My main goal is to build a portfolio of $1,120,000 in 1500 days*, starting from 1/1/2013 and ending in February of 2017. Every month, I provide an update on my status. Let’s take a look at February.
Before we get to the financial (and donette) stuff, I have some other things to update you on first. On second thought, forget thatl let’s dive right into the donettes:
With a start like that. you’d think this post has nowhere to go but up. You’d be wrong.
Fowl Underwear (P90X Update)
My hellish P90X workouts continue. I am sticking with the program as best I can, but it isn’t easy. Some days, I just don’t have the time to commit to it. On other days, I’m so worn down from lack of sleep that I don’t get the most out of it. Try doing 1 handed pushups on 4 hours of sleep! Blerg,
Trying to get the hang of the workouts is difficult too, especially the first round of a new phase. Sometimes, I pick a weight that isn’t hard enough and I don’t get anything out of the set. Other times, I go too heavy and my muscles fail before they burn. I’ve learned that getting the most out of a weight workout is a delicate balance. You must push hard, really really hard, but you can’t go too heavy. Finding the burn is not easy.
Finally, my diet hasn’t been what it should be. We hosted a Super Bowl party and we didn’t serve healthy food (Hello White Castle!). Also, beer. Too. Much. Beer. I’ve been slowly improving though. For the second half of the month, I reduced my alcohol consumption to almost zero and plan to continue.
Despite my setbacks, I feel like I get a great workout about 1/3 of the time. And when I do, it feels awesome. Keeping track of progress is part of the program and I see the results on paper and in pictures (warning: graphic photos ahead). When the first 90 days are up, I’m going to start another round. Because I’ll be familiar with the workouts, I’ll get a lot more out of them the second time around.
In any case, in the interest of transparency, it’s time to show you some pictures of my progress. Those of you with a delicate constitution should cover your eyes now.
What’s that on your shorts Mr. 1500?
I’m glad you asked. Those are Angry Birds. Pretty awesome, right?
Mrs. 1500 and the children just love my Angry Birds underwear. And really, who wouldn’t?
Almost forgot, my numbers! I stopped including body fat percentage because I’ve determined that the bioelectrical impedance method that I was using is wildly inaccurate.
House Update
We are close to being done with the interior of our home. This month, we almost finished our bookcase project:
Like most things in life, I went overboard with the project. Note the completely unnecessary, but awesome-anyway LEDs:
The bookcase sits where normal people would put a railing. Railings are boring. Besides, my books need a home. Think Different:
I still have to trim it out, polyurethane the top, and install the shelves, but most of the work is done.
I planned the basic design with the help of Mr. Frugalwoods. When I went to build it though, I kinda totally made it up as I went along. Despite my questionable non-existent planning and lack of proper woodworking skills, I’m thrilled with how it’s turned out. I’ll have a full post on it shortly.
Money Update
And finally, we get to the money. I started the month off at $1,022,555 and ended at $1,023,077. Pppppht. A gain of like $500. What can you buy with $500 these days? I looked on Amazon where I could buy about 38 bags of 2/5 star donettes:
Donettes? What is the point of these things? I wonder if there is some family worth like $100,000,000 now because they came up with the stupid idea to make mini-donuts and sell them in a bag. Silly, but whatever. People have made fortunes off lesser stuff. Remember that a guy made at least a million by selling pet rocks.
I’m getting distracted now. Back on task! Here is a nice picture of the nest egg:
I managed to stay in the Double Comma Club, but it wasn’t pretty considering I added almost $20,000 to the portfolio. This month, Mrs. 1500 made $10,000 from a real estate commission (that went into the cash pile). I also received some back pay which allowed me to double up on my solo-401(k) contribution ($8,500). Finally, I tossed $1,000 at the Fundrise eREIT.
Long time readers will know that downturns don’t bother me. Since I’m still in buying mode, I embrace them. Never forget; buy low, sell high.
Also: Buy now, hold a long, long time.
