I will be focusing on my other projects, which have become quite overwhelming. In addition, I’ve just started a new blog called The Simple Llama. It’s about living simply, and techniques to help in that goal. Technology will play a role as well, with some occasional finance tips. I know, it almost seems silly to turn off one blog, only to fire up another. But the past few months have sent me in a new direction in my life, and simplifying is something that I feel strongly about.

If you just can’t live without my thoughts and opinions, please stop by The Simple Llama. I welcome subscribers, comments, and any links you might want to give. If you don’t stop by, my feelings won’t be hurt. I know it’s a different kind of site, and not everyone will be interested. And yes, I know the design is atrocious I have hired a designer who is currently drawing up a new look. In the meantime, the default is what I’m stuck with.

So that’s about it. Writing about finances has been great here. I may be back after some time has passed, and I can re-evaluate my goals. Until then, thanks for reading!

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Liquid Assets

Another month of lower liquid assets. A bit part of this was the purchase of the aforementioned Glock. However, our spending was excessive elsewhere too, as you can see by the higher credit card total. Remember, I do pay this card off in full every month – but it still adds up. We really need to get our spending under control, so we can resume building up a good liquid asset base.

My Cars

I nearly broke down and purchased a “new to me” car this month. However, the price ended up being more than I wanted to spend. This was definitely a blessing in disguise, as I certainly don’t need to take on any additional debt at this point in my life. Plus, the car in question gets probably 12 MPG on premium gas, on a good day. Thank God the price was too high Beyond that, i’m inching toward $5k in negative equity. Slowly.

My House

Nothing new hear – just a 2% increase in equity.   

Retirement

After last months big win, I’m actually happy with the zero performance here. The stock market has been a roller coaster ride the last year and half or so.

Business

Down 34%? ! Partially to blame is the iMac. It’s a business expense, and it is sitting in 0% land right now. Also, I transfered some extra money to my personal accounts last month to help pay the bills. I’m still comfortable with my business assets, as the bills are being paid. I’d much rather not see any large drops like this though.

Overall

Well, a pretty bad month, overall. Spending was the culprit – both large purchases, and excessive smaller ones. I need to get back on the budget track, and stick to the envelope system that has worked so well for me in the past. June is behind is now, thankfully, on to July!

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Learn to spread purchases out

You should know by now that I don’t mean buy your large items on credit, because I certainly don’t advocate that.  Unless you can afford to buy the item in cash, and you have a 0% interest opportunity, you should never make large buys on credit.  What I mean is, if you know that you have several large costs coming up, don’t stick them all together.  Buy 1 item this month, another next month, and the last 2 months from now.

Whatever your plan, the idea is to spread things out, putting some purchases off into the future.  The longer you can delay most purchases, the better off you will be.  Draining your cash reserves can be unnerving in the best of times, and quite frightening in today’s troubled economic times.  Slowing your purchases down is a great way to keep more cash in the bank.  Build up your cash reserves a bit, before spending again.

The goal is not to deprive yourself of the things you want or need.  Simply to pace yourself, and ensure that you don’t get into the habit of taking large purchases lightly.  Plan then out, push them out, and take your time.  Your wallet, and net worth, will thank you.

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There’s a chance that these coins, though released as bullion coins, may start to take on a bit of collector’s premium, since they aren’t made any more. That doesn’t mean you need to rush out and buy every one that you can get your hands on, at any price. Most of the value of these coins will continue to be the gold metal content. If you want them for this reason, go nuts. If you can purcahase a few Gold Buffalos at a reasonable premium, then they are a good choice. Just don’t forget to keep them encased on a hard plastic shell, or you will scratch / scuff them pretty badly.

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Why not invest in your business?
If you’re a small business owner, then you really need to consider investing in yourself. Whether you are starting to make money blogging, or through consulting, design work, or whatever the case may be – you know your business. From top to bottom, you know the ins and outs of your business – costs, income, the whole 9 yards. What better company could there possibly be to invest in than your own?

How do I invest in my company?
Well, since you already own this company, you can’t simply buy shares like you would with a publicly traded company. Instead, you need to look at your business, and see where you could spend money to make money. Maybe it’s dropping some coin on advertising. Or perhaps a new computer, if yours is old and slow. Maybe hiring an assistant is your your style. Whatever the choice is, spending money to make more is a brilliant idea. Anything that makes your business more productive and efficient is a benefit. You can feel free to be creative, as long as the money you spend has a goal – to make you more money. Before pulling out your wallet, always ask this one simple question: “Does it make money?”

What could you spend money on in your business right now, today, that would make you money?

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Don’t be so quick to give Microsoft your money

It’s 2009 folks, and there are great alternatives to Microsoft Office. What I’ve been transitioning to is Google Docs. Google has a word processor ( like Word ), spreadsheet ( like excel ) and even a Powerpoint alternative ( though I haven’t tried that one ). For an easy Outlook replacement, you can use a combination of Gmail, Google Calendar, and Tasks.

Google Docs can handle uploads of your current Office documents – so you won’t need to create them all from scratch. It can also save in Office format – for when you need to take documents with you. The best part about Google Docs is the price. Not hundreds of dollars like Office – but exactly zero dollars. That’s it. Completely free, and it can replace Office for probably 90% of users. No more purchasing upgrades to get the latest features – Google adds features at no cost.

If you haven’t tried Google Docs, you’re really missing out. Try it for a week, and there’s no way you’ll go back to Office.

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The bottom line is this – if you have any estimated payments to make, then it’s time to head over to EFTPS and send Uncle Sam some cash.  It won’t be fun,especially if you’re like me and forget your EFTPS password every single time you log in.  The fact that you’re parting with some of your hard earned cash is even worse.  But, your favorite uncle will assess penalties and interest if you don’t make the correct estimated payments.  So do your best and guesstimate what you owe, and get that crazy uncle paid. 

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Over the past month, before this announcement in fact, I’ve been transitioning away from Microsoft Money. Not to Quicken, Mint.com, or some other fancy software. Instead, I’m trying to keep it simple, and going to spreadsheet only. At first I was using Excel, but now I’m trying to make the switch to Google documents. That way, I can access my spreadsheet from any computer, and even from my iPhone. It isn’t nearly as glamorous as MS Money or Quicken, by any means. But my goal was simplicity and compatibility.

There are enough complications in the world of personal finance. Ditching Money in favor of a spreadsheet just feels right. Simplify anywhere you can, right?

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