By: Revanche

December Snapshot

January 1, 2011

Having skipped November, but knowing how much was spent, roughly, and how much has still gone unreimbursed, I was expecting some devastation on the NW front.  It’s not great but it’s not terrible either.

Of course when I started crunching the numbers, my mind was definitely in a different place. Now it’s in a morass of logistics that haven’t even begun to start touching on budget yet so that’ll be a different post.

I’m a little bit glad that we haven’t combined finances yet.  Apparently I failed to communicate with words to PiC my feelings about not needing or wanting a diamond.  I just formed my opinion so long ago that it seemed like surely I would have mentioned it to him by now.  I just never thought any engagement ring residing on my finger should ever cost more than a hundred dollars, at best.  (I’m pretty sure that number was more generous but the closer I got to writing this, the less money I think is reasonable for a bauble …. it’s gorgeous and he spent all kinds of time picking out what he wanted for me and I don’t want to be an ingrate but .. I don’t think an engagement ring is necessary! Not for me.) That said, it’s gorgeous and I can’t really, erm, return it to put his money back in savings or anything! 

Yeah that sounds terrible. 

I’m sorry, it’s hard to wrap my head around the idea he spent real money on this ring. I love him and I love why he did it and he knew it was entirely unnecessary, just taking me some time to reconcile. 

Also, he was snickering when I mentioned doing my snapshot because the month of November was terrible for my finances and now I know why. *faint*  At least he didn’t go in debt.

Investing:  Slow and steady, it’s finally adding up a bit. 

Savings:  I’m increasing the cash savings by 3% to compensate for the payroll tax holiday.  I’ll have to add another fund type, clearly.

Spending:  It’s possible we might have to adjust our grand travel plans after all, I’m not sure about spending $2000-3000 on a big ole trip now that we have a big unknown on the horizon.  Maybe not canceling but adjustments may be necessary. 

That’s all my brain has room for right now.  Ta!  

7 Responses to “December Snapshot”

  1. adjusted grand trip = honeymoon?

  2. Item: About one in a million 20-something Americans has a net worth over 100 grand.

    Item: World-wide, about one in a gerzillion human beings of any age has a comparable net worth.

    Item: You deserve a beautiful token of your own beauty as a human being.

    Item: You have a man who recognizes that.

    There. Account reconciled. Relax and enjoy!

  3. Money Rabbit says:

    Hear Hear to the comment above … you’ve worked so hard, you deserve something beautiful in return!! You are clearly with a man who loves you, so celebrate it!

    P.S. Just started reading your blog, and you are my hero. Good on you for working so incredibly hard. Best of luck with your future success!!!

  4. Me too. I’m not into diamonds or rings over $100.. BUT!!!! it is the thought that counts and it is his commitment to you 🙂

    Arg.. so excited for you!!!!!!

  5. Congrats on the engagement!!! And I third Funny about Money’s comment!

  6. Nicole says:

    I totally understand you on the ring. On the one hand, it’s nice that he gets you things (like the massage) that you need but think of as too extravagant to get for yourself. On the other hand, there’s a limit and it is important that spouses understand each others’ value systems.

    In this case, he probably didn’t go too far out with the ring, but you don’t want him replacing your car with a Mercedes without discussing it first either (I know someone this happened to). You don’t want him to give you large gifts of fancy jewelry if it means you can’t have a nice coat or a stand mixer or that you’ll both have to work extra hours to pay for it… that sort of thing.

    In our marriage we’ve dealt with these issues in two ways. First, we discuss these things very seriously and go back and forth on the pros and cons until we come to an agreement. Second, DH has an allowance, and he can spend whatever he wants on me with it (or whatever he wants in general) and I can’t complain. (Well, I did complain the year I had a temporary crown and he got me toffee and caramel for Christmas, but that was general orneriness because Christmas is a terrible time to have a temporary crown.) That’s really nice because the money is all accounted for in the spending… it will be spent on something no matter what and wasn’t ear-marked for retirement. It also means a lot more to me that he has to save up his own money to get something for me, not use the family money that I might want a say in.

    Marriage is all about communication and I’m sure y’all will come up with a system dealing with money that works well for you.

  7. I’m anti-diamond too. At first I wasn’t but the more I thought about it, the more I didn’t need it. That being said, it’s the gesture and the love behind it. 🙂

    On a side note, is it me or is your banner missing? I liked the doggie pic.

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