Hello All,

Even though we DINKs are a half a world apart from each other we’ve still managed to keep track our net worth together. After a couple of hours talking via the internet, we reconciled our accounts and totaled up our net worth. When it was all said and done, our wealth grew by 4% since this September.

Most of this is due to the strong performance of the stock market. The values of our TIAA and CREF, IRAs and brokerage accounts all increased. Also, our spending held steady in the past few weeks after spending to purchasing supplies and equipment for Miel’s trip to Afghanistan. Miel is still getting settled in Kabul and due to the security situation and lack of consumer economy in Afghanistan, she’s not spending as much there. Also, James is a graduate student and doesn’t spend a great deal.

The values of our savings bonds and precious metals were up as well, but most of the growth was due to the stock market combined with modest spending.

The nitty gritty details are below.

Best,

James & Miel

(click to enlarge)

MANAGE YOUR MONEY TOGETHER

Here are some simple guidelines for DINKS to build wealth:

1) Collaborate: Meet regularly to talk about money, set goals together, track and monitor them.

2) Understand and respect your partner. Take time to understand your partners values about money.

3) Watch the numbers. Get a budget, monitor your spending and track your net worth.

4) Max your retirement. Maximize contributions to your tax deferred retirement accounts.

5) Invest in stock. Stocks perform better than bonds or cash.

6) Avoid high interest debt. Credit cards and title loans are financial cancer.

7) Diversify. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

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