Also: I can’t stop thinking about ****ing donettes:
The Stats
2016
- Days elapsed: 60
- Days remaining: 306
- 2016 gains: –$34,884 (including 401(k) and some after tax contributions)
- 2016 401(k) contributions: $17,000*** (the front-loading party continues)
- Donettes consumed this year: 0
Since the start (1/1/2013)
- Days elapsed: 1154
- Days remaining: 346
- Gains since 1/1/2013: $437,034
- Needed to quit work ($1,120,000 in investments): $96,923
- Net worth****: $1,272,077
- Donettes consumed: 0
Less Than a Year to Go
Whoah, only 346 days left. Crazy. The first emotion that I feel when I consider this is slight terror. The days have gone by incredibly fast. I’ve been at this for over 3 years now, but it doesn’t feel like it, even a bit. Life is flying by and it doesn’t feel good.
I’m just too busy. Even though I went to part-time at my job, it seems like I’ve been working more than ever lately. Instead of working less hours per week, my new arrangement will result in increased days off later in the year. Maybe it will feel better then.
I hope that leaving my job slows down the clock a bit. Now, I wake up, work for 8 or 10 or 16 hours. After that, I squeeze in everything else I have to do in whatever time I have left. There is never enough time. I am never bored or without something to do. Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned from blogging is just how valuable tine really is.
And also, remodeling a home with a full-time job and two children is unwise.
And also, consuming a full bag of donettes (Han) solo is a bad idea.
(Mrs. 1500 note: I have encouraged Mr. 1500 to honor the terms of his current contract, and then either make drastic cuts next contract cycle, or go to an on-call situation. With two small children, we’ll need to fill our time during their school hours. I work for possibly the best boss on the planet and have no plans to leave my job, which just about matches their school hours. Please join me in a Quit-Your-Job campaign of encouragement, so he can have enough time in the day to do everything he wants to do.
The ironic thing is that the house will be finished before he finishes his contract, thus freeing up thousands of hours. Sigh.)
Mr. 1500 note: I think what Mrs. 1500 is really trying to say is this: Send Mr. 1500 donettes.
*My original goal was $1,000,000 and no debt, I later raised the goal by $120,000 to $1,120,000 because I will have debt in the form of a mortgage which I firmly believe in not paying it off. My compromise is to have enough money put away to cover the mortgage at the time of retirement. So, to retire today, I would need about $1,120,000.
**This is an affiliate link. If you sign up, the blog makes a little bit of money. Personal Capital is a totally free and superior way to keep watch over your investments. It’s worth it for the fee analyzer alone. I would never recommend anything that I don’t personally use and completely believe in, so give it a try. If you’ve already signed up through the link, please know that I think you’re the best person on earth. I love you.
***My 401(k) contributions include my own, Mrs. 15oo’s, and the contributions from my corporation. Self-employment with a solo 401(k) is a very powerful savings tool. I should have done this years ago.
****The numbers on the right side of the page only reflect my investments and cash. Net worth includes, but is not limited to:
- Home equity
- Cars
- Bicycles
- Donettes: Just kidding, there are no donettes in my home.
- P90X-related crap: Getting in shape costs some money. I bought the weights off Craigslist, but they still set me back $220 ($300 new!). The mat they sit on was another $120. I forgot how much the pull-up bar was, but it wasn’t free. P90X videos were from eBay and set me back $40. Never forget though, good health is priceless!
Join the 10s who have signed up already!
Subscribing will improve your life in incredible ways*.
*Only if your life is pretty bad to begin with.
Maintaining the double comma club, Donettes for everyone! Except Luke, nobody can seem to find him.
Hey just think if you do want to continue to work even extremely P/T you can seriously raise your rates.
Thanks for sharing another pair of your underwear photos. Not!
Brian @DebtDiscipline recently posted…Net Worth Update: February 2016
Donettes are on me at FinCon. I’ll make you do push-ups to earn them them though!
And come on, I know you enjoy the underwear photos. Admit it!
