Christmas this year was quite a bit different than those of the past (for obvious reasons). However, we made the best of it and was able to enjoy a laid back time with our immediate family. Fortunately, I think everyone got what they were hoping for. We even had a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve.

One interesting piece of information is that even with a car purchase, our expenses for this year were almost the same as 2019. That just goes to show that things may be leveling off when it comes to our annual expenses. This will make calculating the amount we need for FIRE much easier.

Numbers greatly improved this month. That was boosted by the markets increasing even more, 3 paychecks in one month, and a nice income from the side business.

How did this affect us?

Christmas was an obvious expense this year. Honestly, we probably spent more than usual on gifts, but I think everyone was happy with what they got and didn’t get a lot of items they won’t use.

We did have a plumbing issue we needed to get taken care of this month. In addition to that, we bought floor mats for the new Prius, spark plugs, and had the fluids changed. It should be quite a while before any additional work is needed on it.

• Christmas
• Floor Mats & Spark Plugs – $216
• Fluid Changes- $432 (after discounts and gift cards)
• Plumbing – $225

The Money Related Numbers

51.77% to target number (previously 48.83%)

This is our invested assets/target number. Our invested assets span across a variety of investment vehicles such as 401k, HSA, IRA, Roth IRA, ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Program) and standard taxable mutual funds.

91 months (previously 92)

The number of months until my 45th birthday and our finish date.

53.09 months (previously 59.45)

The number of expected months until we reach our target number based on our current expected monthly contributions, assuming a 10% annual return.

The Expense Related Numbers

14.25 times annual spending (previously 13.19)

This is how many multiples of our annual spending we have saved up towards our goal. For example, if this value was 9.1 and we spent $10,000 annually, we would have $91,000 saved up.

56.99% to minimum FIRE (previously 52.78%)

The minimum number to achieve FIRE is 25 times our annual spending. This number shows how close we are to the absolute minimum.

27.52 times annual spending at goal number (previously 27.02)

We have a goal amount that we’d like to reach. Given our current annual spending, this is how many times our annual spending we’ll have saved when we reach our goal number.

How Much We Invested

54.56% Month to Month Change In How Much Saved (previously 5.71%)

This number shows the change in what we saved this month compared to the prior month in things like 401k, Roth IRA, taxable accounts, and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

54.56% Month to Month Change in How Much Saved With Employer Contributions (previously 3.47%)

Same as the prior number, but with employer contributions counted.

12.61% Month to Month Change in 6 Month Savings Average (previously -7.75%)

This number show the change in what we saved this month compared to the prior month, but on a 6 month rolling average. This helps to smooth out months over time and shows a more general trend.

10.57% of 6 Month Average Net Income Invested With Employer Contributions (previously -8.96%)

Same as the prior number, but with employer contributions counted.