Net Worth Update November 2010 (+1.49%)
Welcome to the Million Dollar Journey November 2010 Net Worth Update. For those of you new to Million Dollar Journey, a monthly net worth update is typically posted near the end of the month (or beginning of the next) to track the progress of my journey to one million in net worth. If you scroll down below, you’ll see that the net worth is getting close to the $500k mark with about 4 years to go. If you would like to follow my journey, you can get updates sent directly to your email.
During my last update, I committed to using my cash savings to pay off the mortgage, and I’m happy to announce that we are mortgage free in 2010. Looking for more details? Last week, I wrote some background information that included a history of our real estate adventure and the mortgage strategies that we used to pay off the mortgage. Check out how we became mortgage free in 3 years.
So what does having the mortgage paid off really mean? For us, we like to focus on cash flow, that is, minimizing expenses while increasing our household income as much as possible. With the mortgage eliminated, it simply means that one of our largest cash outflows can be diverted elsewhere. Where? Initially, we’ll likely save a lump sum for some home renovations (basement development, shed, exterior stone work) but after it’ll likely be used to continue building our passive income dividend portfolio. As our definition of financial freedom is when passive income sources are enough to meet expenses, although still a good way to go, our goal is closer now with no mortgage payments.
For those of you who track your net worth, how did it turn out for November?
On to the numbers:
Assets: $ 551,700 (-0.20%)
- Cash: $4,500 (+0.00%)
- Savings: $39,000 (-10.34%)
- Registered/Retirement Investment Accounts (RRSP): $101,500(+1.20%)
- Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA): $20,650 (+0.98%)
- Defined Benefit Pension: $32,000 (+1.27%)
- Non-Registered Investment Accounts: $12,800 (+4.92%)
- Smith Manoeuvre Investment Account: $58,000 (+1.75%)
- Principal Residence: $283,250 (+0.00%) (purchase price adjusted for inflation)
Liabilities: $55,200 (-13.21%)
- Principal Residence Mortgage (readvanceable): $0 (-100%)
- Investment LOC balance: $55,200 (+0.36%)
Total Net Worth: ~$496,500 (+1.49%)
- Started 2010 with Net Worth: $399,600
- Year to Date Gain/Loss: +24.25%
Some quick notes and explanations to net worth questions I get often:
The Cash
The $4,500 cash are held in chequing accounts to meet the minimum balance so that we pay no fees (accounting for regular bill payments). Yes, we do hold no fee accounts also, but I find value in having an account with a full service bank as the relationship with a banker can prove useful.
Savings
Our savings accounts are held with PC Financial and ING Direct. We usually hold a fair bit of cash in case “something” comes up. The “something” can be anything that requires cash such as an investment opportunity that requires quick cash or maybe an emergency car/home repair. We also need cash to cover any future tax liabilities.
Real Estate
Our real estate holdings consist of a primary residence and REITs plus a rental property. The value of the principal residence remains valued at the purchase price (+inflation) despite significant appreciation in the local real estate market.
Pension
The pension amount listed above is the value of both of our defined benefit pension plans. I basically take the semi annual statement and add the contribution amounts (not including employer matching) on a monthly basis.
Stock Broker Accounts
Another common question is which discount broker do I use? We actually have accounts with multiple institutions. I’m hoping to reduce the number of accounts that we hold in the near future. Here is a review of some of the more popular online stock brokers.
I've Completed My Million Dollar Journey. Let Me Guide You Through Yours!
Sign up below to get a copy of our free eBook: Can I Retire Yet?
I have been tracking my Net Worth since 2005 and I seem to be on a similar ‘journey” to yours. I have been able to achieve a 21% increase per year over this time (real estate values inclusive). I would be interested if you have a 5 year over year summary of your increases. Keep up the great work!
My November was pretty good just for my earnings. BF’s separate.. but I went up $18,933 from October.
http://www.fabulouslybroke.com/2010/12/november-2010-budget-roundup/
@Chris, thanks fro the calculations. I figured it was around 20% or so.
@Terry, thanks for the kind words!
@Tom, no, RESP is not included.
Hey FT,
Do you include your RESP portfolio in your net worth? I’m thinking you don’t but just want to confirm.
Thanks,
Tom
I would just like to thank you for what you are doing. Most sites do not give you an idea of how they (the authors) are doing. It is refreshing that you give advice and apply it to yourself and give people an idea of how you are progressing towards the goal you set.
You show that it is a slow and steady process and requires discipline, not some get rich quick advice with no yardstick to follow or measure.
You bring everything into focus for the ‘common’ person with average knowledge and show that it is not as hard as one may think.
Keep up the great work, you are inspire me and I am sure a whole lot of others out there by keeping it real, with your own experiences on this journey.
Based on my rocket scientist advanced mathematic calculations to make your target net worth of $1M you will need to have 19% net worth growth during the next 4 years.
With current projections of 24% for the year it will be very interesting to see whether you can sustain this level growth without increasing the savings rate.
Exciting! Renovations :) Congratulations again on paying off your mortgage! Great idea to buff up your passive dividend investing portfolio now that your mortgage is paid off.
Awesome to hear you paid off the house. I love your blog and have checked in from time to time, but now I’m getting into the job world and having to consider all this stuff, so I’ll pay closer attention. Can’t wait to see how the end of the year turns out :)
Interesting comments on the defined benefit scenario. I don’t include my DB pension at all in our net worth calculations. It would make a big difference in the result, but I prefer to keep it out of the mix since I have little or no control over it.
Good job again. I think you guys have strong cash flow and low spending. That helps a lot.
We’ll be doing our Nov net worth update on Nov 1. Investment value will be used on tomorrows closing prices. So I hope the markets go up tomorrow. No more sorrow for Europe debt!