I, too, embrace an excessive number of LEDs in woodworking projects! For evidence, see the picture here: http://www.plantingourpennies.com/pop-income-statement-january-2016/
Mrs PoP recently posted…PoP Income Statement – February 2016
LEDs are the best idea ever! Super cheap and they put the projects over the top! Your pantry cabinet is stunning!
Mr. 1500,
I would recommend you goto the DailyBurn.com and try Live To Fail. It’s less intense than P90x, it has more of stepped approach every 3 weeks or so increasing intensity. The workout range from 15 min to 35 mins in the beginning at the end about 25 to 45 mins. I know many people that have tried P90x and had the same experience as you.
Interesting! I’ll keep this in mind for future workouts. I’m always up for body experiments as long as they don’t involve tattoos or piercings! 🙂
I just want to clarify that I’m not down on P90x. The main issue I have is not getting enough sleep which causes me either to not heal in a timely fashion or have no energy for my workout. I think the program is great.
We will be more than happy to send you donettes or donuts. You can become the Homer Simpson of Colorado. And congrats on continuing being in the two comma club: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzhIagCwUUc
Jason recently posted…The Best $7000 I Ever Spent
Mmmmm, donuts….
I read something about working out too heavy too fast can really mess up your joints over time (I’m avoiding joint issues like the plague). You want to ramp up from a low weight set, medium, then high. Im assuming p90x does that but I don’t remember. I’ve been sick a lot, workouts died until I get better. Good job keeping up on the workouts.
I know a lot of carpenters, but my dad, who only does it as a hobby, does the most detailed quality construction I’ve seen anywhere. If he was was good at sales he could probably make a really good income making custom furniture for the rich. My skills have gotten pretty rusty and I was never at a very high level so I recently asked my dad to re-teach me on a project or two so my work stops looking like amateur hour.
Your workout is showing great improvements; and if you are feeling good and healthy, then you know it’s working! Don’t get down on yourself for the days you miss or don’t follow your plan perfectly, jump right back in there and celebrate the days you accomplish your goal! Progress, not perfection!
And seriously, if you aren’t ready to pull the trigger and quit; I am. BUT; I haven’t hit my FI target number yet, so we can work together. You can continue to work your day job since you love it so much while funneling your paychecks toward my FI progress! 😉
oops 🙂 replied in the wrong place!
Aww, I felt special for a second.
Thanks for the encouragement TinaP! I need all of the motivation that I can muster!
“You can continue to work your day job since you love it so much while funneling your paychecks toward my FI progress!”
LOL! I’ll give my money away some day, but today is not that day! I’d be happy to help you build a bookshelf though!
Joint issues! That is scary and no thanks to any of that. Thanks for the words of warning.
You know, the best woodworker I’ve ever seen is just some amateur guy who works in his garage. His stuff is friggin’ amazing. He was a VP at GM in a prior life.
Our observations just go to show that anyone can do anything, whether it be changing the brakes on the car, plumbing or building beautiful stuff. It may take longer, but that’s OK. Especially if you’re job-free!
Dude, you are making some excellent progress with P90X.
I am glad you took my advice to take the pictures as if you only relied on the scale like most people do, you may have just thrown in the towel.
I did 3 rounds in a row when I first picked up P90X back in May of 2011. I went from 240lbs with 28% bodyfat down to 187lbs with 9% bodyfat.
Cheers,
Dom
Dominic @ Gen Y Finance Guy recently posted…Cash-in Refinance – 16.5% Cash on Cash Return
Yeah, your results are incredible. For the subsequent rounds, did you repeat the program exactly?
And pictures are mandatory. As you said, you really notice the changes with them. It is incredibly motivating once you start seeing the changes.
How do you measure your body fat?
In round 2 I did a hybrid of P90X and Insanity. Essentially I replaced the cardio (Kenpo & Plyo) and Yoga with Insanity workouts.
So, I was doing 3 days a week of strength training with P90X workouts and 3 days a week of high intensity interval training with Insanity. The Insanity workouts tended to be a bit shorter but more intense. I still followed the calendar for the strength training though.
During the 3rd round I did a strict round again.
