emergency fund

Not a Very Independent Independence Day

Posted on by Double Debt Single Woman

How are you holding up these days? I’m somehow managing, but it is a daily struggle. Warning! This will be a rant and whine post.

The Virus

Blast this virus to the fiery depths of hell!  I’m still virus-free, thankfully, but everything about this pandemic is relentless. I’ve greatly limited my news intake, so that’s helping.

Roommate #1, the one who fled to her parents’ house upon the start of lockdown, has completely moved out as of last month. Now that there is an empty room in the house, the rest of us roommates are paying higher rent and utilities to cover the cost. My monthly payment has gone up over $250. And good luck to us getting a new roommate in the middle of this pandemic with more rentals on the market now that people are leaving town.    Read More

2020 – The Year of the Emergency Fund

Posted on by Double Debt Single Woman

For some of us, 2020 was supposed to be the year of resets, freedom, and new beginnings. It didn’t turn out that way, unfortunately. Sigh.

With no end in sight to the coronavirus pandemic, we cling to hopes of a vaccine and medical treatments.  It’s all scary, tiring, and depressing. This, combined with a draining job, has resulted in my not posting much this year.

The Job

The job is still draining and stressful and I’d rather be doing any number of things instead, but given the current environment, I’m grateful to have any money coming in. Three more people in my division have been let go. One of those let go was in my team.  Read More

What’s the News? Financial Headlines this Week

Posted on by Double Debt Single Woman

A few financial headlines caught my attention this week. Some good, others… not so much. So here they are; the good, the bad, the ugly, and the WTF?.

Good News: Retirement Savings Contributions Will Increase in 2019

It’s finally official that 401(k) employee contribution limits will rise to $19,000 in 2019. (Source: IRS)

If you are someone fortunate enough to have access to a 401(k), let alone be able to max it out, enjoy the extra $500 next year. Don’t forget to adjust your withholding settings in January.

Not to be left behind, IRAs and Roth IRAs contribution limit will increase from $5,500/year to $6,000/year. (Source: IRS)

People who max this tax advantaged space every year (I hope to be one next year), are excited about making round, even $500 monthly (or $250 semi-monthly) payments instead of the odd $458.33 monthly (or $229.16 semi-monthly) payments. Yeah, this is actually a thing that people geek out on.      Read More