-time high for the TWELFTH month in a row, breaking the previous high from October 2017. I don't have any immediate money moves planned and don't anticipate any surprises like the last great Penfed CD rate deal (Penfed 3.04% APY 5 year CD) from four years ago. Lets just say that I'm not holding my breath.

As for the non-financial, the eldest of the young Frugalsons has been hitting the college application process pretty hard. SAT stores are a done deal, the FAFSA application is done, and the first round of applications have been submitted. Based on the FAFSA estimates for the Expected Family Contribution (~$70k per year), I'm not anticipating lots of help in that department. Thank goodness for our 529 savings plan balances!