Retirement Accounts (Update) - Sept 2016

As our readers already know, our family has switched our focus towards diligently building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and to some extent P2P Lending Accounts in an effort to build additional income streams for retirement so we don't have to solely rely on the typical retirement vehicles.

We will still continue to track are retirement accounts (pension, 457K, Roth IRAs) as they are still part of our retirement plan.  Plus, although they are mainly invested in mutual funds, we still need to keep an eye on them and re-balance them periodically.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
(SEPTEMBER 2016 - 3RD QUARTER UPDATE):

Since we see such little change in these accounts, we decided last summer to stop providing monthly reports of our retirement accounts. We've only posted 3 updates since.  So earlier this year, we've decided to do quarterly updates.  

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts at the end of the 3rd Quarter of 2016 as well as the monthly growth (although we do not post the results).  Please visit the RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS page on our blog to see our retirement savings journey!

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension
September value: $252,853
August value: $250,736
July value: $248,667
June value: $246,599
May value: $244,570
April value: $242,512
March value: $239,650
February value: $237,730
January value: $236,189

457K

Total value of 457K
September value: $128,058
August value: $127,246
July value: $124,678
June value: $122,111
May value: $121,170
April value: $119,986
March value: $112,765

February value: $112,991

January value: $118,761

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts 
September value: $61,336
August value: $60,767
July value: $59,617
June value: $58,467
May value: $57,922
April value: $56,696
March value: $53,940
February value: $53,517
January value: $55,747

  
This past quarter was a nice quarter as our retirements accounts saw pretty nice gains. Overall, our three retirement accounts saw an increase of 3.5%. This was a $15,070 gain from our June total of $427,177. 

Currently, the total amount of our retirement accounts is valued at:
$442,247 

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Retirement Accounts (Update) - June 2016

As our readers already know, our family has switched our focus towards diligently building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and to some extent P2P Lending Accounts in an effort to build additional income streams for retirement so we don't have to solely rely on the typical retirement vehicles.

We will still continue to track are retirement accounts (pension, 457K, Roth IRAs) as they are still part of our retirement plan.  Plus, although they are mainly invested in mutual funds, we still need to keep an eye on them and re-balance them periodically.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
(JUNE 2016 - 2ND QUARTER UPDATE):

Since we see such little change in these accounts, we decided last summer to stop providing monthly reports of our retirement accounts. We've only posted 3 updates since.  So earlier this year, we've decided to do quarterly updates.  

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts at the end of the 2nd Quarter of 2016 as well as the monthly growth (although we do not post the results).  Please visit the RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS page on our blog to see our retirement savings journey!

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension
June value: $246,599
May value: $244,570
April value: $242,512
March value: $239,650
February value: $237,730
January value: $236,189

457K

Total value of 457K
June value: $122,111
May value: $121,170
April value: $119,986
March value: $112,765

February value: $112,991

January value: $118,761

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts 
June value: $58,467
May value: $57,922
April value: $56,696
March value: $53,940
February value: $53,517
January value: $55,747

  
This past quarter was a nice quarter as our retirements accounts saw pretty nice gains. Overall, our three retirement accounts saw an increase of 5.1%. This was a $20,822 gain from our March total of $406,355. 

Currently, the total amount of our retirement accounts is valued at:
$427,177 

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Retirement Accounts (Update) - March 2016

As our readers already know, our family has switched our focus towards diligently building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and to some extent P2P Lending Accounts in an effort to build additional income streams for retirement so we don't have to solely rely on the typical retirement vehicles.

We will still continue to track are retirement accounts (pension, 457K, Roth IRAs) as they are still part of our retirement plan.  Plus, although they are mainly invested in mutual funds, we still need to keep an eye on them and re-balance them periodically.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
(MARCH 2016 - 1ST QUARTER UPDATE):

Since we see such little change in these accounts, we decided sometime last summer to stop providing monthly reports of our retirement accounts. We've probably posted 2 updates since.  This year, we've decided to do quarterly updates.  

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts for the 1st Quarter of 2016.  Please visit the RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS page on our blog to see our retirement savings journey!