Pictures are for sure mandatory. But not everyone listens.
Here are mine:
There are a few ways to measure bodyfat, some more accurate than others. At the time I was using a Withings scale that used electromagnetic waves through your body to measure bodyfat.
Most accurate way is to get the water dunk test, which I recently did for the first time in this new Crossfit challenge I am a part of.
Cheers,
Dom
Dominic @ Gen Y Finance Guy recently posted…Cash-in Refinance – 16.5% Cash on Cash Return
Your change is friggn’ incredible. Very inspiring. What is the biggest thing that surprised you about getting in shape?
Thanks man!
Well, I had been an athlete and in great shape through high school and college, so fitness had always been a big part of my life.
But somehow I let that go when I went into the workforce gaining 50lbs in 3 years. The company expense card was fun but not great for the bod.
I think the most surprising thing to me was how quick you could change your body with concentrated effort.
Which I think applies in all aspects of life.
I think there is one simple question you have to ask yourself if you want to figure out whether you will get extraordinary results or not:
Are you interested or committed?
Only the committed get the results they are after.
Dominic @ Gen Y Finance Guy recently posted…Looking at Savings Rate through the Financial Independence Lens
“Are you interested or committed?”
The thing I’ve been thinking about lately is that your brain is the determiner of success. It’s all mental on many different levels; getting pumped up for the workout, actually doing it and then pushing yourself hard enough to get the burn. It’s all in the brain. And shit, it’s not easy.
Now this is a funny post!
More importantly, I commend you on everything you guys are doing. It’s definitely an inspiration!
— Jim
Route To Retire recently posted…Why I Dumped TurboTax for an Accountant
Thanks! But I’m tired!!
The bookcase/rails look really nice – good job!
As for quitting your job: remember that you are, as W said, The Decider*. You are the one who dictates when home improvement projects are due. You are in control of when your job ends. You are making choices now, that involve a bit more of a push, so that you can have a better situation in just a few months.
All kidding aside, if you are truly getting 4 hours sleep some nights, really seriously consider setting something aside until later. That sort of thing will kill you.
Oh, and remember I was looking for a house? I had one under contract, but we couldn’t agree on a final price after repairs. Le sad, but I wish the seller well … Just not well enough to pay him $30k more than I think the house is worth. 🙂
*um, subject to the approval of Mrs. The Decider.
LOL! I know, I know. I need to cut back a bit. In the case of the home, our permit expired months ago, so the permit office is the decider! Oh well, almost ready for final inspection…
I’ve had similar things happen to me with potential home purchases. You may be surprised in two months when he comes back to you because he thinks the concessions are OK after all. Until someone else moves in, the deal isn’t dead…
Are you aware your amazon screenshot lists your name?
Forgive me if you’re okay with it, just not sure if you intended that to be revealed
Ooops! Thanks for the heads up. Change made!
Dinettes were the hair accessory of the very young Princess Leia – she moved on to cinnabuns later.
Since I am no longer in accumulation phase, I’ve been a bit lazy (and maybe a little scared) to update my numbers, but I just checked yesterday, and I luckily remain in the double comma club – though not by much. I very well may have been kicked out earlier, but didn’t know since I slept through it. I vow to keep calm and compound on. The only thing I want to do is to shift cash into investments when opportunities arise – this is where my inherent laziness punishes me since my investing is no longer automated via work. Que sera?
P90X is working! Do what you can, and stop kicking yourself about the rest. It is just prioritizing, you can’t do everything.
Are you telling me that you’re going to make Cinnabons when I pass through Iowa? That is how I read this. I like the smell of that!
“I very well may have been kicked out earlier, but didn’t know since I slept through it”
This tells me you’re in the right state of mind. I check my numbers at least 3x per day, so I am NOT in the right state of mind.
Yeah, I do too much. One thing I was thinking about today is that by the time I quit, my house will be done, I’ll be in shape and the blog will be over. What next?
