Quick update on my progress since July 2019. My hard asset net worth is now up to $260k (from $175k). I’ve shifted my investment approach based on the model portfolios on https://www.sustainableeconomist.com/
I’m now putting all my equity investments into SDG (iShares global impact ETF) My portfolio has done well through the COVID dip, mirroring results more broadly for ESG indexes which have tended to outperform the S&P 500.
My precious metal holdings have also helped:
Overall portfolio update:
Hard Assets (not including startup equity/business equity):
- $105k in superannuation (retirement fund accessible at age 65) invested with Australian Ethical (though I’ll probably change that due to their high fees)
- $62.8k in ETFs (ETHI.ASX, PZD.AMEX, ACDC.ASX, ETPMPM.ASX), Raiz and individual shares.
- $17k in cryptocurrency (mostly HOT and BTC – other crypto “assets” have not performed well)
- $5k in cash in personal bank accounts
- $21k in precious metals (buffer against market crashes)
- $13k in US ETFs (PZD.AMEX, ACES.AMEX, GLTR.AMEX, ICLN.AMEX, LIT.AMEX, BLCN.AMEX) and individual stocks (TSLA.AMEX, ABB.AMEX, BYND.AMEX) owned by my business
- $25k in cash in business bank accounts
- $4.5k in “property” via Brickx.com.au
Liabilities:
- $16k in HELP debt (student loan from Australian government with 2% interest rate)
Update on my expenses
I’ve reduced my expenses somewhat. I’m now spending ~$18k AUD/year
- $0/year in rent (my wife owns the apartment we live in. If I were single, I’d spend ~$10k/year on rent)
- $4k/year in charitable donations after tax ($6k before tax)
- $2.5k/year on food
- $3k/year for skiing (I love cross country skiing)
- $1.5k/year for private health insurance
- $1250/year on holidays
- $1000/year for other medical expenses (physiotherapy, allergy treatment)
- $850/year on public transport
- $850/year on bills
- $800/year on books and non tax-deductible educational expenses
- $600/year on gifts
- $300/year on bicycle maintenance
- $200/year on other hobbies
- $175/year on contents insurance
- $75/year on eating out
- $200/year in other misc expenses
Update on my income
I am now working two part time jobs as well as running my business
- day job 1 (2 days per week): $48k/year before tax
- day job 2 (1 day per week): ~$20k/year before tax
- business: ~$40k/year profit before tax
My business profit has increased a bit in the last 12 months and is heading in a positive direction. I’ve launched two new SaaS products since July 2019 and these are generating $1600/month in revenue.
Ethical Financial Independence 