Localfund.com - All about Fund and Investment
*Home>>>Money Market Funds

What's an acceptable amount of "spending money"/savings?


I鈥檓 new to the working world and I鈥檓 still focused on college when I was cheap. I feel overwhelmed and guilty when I spend money. I鈥檓 not sure if I鈥檓 being wasteful or not. Here鈥檚 where I stand鈥?br>
$2,830/month after taxes - Insurance/Phone/Rent/Utilities($700)= $2,130/month

$250 - 401k like plan (taken out before the $2800 total)
$250 - IRA
$400 - Money Market Fund (future wedding/honeymoon 鈥? months emergency there too)
$280 - savings (plane tickets, small expenses that may come up so I don鈥檛 have to dig into emergency, etc. If this reaches $750, I split between IRA and MM)

Result is $1200/month. I give myself $300/week. This covers food, pet care, gas, and anything else I desire in one week. If have a big purchase (plane ticket or a vet bill, need or want), I take it out of my savings but I often supplement with my personal weekly allowance.

I know that what I have is a blessing and I do not want to mess it up. Do you think this is appropriate?

I should also add that my workplace has included health care and a great retirement program in addition to the 401k, so I even have that for future security...

Wow, impressive

I would suggest 6 months emergency fund.

As far as savings and money market make sure you are earning the max you can and still keep it liquid. Does your money market and savings earn at least 5.05% these banks do with no fees or minimums
www.emigrantdircet.com
http://www.us.hsbc.com/1/2/3/personal/sa...

You should consider buying a house/apartment depending on where you live. Having a place to live that is totally paid for (save taxes and maintenance) when you are retired is nothing to sneeze at and could be a huge financial asset should something arise.

You should also consider regular investing in the stock market through mutual funds and/or ETF's.

Well, $300 a week for spending money is a little high, but you figure food at $50-$100 a week and that's 1/3rd right there. However, a lot of the service industry people (customer svc, cleaning people) barely clear $1200 a month and they pay their rent and everything out of that so you arent being 2 cheap.

You are certainly 1 step ahead of almost everyone else by starting your savings right away as well as your IRA. Very few people are smart enough to have that 3-6 month emergency fund/cushion.

I personally don't spend more than $40 a week on food but I only eat out maybe once a week and I take my lunch to work.

It doesnt hurt to feel guilty once in awhile but as long as you stick to your savings and priorites, it's ok to spend money on yourself now and then. Just don't get caught up buying new clothes every week or following every fad. That can cost a bundle.

Tags
  Online Investment   Online Business   Offshore Investment   Mutual Fund   Money Market Funds   Money Investment   Managed Fund   Make Money   Low Risk Investment
Related information
  • Is there any point in putting money into a 1 year CD paying 5.25% semiannually when i can get 4.4% on?

    HSBC is paying 5.05% on their money market account...no min balance, no fees. The money is totally liquid. They alaso run promos for higher interest rates. Right now any new money will make 6% t...

  • Money shouldnt be lost in a bank merger?

    Did her address change at all since that time, and did she notify them of any change of address? She should have been receiving annual 1099 statements for tax purposes. If she still has tax recor...

  • What is the difference between a money market account and a mutual fund?

    Same question asked 4 months ago.... Here is the best answer... There are money market mutual funds, however, this is what I think you're talking about. Money Market accounts: most banks...

  • What is a money market account? Should i consider one of these versus buying a CD?

    Money market accounts invest in short-term government securities. The return is close to CD rates, but you should shop around for financial institutions for the best rates. Money market rates fl...

  • Do I have to reinvest this money to avoid higher taxes?

    The "someone" who told you that was wrong. If you sold the stock at a gain, you have to pay taxes on the gain, and what you do with the money does not change the taxes due. You need t...

  • Tax on Paypal Money Market?

    Probably about a penny. You only pay tax on your monthly dividend payments.

    ...
  • Which of the following is an example of a capital market instrument?

    Preferred stock I believe

    ...
  • What is the best online Business Money Market Account or CD that can be linked to an existing bank account?

    The best ones are the ones your bank offers, actually. All banks who have on-line services have these.

    ...
  •  

    Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster