August 2020 Financial Asset Roundup

Here are my current financial assets as of the market close on August 10th, 2020:

Asset	Jul 2020	Aug 2020	Change
Checking	3,315	6,607	3,292
Money Market	101,241	88,213	-13,028
Savings Bonds	163,135	163,424	289
Treasury Bills	0	0	0
CDs	80,876	81,101	225
Brokerage	188,536	186,864	-1,672
401k	253,244	266,693	13,449
Roth IRA	182,151	189,556	7,405
SEP IRA	895,345	934,202	38,857
529 Savings	189,646	191,482	1,836
Total Assets	$2,057,489	$2,108,142	$50,653
			2.46%

In spite of the daily bad news about the COVID-19 pandemic and stalled stimulus negotiations, the S&P 500 just keeps going up, rising 5.51% since the last update:

(chart courtesy of nasdaq.com)

On the jobs front, the unemployment rate for July improved a bit, falling from 11.1% to 10.2%. While that sounds like a positive development, it still translates to about 13 million jobs lost due to the pandemic. Oil prices have continued to creep up to the $43 level (from $40), which continues to translate to a local regular unleaded gasoline price of $1.99 at my last fill up.

On the financial front, my assets have hit an all-time high for the second month, surpassing the previous high from July 2020. My Alliant 2.35% APY 12 month CD will also be maturing soon, with no good options for that cash with interest rates circling the drain. With current interest rates and an uncertain economy, I just keep chuggin along as I make my montly contribution to my Solo 401k plan.

As for the non-financial, I finally got the oil-fired boiler at our house replaced and we bought a commuter car for the youngest Frugalson to take to college next month. We'll be defraying the cost of the car with the 529 scholarship exception, so at least that'll help a bit. We'll owe income tax on the earnings of course, but at least we won't also have to pony up the 10% penalty.