What does net worth really mean?

From discussion regarding the envelope system @ imperfect to a more free form method @ thrifty little blog to more meticulous techniques followed by kinless (see the nyt article) money is something that may not be quite the taboo subject anymore.

We all know that financial wealth is limited if money in - money out = small, regardless of how big the number on the left is.

And, let's face it, it is nice to see the total number at the bottom of net worth calculations increase over time.  It's an easy way to see the cumulative effect of many life choices. But what does net worth really mean?

Should you include your car or residence in calculations? From an accounting perspective, yes. But in reality, are any of us going to profit by our primary residence? Chances are we are either in our houses to stay or are looking to upgrade, which means rolling proceeds in their entirety into purchasing the next one.

I like the view taken by Spencer Sherman - take that net worth  and divide by annual money out. What does that buy you in time? Sherman even goes on to say that the retirement goal to strive for is to spend 4-6% of one's holdings annually. That makes sense, right? If the retirement nest egg stays current with inflation, under this guideline it will last 20 years. Which will take me from 65 to 85. Very reasonable.

Guess I'll be working for a long time yet....

What I am thankful for

aka "when life hands ya lemons"

I haven't whined about it here, but my relationship with my extended family is not the best. It wasn't until I had the chance to see how T's family interact (and how wonderfully they have accepted me) that I made my peace with the simple fact that people I grew up thinking of as "family" look at me as "that girl who's the child of my father's much younger wife". It still hurts, but why waste energy on what's not going to happen? Let's just say physical distance brings with it perspective.

Today, I had the wonderful experience of seeing how all those little, petty slights over the years have made me a better person. Well not necessarily better - I can be selfish, spoiled and petty just like any other - but I am waay more willing to stand up for myself within my own cohort. Polite, firm. But definitely assertive.

These were things that my parents never felt the need to teach/show me. Mom's response to challenge is to yield or shut down. Dad bragged about never being laid off b/c they'd have to hire four people to replace him; or yelling (seriously, even at the grocery store).

no comment on this one, folks.

Ode to Fish

I like fish

Tilapia
Salmon
Halibut
Trout

Broiled
Steamed
okay, even fried

So many projects, so little time

Hope y'all had a wonderful memorial day weekend. Mine was pretty quiet, yet productive - sort of. It seems like I work best in spurts. Right now there are at least 6 projects in the works. Six! It's like I have DIY ADD or something.

Knock knock...is this thing on?

Let me preface this post by stating my position on politics and religion. I believe: 

1. that there are good people on all sides of the proverbial fence
2. identifying [loudly, fiercely] with a single group has no correlation on whether one is good/right and 
3. free will + brain = responsibility to choose one's own path in life. 

I also believe: 

• that a critical or agnostic view can encourage healthy skepticism
• that organized religion offers community and a safe place to have conversations about ethics
• that it is an obligation of the community to care for the less fortunate
• that my hard-earned money should not go to support a lifestyle.

That said, I also self-identify as Episcopalian. The whys and personal meanings are not the point of this post.

This past school year, I was asked to lead a Sunday school class for approximately ten high-school aged teens. Beyond the fact that my understanding of Scripture is non-existent limited, the group had a pretty wide range of ages, in terms of development