kcw | journal | 2003 << Previous Page | Next Page >>
I got a modest pay raise last week. It was like 4.3% to cover cost of living increases, but still nice since it's a sign that Oracle is doing ok. Along with the salary increase was 1000 stock options (might be useful some day) and $1000 bonus (covering 6 months -- salary increases are yearly and bonuses are twice a year). That's like $500 after taxes and 401k deductions.

And then today I just spent it. Someone was selling their Deadlands collection and I couldn't pass it up. Calculated, it's roughly $969 in Deadlands stuff that I don't have (some duplicates since I placed a larger order with Pinnacle at the start of the month) for $500 including shipping. Mighty good buy though I was planning on using by bonus to buy different games, like catching up on GURPS and HERO.
My monthly spending is just a tad less than monthly earnings, which doesn't bode well for me saving any money. I'd like to save $3000 so I can invest in an IRA but that's not going to happen. Theoretically, the money I get back at tax time is about what I pay for property taxes. So it looks like my finances are at just about zero savings unless I get a significant raise. Kind of sad considering I was doing the same when I was making $35000 a year.

Just got back from seeing Riley at the hospital. That boy is cute! So small and well formed. I guess I expected something more... formless. But he really is a small person, with hair even! Afterwards we tried to play basketball at a nearby park but some kids pushed us off the court. Then we went to Claim Jumpers and stuffed ourselves.
Copyright (c) 2003 Kevin C. Wong
Page Created: December 19, 2003 Page Last Updated: December 19, 2003