During accumulation as I was trying to get to my magic number, I may have been a bit obsessive about checking my 401k balance, etc. it was a rush when I finally joined the double comma club – I’d hate to get kicked out (but I probably will be).
So what do you want – chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls?
Your house will never really be done – there is always npmaintenance. If you start flipping houses, you will be plenty busy.
Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana – Groucho.
Both.
You’re right about the house, there is always something to do. But I look forward of 4 hours/week of something to do instead of 20.
Once house flipping commences, my normal job ends…
Hi Mr. 1500. Very funny post today!
I know what you mean about time… After I left my job I thought I’d have a lot more time. I didn’t. In fact, I have a lot *less* time now. Probably because I’m taking on more projects now, like my blog.
4 hours of sleep a night is a good night!!
Mr. Tako @ Mr. Tako Escapes recently posted…Snacking Your Way To Millions
I hear that from everyone Mr. Tako! Somehow, retirement == even more business. At least it’s a business that you choose.
I have run into the same issue regarding getting the most out of your workout program. Usually finding the right weight and becoming comfortable with the workouts/moves takes a few weeks. But once you get the hang of it, your workouts get way more productive. I highly recommend tracking your weights so you can remember what you did the previous workout and whether it was too light or too heavy. That will also help you make sure you keep getting stronger as opposed to just maintaining.
Yeah, I track everything. If a weight is too easy, I write in a higher weight for the next workout.
I’d love to hear any other tips. I’m doing OK, but there is room for improvement.
I had to look up what donette means. 🙂 We just call them mini doughnuts here in Canada. We also have Tim Bits (aka doughnut holes).
Looks like you’re making good progress with P90X despite missing the workout a few days here and there. I’ve been going to the gym more and every night I’ve doing different variations of push ups and planks. My upper body seems to be more toned after 1 month. Weight wise I’ve only lost ~ 2 lbs but I’m fit to start with.
Next up, get more sleep. 😀
Tawcan recently posted…Dividend Income – Feb 2016 Update
In America, apparently we have to do everything different. Donuts, batshit crazy politicians…
Donette is a brand name, not a generic term (as far as I know… could be some regional slang)
Killing it as per usual! Awesome progress on the house and the $$ and the bod. Super confused about your culinary choices — White Castle burgers and Donettes, dude? — but you’re still awesome 🙂
I’ve finally hit the four digit, single comma club, which sounds super unimpressive. BUT this was my first net worth update with a positive number, so I’ll take it! My investments are greater than my student loans. FINALLY!
I know, right? WTF is up with the diet. Today I had a big-ass cinnamon roll for breakfast and a buffet for lunch. Really though, most days I eat pretty well.
4 Digit Club! I remember those days. Just wait until that snowball (not the Hostess variety) starts picking up some steam. You’ll get there.
Nice work on killing those loans too.
Inspirational! Gaining strength in both your body and your portfolio – congrats. It’s all about discipline. I appreciate these honest snapshots of your life and progress.
Love the unconventional railing/bookcase. Homemade, unique touches like this have so much more character, not to mention functionality, than a boring, store bought railing.
Thanks! Transparency is the only way to go. I was super embarrassed to post those pics the first time, but now, I just don’t care.
Love the bookshelf. Keep up the good work on the PX90. Fitness is a lot like investing, you’ve gotta keep a long view.
Mattattack recently posted…A late review of 2015: Spending
Wise words! Change won’t happen overnight. I’m already planning P90x rounds 2 and 3…
Wow! So many inspirational updates in one post!
First, way to go on the P90X! I’ve had friends do it, but I’ve never attempted… But you can totally see it working for you. I’ve never taken photos of myself specifically for the purpose of monitoring weight loss/muscle gain, but maybe it’s something I should do (probably never revealed on the internet, but just for myself).
Second, love the bookcase/stair railing. Especially with the LEDs. We haven’t started on any of the long list of home renos we want to do, but built in bookshelves with LED lights are so going to be a part of it! I have zero DIY skills, but I’m hoping that starting with some simple projects to get my feet wet will help…
And third, at least you have positive growth… I think we are negative this month… and we are years and years away from being in the “double comma club” as you call it…
ARBM recently posted…2016 Goal #6 – The Plan
Photos really help! The change is gradual, so I may not have noticed otherwise.
