Hey Everyone! It’s October, and the days are getting shorter in Portland. This year feels a bit crazier than usual as the troops are massing in what some are calling “war-ravaged” Portland. While I haven’t spotted any ICE agents or National Guard troops in my neighborhood (just 20 blocks from downtown), the Black Hawk helicopters are patrolling, and their sounds echo through the night.
<p>There's a growing concern that ICE will escalate operations soon, especially with alarming news from Illinois and California. Recently, ICE conducted a raid in Chicago, rounding up everyone in a large apartment, including children and U.S. citizens. It’s shocking to think this is happening in the U.S. rather than a country with a more oppressive regime. In California, random stops of Latino individuals have raised serious questions about racial profiling. It feels like we’re on the brink of checkpoints targeting non-desirables.</p>
<p>With this climate, I might need to start carrying my U.S. passport whenever I leave the house. Once they exhaust their quotas with Latinos, who knows who will be next? The recent raid at the Hyundai plant is a troubling sign of things to come.</p>
<p>On a brighter note, our personal finances had a decent month. Mrs. RB40 spent four weeks in California helping her parents. Her dad let his license and car insurance expire, and she’s been working to get everything reinstated—a huge headache. She also took him to the ER for a health check after he fell a few weeks ago. He needs more assistance and can’t live alone anymore, so she arranged for in-home care. This has complicated our cash flow, as she charged several expenses on our credit card, but her dad will reimburse us later. Fortunately, he’s financially stable, and I categorized these charges under travel for now. Our net worth is looking good, which is a silver lining.</p>
<p>Now, let’s dive into my progress on my New Year goals and review our net worth and cash flow!</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Goals</strong></h2>
<p>Here’s my 2025 goal spreadsheet. It’s been incredibly helpful for tracking my progress. Reviewing it monthly allows me to see which goals need extra attention. Have you been keeping up with your New Year’s resolutions?</p>
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<p>Can you believe we only have three months left in 2025? This goal sheet has been a great motivator, and I hope you’re making progress on your own goals!</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Financial Goals</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sell Rental Condo</strong></h3>
<p>My primary goal for 2025 was to sell our rental condo. After the previous tenant moved out in January, I made some repairs and listed it for sale. Unfortunately, the condo market in Portland has been dismal. We only had one viewing in four months! Buyers seem hesitant due to the uncertain economy and high interest rates. For now, I’ve decided to rent it out and will revisit selling in a few years.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Prep Duplex for Sale</strong></h3>
<p>Similarly, I plan to sell our duplex after RB40Jr finishes high school in 2029. We want to relocate to Southern California to be closer to family, especially as Mrs. RB40’s parents age and require more support.</p>
<p>This year, I aimed to repaint the exterior, but plans shifted to a kitchen remodel instead. We’re resurfacing the cabinets and installing a new countertop to give our kitchen a much-needed facelift. The work is scheduled for next week, and RB40Jr will help me move appliances out. I’m stressed about losing the kitchen for a week, but I hope the workers finish on time.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Max Out My Roth IRA</strong></h3>
<p>The Roth IRA is one of the best investment accounts available, allowing tax-free withdrawals on gains. I’ve maxed out my contributions for over 20 years, but that streak may end this year due to rapidly decreasing earned income. After nine months, I’ve only made $5,440, and I’m unlikely to break $6,000 this year. It might be time for a real retirement.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Track Net Worth and Hope for +10%</strong></h3>
<p>I’ve been tracking our net worth since 2006, and it’s rewarding to see the progress. This year, I hoped for a 10% gain, but it’s largely dependent on the stock market. So far, our net worth has increased by 8.5% since the beginning of the year, which is better than I expected. The U.S. economy seems to favor investors over workers, but we’ve managed to transition away from relying on work to fund our lifestyle.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Health Goals</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Exercise More Than Last Year</strong></h3>
<p>Last year, I aimed to exercise three times a week but had to scale back due to elbow pain. I managed to exercise 120 times in 2023, which isn’t bad, but I want to do more this year. In September, I exercised ten times—not great, but better than nothing.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Win Claim Denial</strong></h3>
<p>Last year, RB40Jr received a Cochlear Implant to improve his hearing. Initially, I thought we could wait until he was an adult to decide, but our audiologist advised that earlier is better for brain adaptation. Unfortunately, our insurance denied the claim, labeling the implant as experimental. We’re currently fighting this denial, as many people get too sick to contest such decisions.</p>
