Since you started...

[fe2o3ez]

Wow. Talk about a thread that requires self-reflection! Let's see:

I joined 4 years ago, in early 2008 when:
* we had just moved for my wife's work and were renting a pretty crummy house, though we were making plans to buy\build a house that we could be in for 10-15 years (until my son was out of school). If fact, that's how I found the SA board, while I was looking for advice on the decision.
* I was in a contracting position looking for something permanent.
* Over $65,000 in debt between graduate student loans, cars, taxes, etc. Not fun.
* No savings at all, other than some un-rolled 401ks.

To Today:
* Built a gorgeous house, then sold it this past fall after I took a job in a different state (because the permanent job I got in 2008 laid me off and I was forced to find something different). The house sold for an additional $20k, which essentially paid RE commissions and moving expenses.
* Debt is gone. Only have the mortgage on the new house.
* Two new vehicles, 2008 and 2010, also paid off.
* Income from my job is up almost 70%.
* EF fully funded.
* Retirement Savings up significantly, and consolidated.
* Overall, our net worth has TRIPLED!

Thanks, SA!

[FrugalTexan75]

Hmm... I joined in January of 2005.

Since then I:

Personal life: Was single and had one cat (Monkey) in 2005. In 2012 am single and have one cat (Kari.) Have not lost any immediate family members (though my mom married and divorced during this time.)

1. Quit my teaching job.
2. Worked various temporary jobs (including as a supervisor on a bus survey)
3. Got a job as a receptionist at an oil and gas company, was promoted after 3 months.
4. Got a part time job at a gym.
5. Was laid off from job at oil and gas company.
6. Quit job at gym and became a self-employed tutor.
7. Went back to school and obtained my Master's degree.
8. Got a job as a school librarian.

Moving: Within one state since 2005 - 8 times
From one state to another state: 1 time (where I currently live!)

Networth: In 2005 I had roughly $14k in savings, in 2009 when I was laid off, I had about the same amount. In 2012 I have nowhere near that amount in savings, but paid for my Master's in cash and scholarships ... so no debt. However, my total networth, even with way less in savings, is about the same as it was in 2005.

[zakity]

Wow... I had to go look. I have been on here since 2004. I don't post much. And, lately, I haven't had the time to even hit the board.

Since 2004:
I quit my job and became a SAHHM (stay at home homeschooling mom) instead of a WHM (working homeschooling mom). The house is almost paid for (about another four years left). Now, I am going to school for accounting. I am hoping to be finished about the time my twins turn 16. I am hoping the economy will be improved enough to where I can get a job easily. Both twins should be finished with high school about that time and I am hoping that we will be able to help them with college a little.

Our plan is to live off one income and put the other income towards retirement. He wants to live off the higher income and put the lower income into retirement. I want to live off the lower income and put away the higher income.


Side note:
The oldest is having a tougher time with high school and I think the twins will be finished before he will. When he is finished, we plan on helping him out with college also. It just won't be happening at the same time as my getting a job and the twins hitting college. In a way, the staggering will be nice.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

It is all about self-reflection. I feel like we think of people here in bubbles, never changing their situations.