Holiday Spending + Order Tracker

For the curious, here is the spreadsheet I quickly made since I did some major damage to my wallet this weekend—more on the spending guilt later. I’m using this sheet to track the money I spent this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the amount I spent per person, as well as the cash back I’m getting.

You could itemize it or put the order total if you want to keep it simpler. Let me know if you use it and run into any issues or think it can be improved.

Things I use to save money when holiday shopping

• Rakuten* - Mobile app/browser extension gets you cash back when you shop

• Lolli* - Code: YPVR63 - Mobile app/browser extension gets you Bitcoin when you shop. I like that Lolli allows me to dabble into crypto without actually having to buy it myself.

• Honey* - Browser extension tests coupon codes and gets you Honey Gold redeemable for money via PayPal

• Fluz - App let’s you buy a gift card to pay, get cash back. (But only if you know you won't return it.)

*You can only use ONE of these apps/extensions to get cash back from! (Although sometimes it glitches and let’s me do Lolli and Rakuten.) I usually choose whatever is offering more.

Download the Holiday Shopping + Order Tracker below:

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Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn some compensation. All opinions are 100% my own! I truly appreciate you and your support. :)

What I Spent in October 2021: I turn 30 + Halloween!

It’s official! I’ve left my 20’s behind and am in my 3rd decade. I turned 30 on Halloween last month and threw myself a party to celebrate! I break down everything I spent, earned, and saved in the month of October. Watch for the deep dive!

Context About My Situation

I know you're probably not new here, but in case you somehow landed on this article and you are, hey, what's up!? Go subscribe to my Youtube channel 🙃. Here’s a bit about me so you have a better understanding of my financial situation:

• Live at home with my parents, so no rent, utilities, or groceries (I buy dinner when Mom doesn’t feel like cooking.)

• Have 6 figure salary as a visual designer in tech with 9 years of experience

• No debt, parents helped pay for my undergraduate education

• Parents saved for their own retirement

Binge watch my Monthly Money series.

Things mentioned in the video

• Mercari - Sell your old stuff

• Poshmark - Code: MONEYHONEYCATIE - Sell your old stuff

• Bonsai - Seamlessly invoice clients

• Personal Finance Club Investing Course - Learn how to grow your wealth through investing

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Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn some compensation. All opinions are 100% my own! I truly appreciate you and your support. :)

A 27 year old real estate engineer living in Los Angeles and FAT FI/RE-ing in 18 years with $6.25M

Occupation: Real Estate Engineer - I’m between careers so I made it up. I buy houses and small apartment buildings in Los Angeles

Industry: Real Estate

Age: 27

Location: Los Angeles, California

Salary: $150,000/year

FAT FI/RE Number: $6.25M

Years Until FI/RE: 18 years

Current financial situation: No consumer or student debt. I love buying nice tech and gadgets, but I think I have my habit under control. 97% of my net worth is invested in real estate, bitcoin and stocks. SINK.

Ethnicity: White/Black

How did you first hear about FI/RE?

Did some research after my former employer wanted me to work more hours than I wanted to

Why do you want to reach Financial Independence/Retire Early?

To spend more time with friends and family. When I was in first or second grade I had an assignment to write about what I wanted to do when I grew up. I wrote that I wanted to “do whatever I want” and FIRE will allow me to do that.

How much do you spend per month? Save per month?

Spend around $2500/mo

What is your % savings rate?

60% after tax

Are you doing anything to achieve FI/RE faster? If yes, what?

Building my business.

Any advice you'd give to someone who has a similar FI/RE lifestyle as you, especially if it seemed hard or unattainable?

Focus on the big picture and start by figuring out way to make significantly more money or spend significantly less money. Two examples for saving are “slumming it” in your 20s with roommates to pay less for housing (I’m 28 and have always lived with roommates not because I like it but because the $100k after tax I’ve saved was worth it) and spending less on taxes by being more efficient.

Favorite FI/RE resources you’d like to share?

BiggerPockets Podcast

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Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn some compensation. All opinions are 100% my own! I truly appreciate you and your support. :)

What I Spent in September 2021: My Income for a 5 Figure Month!

Going over my September money and what I earned, spent and saved last month including all of the income streams that pushed me over to earn five figures and have a $10,000+ month!

Context About My Situation

I know you're probably not new here, but in case you somehow landed on this article and you are, hey, what's up!? Go subscribe to my Youtube channel 🙃. Here’s a bit about me so you have a better understanding of my financial situation:

• Live at home with my parents, so no rent, utilities, or groceries (I buy dinner when Mom doesn’t feel like cooking.)

• Have 6 figure salary as a visual designer in tech with 9 years of experience

• No debt, parents helped pay for my undergraduate education

• Parents saved for their own retirement

Binge watch my Monthly Money series.

Things mentioned in the video

• Bonsai - Seamlessly invoice clients

• Chase Sapphire Preferred - My travel rewards credit card I use

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Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn some compensation. All opinions are 100% my own! I truly appreciate you and your support. :)

A 27 year old recruiter living in Los Angeles and FI/RE-ing in her late 30s with $1.5M

Follow @femmefinancialcoaching on Instagram here!

Occupation: Recruiting/headhunting for a recruitment firm in LA

Industry: Recruiting in the consumer goods industry

Age: 27

Location: Los Angeles

Salary: $120,000

FI/RE Number: $1.5M

Years Until FI/RE: Late 30’s!

Current financial situation: SINK

Ethnicity: White

How did you first hear about FI/RE?

Our Rich Journey

Why do you want to reach Financial Independence/Retire Early?

My biggest reason why I want to achieve FI/RE is I want to become work optional! I love working, but I want to be able to do it on my terms.

What does FI/RE mean to you?

To me, FI/RE is such a huge opportunity. If I can hit it when I plan to (late 30s) I'd become work optional and by then hopefully have a family of my own too. I would be able to determine when, where, and if I worked which is the ultimate freedom. I don't mind the 9-5 life, but it is a grind!

What is your % savings rate?

60%+

Are you doing anything to achieve FI/RE faster? If yes, what?

I keep my expenses very low and I invest heavily. I also started a side hustle to bring in extra income.

Any advice you'd give to someone who has a similar FI/RE lifestyle as you, especially if it seemed hard or unattainable?

My advice is to set strategic goals! So many people don't know why they want to do things or by when. But when you give yourself strategic and realistic goals, you are more inclined to hit them and pivot when needed.

Favorite FI/RE resources you’d like to share?

I love the app Personal Capital for tracking!

IG: @femmefinancialcoaching

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Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn some compensation. All opinions are 100% my own! I truly appreciate you and your support. :)