Month end: November 2011
During this past month, I saw $1500.25 in passive income, and $4419.30 in expenses.
Expenses are coming down!!
$1,500 is about average for my “middle” month in the quarter (2/5/8/11).
Major one-time variations are no rent for this month, due to previous month’s payment in advance ($750/month). On the expenses side, food/dining and utilities were unusually high, one due to people I was meeting that month, and the other due to startup virtual utility services (mobile broadband, VOIP subscription, etc.).
Here are my totals for the month of November 2011.
Income:
| Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dividends | $1,537.56 |
| Interest | -$37.31 |
Expenses:
| Type | Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Food & dining | $910.19 | Ouch!! |
| Utilities | $749.17 | One-time internet/VOIP |
| Business services | $668.91 | Include moving truck |
| Interest and bank fees | $567.30 | Grumble.......... |
| Travel | $343.53 | I do like to get around |
| Home supplies | $243.89 | New apartment things |
| Health & fitness | $213.88 | Gotta hit the gym & get a massage! |
| Entertainment | $190.32 | Threw in a live show |
| Personal care | $90.84 | |
| Disability insurance | $80.40 | |
| Education | $54.21 | |
| Other | $70.79 |
I really despise the “fees and charges” part. Most of this is due to credit card interest (which I have been complaining about on a monthly basis), but $65 of it is due to service fees. How come banks are charging me $15-$50 per month, just to store money with them or use their credit cards?! They are MAKING money from my storing money with them, as they are able to loan it out and collect a profit. They are also MAKING money every time I use a credit card, from the commission. And they actually feel justified in CHARGING me for the privilege of being able to increase their revenues?!?! I seriously think it is time to consider ING or another bank that promotes “no bank fees,” before I burst an artery in my forehead.
On the income side, there were no covered calls, and no cash-secured puts this month. Each month is different!
Short update this month. I do wonder, is anybody who views this, getting benefit from it? I will post sporadic updates, just to keep the fire going. But if you are interested in more content, shout out. Nothing fuels me like interest!