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension
March value: $239,650
February value: $237,730
January value: $236,189

457K

Total value of 457K
March value: $112,765

February value: $112,991

January value: $118,761

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts 
March value: $53,940
February value: $53,517
January value: $55,747

  

Watch the inconsistency in the performance of our 457K and Roth IRAs only validates our decision to switch our focus towards building a dividends stocks portfolio. Based on the numbers above, our pension is really the only shining star thus far this year! 

Currently, the total amount of our retirement accounts is valued at:
$406,355

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Retirement Accounts (Update) - November 2015

As our readers already know, our family has switched our focus towards diligently building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and to some extent P2P Lending Accounts in an effort to build additional income streams for retirement so we don't have to solely rely on the typical retirement vehicles.

We will still continue to track are retirement accounts (pension, 457K, Roth IRAs) as they are still part of our retirement plan.  Plus, although they are mainly invested in mutual funds, we still need to keep an eye on them and re-balance them periodically.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

(NOVEMBER UPDATE):

Since we see such little change in these accounts, we decided a few months ago to stop providing monthly reports of our retirement accounts. In fact, our last update was in July, over 4 months ago!! 

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of November 1, 2015.  For a more comprehensive list of values and details of these accounts, please visit the RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS page on our blog.

As of July 1, 2015

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $232,246 
($8,065 increase from our July update of $224,181)

During these last few months, it appears that the only shining start is our pension.  Not a bad thing because, as a public sector employee, this will likely make up a big portion of my retirement income. In all, we saw a little over $8K increase in our pension value. 

457K

Total value of 457K: $120,400
($2,271 decrease from our July update of $122,671)

Our 457K (public employee version of a 401K) has been somewhat of a disappointment.  Currently, we only contribute the 3% minimum to receive our employee 3% match.  With how it has performed lately, I'm am glad we don't contribute more.  The more we dabble in dividend paying stocks and other investments vehicles, the less confidence I have in the 457K plan.  We will continue to invest just enough to get the company match but I don't see us investing more than that any time soon.

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $56,752 
($185 increase from our July update of $56,567)

  
We do continue to contribute a small amount each month to both mine and my wife's Roth IRA.  Although we would like to max out these contributions, we are currently only contributing about 25% of the max to each account.  These accounts didn't see much growth these last few months but then most of the market has remained fairly idle during the recent summer months. Although we would have loved to see bigger growth, we would gladly accept some growth (albeit very small) over no growth or a decrease. 

As it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $409,398 (up $5,979 from the $403,419 reported back in July).  

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Retirement Accounts (Update) - July 2015

As our readers already know, our family has switched our focus towards diligently building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and P2P Lending Accounts in an effort to building additional income streams for retirement so we don't have to solely rely on the typical retirement vehicles.

We will still continue to track are retirement accounts (pension, 457K, Roth IRAs) as they are still part of our retirement plan.  Plus, although they are mainly invested in mutual funds, we still need to keep an eye on them and re-balance them periodically.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

(JULY UPDATE):

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of July 1, 2015.  For a more comprehensive list of values and details of these accounts, please visit the RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS page on our blog.

As of July 1, 2015

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $224,181
($2,359 increase from last month's update of $221,822)

457K

Total value of 457K: $122,671
($1,649 decrease from last month's update of $124,320)

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $56,567
($1,250 decrease from last month's update of $57,817)

Although we continue to see gains in our pension account, partially because both my employer and I continue to contribute to it each and every paycheck, our retirements accounts still saw an overall decline of $540.  Nobody wants to see a decline in their investments and/or retirement accounts, but since I know we are still years away from retirement, I am actually thankful for the opportunity to buy more shares at lower costs during each and every dip we have.  

As it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $403,419 (down from the $403,959 reported last month).  

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

We currently contribute to my 457K (up to my company's match - 3%) and also $200 each to a Roth IRA for both myself and my wife. Although we are not entirely happy with their growth, we still feel that the 457K and Roth IRAs should remain part of our retirement plan.  If for nothing more, the 457K and Roth IRAs will help supplement my pension. With some of the uncertainties around government pension these days, they could very well serve as back-up plans as well. 

Retirement Accounts (Update) - June 2015

As our readers already know, our family has switched our focus towards diligently building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and P2P Lending Accounts in an effort to building additional income streams for retirement so we don't have to solely rely on the typical retirement vehicles.