<p><strong>Latest update</strong>: The insurance denial is final, but we’re working with the hospital to reduce the bill, which is looking promising since the surgery was preapproved.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fun Goals</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sell My Ceramic Projects</strong></h3>
<p>I took ceramic classes at the community center and had a blast. While my projects aren’t professional, I plan to sell a few items at the community center’s art sales. I sold about $190 in the Spring Art Sale, which was a pleasant surprise!</p>
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<p>Here are some of my pottery pieces from last quarter. I hope to sell more at the next community center event.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>More Dates with the Missus</strong></h3>
<p>This year, I want to go out with Mrs. RB40 more often. As parents, we know how challenging this can be. Thankfully, our son is now a teenager, allowing us more freedom to go out. However, I need to overcome my reluctance to leave home in the evening due to parking frustrations.</p>
<p>Instead, I’ll opt for lunch dates with Mrs. RB40, which are much easier. In September, we managed a few outings before she left town, including a day trip to Breitenbush Hot Springs, a fantastic outdoor retreat. I highly recommend it if you’re in the area!</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Happiness Level > 8</strong></h3>
<p>I’m generally a happy person, so this should be easy. However, September was challenging. Being a single parent to a teenager brought its own stresses, and the news cycle didn’t help. The Black Hawks circling our neighborhood added to my anxiety, as did the upcoming kitchen remodel. I’ve noticed a pattern: my happiness tends to dip with shorter days and cooler weather.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Net Worth (+8.5%)</strong></h2>
<p>I’ve been <a href="https://retireby40.org/personal-capital-track-finances-free/">tracking our net worth</a> since 2006, and it’s motivating to see our progress. The power of compounding is incredible, and our investment gains have far outpaced our earned income this year.</p>
<p>2025 has been quite a ride, with the stock market performing better than I anticipated. I’m grateful for our financial situation and will stop complaining.</p>
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<p><strong>***Important***</strong> If you’re under 50, my best advice is to stay the course. <strong>Do not stop investing</strong>. Keep investing regardless of market conditions. What seems expensive now may look cheap in ten years. If you’re retired, be more conservative and diversify your investments.</p>
<p>This chart of our net worth is from Empower. <a href="https://retireby40.org/pcap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sign up for a free account at Empower</a> to help manage your net worth and investment accounts. They offer excellent tools for DIY investors.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>September 2025 FIRE Cash Flow</strong></h2>
<p>This FIRE cash flow chart includes my online income, side gigs, and taxable passive income.</p>
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<p>September was a solid month. Our passive income was higher than usual due to dividends, which I’m quite pleased about.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>September 2025 FIRE Income: $4,667</strong></h2>
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<li><strong>Real estate crowdfunding</strong>: $420.</li>
<li><strong>Dividend Income</strong>: $3,120. A great month for dividends!</li>
<li><strong>Rental Income:</strong> $516.</li>
<li><strong>Online income:</strong> $143. Blogging income is dwindling, and it may be time to pivot.</li>
<li><strong>Odd jobs:</strong> $420. I delivered 12 catering orders in September, which is sufficient gig work for me. I’ll take a break once the rain starts.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Spending: $4,932</strong></h2>
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<li><strong>Housing</strong>: $1,608. This includes mortgage, utilities, and maintenance. Our monthly housing expense is low due to living in a duplex.</li>
<li><strong>Transportation</strong>: $170. Gas, parking, and insurance.</li>
<li><strong>Entertainment:</strong> $312.</li>
<li><strong>Groceries</strong>: $348. I didn’t buy much due to the kitchen remodel.</li>
<li><strong>Health</strong>: $40.</li>
<li><strong>Kid</strong>: $648. Teenagers are expensive! This includes orthodontist visits, sports, and a new phone.</li>
<li><strong>Personal spending</strong>: $214. This covers my ceramic class and other personal items.</li>
<li><strong>Travel</strong>: $1,240. Mrs. RB40 charged several expenses while visiting her parents, but most will be reimbursed.</li>
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<p><strong>Retirement Savings</strong>: –<strong>$264</strong></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">September 2025 Wrap-Up</h2>
<p>September was a challenging month for me. Being a single parent took its toll, and the current state of the U.S. felt overwhelming at times. The upcoming kitchen remodel added to my stress. However, I’ve faced tougher challenges before, and at least I don’t have to worry about paying the bills. Life goes on, and I hope your month was better than mine!</p>
<p><strong>That’s it for September. Did you have a good month?</strong></p>
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