Starting Net Worth: -$3,341
In June of 2022, I proposed to my now-wife, Natasha, and we embarked on an unforgettable road trip through Michigan and Wisconsin—a trip she affectionately refers to as our “engagemoon.” It was a memorable experience that marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in our lives, both personally and financially.
As we began planning our wedding, we also made the decision to officially combine our finances. We updated our direct deposit information, channeling our income into a joint account to start saving for our big day. This was a key milestone for us, but it also laid the foundation for deeper financial collaboration. Together, we began tracking our net worth and brainstorming ways to improve it.
From my perspective as a financial planner, it's crucial for couples to align their financial goals and strategies to ensure they are working as a cohesive unit, rather than two separate entities. Effective communication and collaboration on finances are the bedrock of a strong partnership. In our case, Natasha entered this partnership with a stronger net worth than I did. This month’s blog post also marks a pivotal transition—drawing the line between “Preston Gee’s Financial Journey” and the start of our shared “Gee Family Financial Journey.”
During June 2022, our primary financial focus was building up our wedding fund. On the professional front, I continued contributing to my 401(k) and took full advantage of the employer match. Natasha, at that point, had not yet started her full-time role and didn’t have access to a 401(k), but she was contributing to a Roth IRA and had already established an individual investment account.
Ending Net Worth: $33,692
None of the above information is a recommendation. This blog is purely intended as commentary on things that have happened along my financial journey.