We will still continue to track are retirement accounts (pension, 457K, Roth IRAs) as they are still part of our retirement plan.  Plus, although they are mainly invested in mutual funds, we still need to keep an eye on them and re-balance them periodically.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

(JUNE UPDATE):

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of June 1, 2015.  For a more comprehensive list of values and details of these accounts, please visit the RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS page on our blog.

As of June 1, 2015

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $221,822
($1,907 increase from last month's update of $219,915)

457K

Total value of 457K: $124,320
($501 increase from last month's update of $123,819)

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $57,817
($318 increase from last month's update of $57,499)

Once again, we are bless to be able to say that the month of May was a good month. For a second consecutive month, we saw an increase in all three accounts (pension, 457K and Roth IRAs). Any month where all accounts are in the green is a good month, right?!  

The overall gain from all three accounts this past month was $2,726. For the last two months, our retirement accounts has gone up roughly $6,500 combined. As it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $403,959 (up slightly from the $401,233 reported last month).  

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

We currently contribute to my 457K (up to my company's match - 3%) and also $200 each to a Roth IRA for both myself and my wife. Although we are not entirely happy with their growth, we still feel that the 457K and Roth IRAs should remain part of our retirement plan.  If for nothing more, the 457K and Roth IRAs will help supplement my pension. With some of the uncertainties around government pension these days, they could very well serve as back-up plans as well. 

Retirement Accounts (Update) - May 2015



As our readers already know, our family has switched our focus towards diligently building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and P2P Lending Accounts in an effort to building additional income streams for retirement so we don't have to solely rely on the typical retirement vehicles.

We will still continue to track are retirement accounts (pension, 457K, Roth IRAs) as they are still part of our retirement plan.  Plus, although they are mainly invested in mutual funds, we still need to keep an eye on them and re-balance them periodically.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

(MAY UPDATE):

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of May 1, 2015.  For a more comprehensive list of values and details of these accounts, please visit the Retirement Accounts page on our blog.

As of May 1, 2015

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $219,915
($1,421 increase from last month's update of $218,494)

457K

Total value of 457K: $123,819
($1,515 increase from last month's update of $122,304)

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $57,499
($866 increase from last month's update of $56,633)

Overall, the month of April was a good month. We saw an increase in all three accounts (pension, 457K and Roth IRAs). Any month where all accounts are in the green is a good month, right?!  

The overall gain from all three accounts this past month was $3,802. It basically translates into a .95% one-month gain.  Well, if we kept that up for an entire year, we would have an annual gain of 11.4%. :) So as it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $401,233 (up from the $397,431 reported last month).  Feeling blessed to have crossed yet another milestone in our journey. 

** WOOHOO! $400K in our retirement accounts!! **

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

We currently contribute to my 457K (up to my company's match - 3%) and also $200 each to a Roth IRA for both myself and my wife. Although we are not entirely happy with their growth, we still feel that the 457K and Roth IRAs should remain part of our retirement plan.  If for nothing more, the 457K and Roth IRAs will help supplement my pension. With some of the uncertainties around government pension these days, they could very well serve as back-up plans as well. 

Retirement Accounts (Update) - April 2015

As our readers already know, our family has switched our focus towards diligently building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and P2P Lending Accounts in an effort to building additional income streams for retirement so we don't have to solely rely on the typical retirement vehicles.

We will still continue to track are retirement accounts (pension, 457K, Roth IRAs) as they are still part of our retirement plan.  Plus, although they are mainly invested in mutual funds, we still need to keep an eye on them and re-balance them periodically.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (APRIL UPDATE):

 

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of April 1, 2015.  For a more comprehensive list of values (beginning January 2014) and details of these accounts, please visit the Retirement Accounts page on our blog.

 

As of April 1, 2015

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $218,494
($2,329 increase from March update of $216,165)
 

457K

Total value of 457K: $122,304 
($185 decrease from March update of $122,489)
 

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $56,633
($161 decrease from March update of $56,794)

 

Overall, the month of March was not very generous to our retirement account balances.  Although we saw an increase from our pension balance, the balance in our 457K and Roth IRAs both saw decreases. And since both my employer and I contributed towards my pension every paycheck, the gains are mainly from new contributions.  The $1,983 overall gain (from all three accounts) is certainly welcomed over a month with a net loss, but we would much rather have the  $8,388 gain we saw last month! :) As it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $397,431 (slightly up from the $395,448 reported last month). 