Don’t worry about zero DIY skills. I’m just a computer programmer. Just take your time and watch some YouTube videos. Nothing to it.
As an architect for over 15 years, I love the bookcases! Keep up the great work, I need to read more of this blog and find other cool ideas you have.
Thanks, that means a ton to me! Really appreciate the kind comment since I’m very much an amateur.
Just by looking at the title, I’m already in love with the post.
Great job in your progress of P90X, financial performance, and your consistency in giving us high-quality and inspirational articles!
The bookcase looks amazing – a fantastic idea and a job done beautifully. Can’t wait to see your full post on it!
Charlie recently posted…Yakezie Challenge Progress – Month #7
Thanks Charlie!
Nice, the P90X progress is starting to show. The second round is “easier”, but the funny thing is that you will start to push yourself harder, deeper, longer, etc. Which still makes you feel the same as in round 1. Keep going though and remember that muscle tissue is about 18 percent denser than fat tissue, so weight loss is a bit of a tricky subject. It will go down though until you reach an optimum weight (donnettes and beer not included of course).
Glad to see you are also still in the double comma club. Now start listening to Mrs. 1500, stop working as soon as you can and enjoy the kids and the house!
Team CF recently posted…February 2016 Cheesy Index
Thanks for the advice Team CF. I’m OK if my weight doesn’t go down. If my weight stays the same and I see muscle improvement, that means I’ve lost some fat too. I think that is the correct way to think about it at least.
Work will be over soon…
Wow your results so far are amazing. you can really see the difference in the pictures. Much better then just the numbers. The numbers make it seem like nothing changed.
Congrats and keep it up!
Also congrats on almost finishing up the house. I would like to see more of the finished bathrooms. Do have a home remodel post in the works?
Thanks for the encouragement!
I have a lot of loose ends to tie up regarding the house. I’ll post on it when it is done, hopefully by June.
Also, next time you and the family find yourself in Denver, I hope that you’ll stop by again and see it for yourself.
oh forgot to say I cannot believe you only have a year left!! Wow.
I feel like if you think the past 3 years have flown by that this last year is going to feel like light speed.
The Roamer recently posted…My single biggest tip for traveling with small kids
All of this made me feel very unaccomplished in February! You built something. Improved your body. And you’re getting so close to that retirement goal. Damn, it’s crazy how quickly that time has flown by.
Broke Millennial recently posted…Financial Pet Peeve: The Worst Credit Score Myth of All
Thanks Broke Millennial! Life is good for me when I’m accomplishing stuff. I never feel like I’ve done enough though! I need a month off to wrap it all up. Or maybe the rest of my life…
I had no idea what donettes were until I scrolled down to the picture. Then it was like “Oh, those. I’ve seen them before.” I don’t think I’ve ever bought any though.
Way to go on the workouts! You can really see the difference. Just don’t start eating donettes!
Linda recently posted…This Is Why Annual Exams Are So Important!
Thanks Linda for the kind words and encouragement!
Nice work 1500. Put me down for two tickets to the gun show. Also the bookcase is pretty sweet.
Investment Hunting recently posted…Stock Sell – BP
Gun show! Little tiny water guns maybe!
Regarding the bookcase, just wait ’til you see the final product! #soon
Please quit your job!!!
Seriously though, I mean I like to keep busy but am already working part time and currently doing my kitchen up and still finding no time for everything else ( haven’t blogged in over a month!) So I have no idea how you find the time. 4 hours sleep isn’t good for the health man!
Hopefully things will calm down soon for you or you can just take the plunge and quit. I know what I would be doing with 1mill in the bank 😉
Cheers!
theFIREstarter recently posted…january update – expenses, income, and battling a cream tea addiction
Yeah, and they use a fraction of the energy of the old incandescents (last way longer too)!
Thanks for the kind comment.