2012 Savings Goals - November Update

(1) Max out 401k(s) - $31,379 (92%)(goal is $34,000)
(2) Max out IRA(s) - $5,829 (58%)(goal is $10,000)
(3) Add to e/r fund - $8,400 (84%)(goal is $10,000)
(4) Pay down mortgage - $2490 (50%)(goal is $5,000)
(4)(a) Savings for goal (4) - $415
(5) House projects - $1,200 (24%)(goal is $5,000)
(6) Trading account fund - $50 (1%)(goal is $5,000)

Total - $49,763 (72%)

I've added a sub goal to our list, since at present, I'm allocating our mortgage paydown money to savings until I figure out how to prepay our new mortgage.

At present, we are approximately $9,900 behind on our 2012 goals and the gap is approaching $10,000.

What can I say about our current savings deficit and the fact that it continues to grow?

I can tell you that (1) we've spent thousands on certifications for Mr. Sam this year (to improve career opportunities); (2) I can tell you we spent thousands on refinancing our primary dwelling and (3) thousands on fixing our our primary dwelling for the appraisal for the refi; and (4) recently a few thousands on some projects at Rental # 3.

But, I can also tell you that in the face of the above we have failed to change our lifestyle in any significant manner.  We continue to eat out more than we should.  I just booked a girls weekend in South Beach, Miami and, of course, I just bought some fabulous art. 

So, with two months to go, including the expensive holiday season, it seems doubtful that we will reach our $69,000 number.  Rather, at this point, while I'm not amending our goals, I'm hoping to meet and surpass last year's savings number which was $60,060.