We currently contribute to my 457K (up to my company's match - 3%) and also $200 each to a Roth IRA for both myself and my wife. Although we are not entirely happy with their growth, we still feel that the 457K and Roth IRAs should remain part of our retirement plan.  If for nothing more, the 457K and Roth IRAs will help supplement my pension. With some of the uncertainties around government pension these days, they could very well serve as back-up plans as well. 

 

Click below to view retirement accounts page 

RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Retirement Accounts (Update) - March 2015

As our readers already know, our family has switched our focus towards diligently building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and P2P Lending Accounts in an effort to building additional income streams for retirement so we don't have to solely rely on the typical retirement vehicles.

We will still continue to track are retirement accounts (pension, 457K, Roth IRAs) as they are still part of our retirement plan.  Plus, although they are mainly invested in mutual funds, we still need to keep an eye on them and re-balance them periodically.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (MARCH UPDATE):

 

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of March 1, 2015.  For a more comprehensive list of values (beginning January 2014) and details of these accounts, please visit the Retirement Accounts page on our blog.

 

As of March 1, 2015

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $216,165 
($1,776 increase from February update of $214,389)
 

457K

Total value of 457K: $122,489
($4,368 increase from February update of $118,121)
 

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $56,794
($2,244 increase from February update of $54,550)

 

Great month in the market translates into a great month in our retirement accounts. From all three accounts, we saw an overall increase of a whopping $8,388 this past month!! As it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $395,448 (up from the $387,060 reported last month). 

We currently contribute to my 457K (up to my company's match - 3%) and also $200 each to a Roth IRA for both myself and my wife. Although we are not entirely happy with their growth, we still feel that the 457K and Roth IRAs should remain part of our retirement plan.  If for nothing more, the 457K and Roth IRAs will help supplement my pension. With some of the uncertainties around government pension these days, they could very well serve as back-up plans as well. 

 

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Retirement Accounts (Update) - February 2015

For several years now, our retirement accounts have been growing at a decent pace...this year, however, the performance has been pretty anemic! I am thankful that, overall, we are not losing money. But as our readers probably already know, the anemic growth is one of the reasons why our family has now decided to switch our focus towards building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and P2P Lending Accounts so as to have optional income streams in retirement. Nevertheless, we will still continue to track these accounts as they are still part of our retirement plan.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (FEBRUARY UPDATE):

 

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of February 1, 2015.  For a more comprehensive list of values (beginning January 2014) and details of these accounts, please visit the Retirement Accounts page on our blog.

 

As of February 1, 2015

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $214,389
($1,801 increase from January update of $212,588)
 

457K

Total value of 457K: $118,121
($280 decrease from January update of $118,401)
 

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $54,550
($201 increase from January update of $54,349)

 

After seeing a roughly $6K in November and another $3K in December, we are seeing some measly gains thus far in 2015.  Especially when you consider the fact that my pension value is mainly due to somewhat large contributions from both myself and my employer each month. Nevertheless, from all three accounts, we saw an overall increase of $1,722.

As it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $387,060 (up from the $385,338 reported last month). We currently contribute to my 457K (up to my company's match - 3%) and also $200 each to a Roth IRA for both myself and my wife. Although we are not entirely happy with their growth, we still feel that the 457K and Roth IRAs should remain part of our retirement plan.  If for nothing more, the 457K and Roth IRAs will help supplement my pension. With some of the uncertainties around government pension these days, they could very well serve as back-up plans as well. 

 

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Retirement Accounts (Update) - January 2015

For several years now, our retirement accounts have been growing at a decent pace...this year, however, the performance has been pretty anemic! I am thankful that, overall, we are not losing money. But as our readers probably already know, the anemic growth is one of the reasons why our family has now decided to switch our focus towards building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and P2P Lending Accounts so as to have optional income streams in retirement. Nevertheless, we will still continue to track these accounts as they are still part of our retirement plan.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (JANUARY UPDATE):

 

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of January 1, 2015.  For a more comprehensive list of values (beginning January 2014) and details of these accounts, please visit the Retirement Accounts page on our blog.

 

As of January 1, 2015

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $212,588
($2,301 increase from December update of $210,287)
 

457K

Total value of 457K: $118,401
($259 decrease from December  update of $118,660)
 

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $54,349
($669 decrease from December  update of $55,018)

 

Although we saw an overall increase of $1,373 from the three accounts combined, two of the three accounts actually had a decreases in value. As long as the needle moves up, I am certainly not complaining.  It know every month can't be a great month.  We knew the party had to end (or at least slow down) sometime.  After all, in December, we saw an overall gain of $3,002. As for November, we saw an overall gain of $6,311.

As it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $385,338 (up from the $383,965 reported last month). We currently contribute to my 457K (up to my company's match - 3%) and also $200 each to a Roth IRA for both myself and my wife. Although we are not entirely happy with their growth, we still feel that the 457K and Roth IRAs should remain part of our retirement plan.  If for nothing more, the 457K and Roth IRAs will help supplement my pension. With some of the uncertainties around government pension these days, they could very well serve as back-up plans as well. 

 

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

Retirement Accounts (Update) - December 2014



For several years now, our retirement accounts have been growing at a decent pace...this year, however, the performance has been pretty anemic! I am thankful that, overall, we are not losing money. But as our readers probably already know, the anemic growth is one of the reasons why our family has now decided to switch our focus towards building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and P2P Lending Accounts so as to have optional income streams in retirement. Nevertheless, we will still continue to track these accounts as they are still part of our retirement plan.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (DECEMBER UPDATE):

 

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of December 1, 2014.  For a more comprehensive list of values (beginning January 2014) and details of these accounts, please visit the Retirement Accounts page on our blog.

 

As of December 1, 2014

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $210,287
($1,817 increase from November update of $208,470)
 

457K

Total value of 457K: $118,660
($750 increase from November update of $117,910)
 

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $55,018
($435 increase from November update of $54,583)

 

For the second straight month, we saw increases in all, three of our retirement accounts.  In all, these three accounts increased a total of $3,002. Not as good as the $6,311 we saw last month but I will take a monthly gain over a monthly loss any day!

As it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $383,965 (up from $380,963 reported last month). We currently contribute to my 457K (up to my company's match - 3%) and also $200 each to a Roth IRA for both myself and my wife. Although we are not entirely happy with their growth, we still feel that the 457K and Roth IRAs should remain part of our retirement plan.  If for nothing more, the 457K and Roth IRAs will help supplement my pension. 

 

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RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

 



Retirement Accounts (Update) - November 2014



For several years now, our retirement accounts have been growing at a decent pace...this year, however, the performance has been pretty anemic! I am thankful that, overall, we are not losing money. But as our readers probably already know, the anemic growth is one of the reasons why our family has now decided to switch our focus towards building our Dividend Stocks Portfolio and P2P Lending Accounts so as to have optional income streams in retirement. Nevertheless, we will still continue to track these accounts as they are still part of our retirement plan.

EXISTING RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS - NOVEMBER UPDATE:

Below is a quick update to show the current values of our retirement accounts as of November 1, 2014.  For a more comprehensive list of values (beginning January 2014) and details of these accounts, please visit the Retirement Accounts page on our blog.

 

As of November 1, 2014

PENSION

Cash Value of Pension: $208,470 ($1,874 increase from October update of $206,596)
 

457K

Total value of 457K: $117,910 ($2,554 increase from October update of $115,356)
 

Roth IRAs

Total value of Roth IRA accounts: $54,583 ($1,883 increase from October update of $52,700)

 

So its safe to say that we saw a decent recovery this past month as the market began its recovery from the September dip.  In all, our accounts increased a total of $6,311 from the October 1, 2014 totals.  Glad to see things on the rise again in these accounts.    

As it stands, the total amount of our retirement accounts is currently valued at: $380,963 (up from $374,652 reported last month). We currently contribute to my 457K (up to my company's match - 3%) and also $200 each to a Roth IRA for both myself and my wife. Although we are not entirely happy with their growth, we still feel that the 457K and Roth IRAs should remain part of our retirement plan.  If for nothing more, the 457K and Roth IRAs are our back-up plan or supplement to my pension. 

 

Click below to view retirement accounts page 

RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS