SUMMARY

Strengthened by annual performance bonus from Microsoft, September is closed with net worth of $119,902, 9.7% increase over last month. Liquidation value goes up 11.8% to $94,487. This brings expected Month-To-Retire down two notches to July 2016.

MONTH-END BALANCE SHEET

INCOME STATEMENT

Income is boosted by Microsoft annual performance bonus to $17,241 while operating expense goes back to normal at $4,375. Tax withheld is $4,227 due to additional tax withholding for annual bonus. Pro forma saving from ordinary operation is $8,602. Also there is $1,937 other income mainly due to appreciation in stock portfolio and stock option value.

BALANCE SHEET

Most increases to net worth shows as increases in ESPP and multiple investment accounts. Tax liability rises to $4,029 due to stock appreciation and under-withholding for salary income. Loan balance decreases a lot due to payoff of monthly MBNA balance.

INVESTMENTS

S&P 500 drops 1.2% to 996 in the month. On the other hand, my regular portfolio increases by $994 mainly due to stock appreciation of OCA and RJR which is partially offset by loss in short position in AMZN. Stock option value increases more than $1,000 as MSFT goes up.

I'm still keeping most of my 401(k) portfolio in money market. It's fair to say I have no confidence on any fund in the plan right now.

IMPORTANT PERSONAL FINANCE ISSUES

- Cash flow management may become an intermediate term worry as it seems that I'll have very limited cash flow in the next few months (until January ESPP cycle). I'm currently applying for ShareBuilder Visa Platinum card which offers generous 12 month 0% purchase APR.

- My current tax withholding via Microsoft is behind my year-end tax plan. I have since changed my W-4 to withhold $350 more per pay cycle since October to bridge the gap. I might need to withhold more to avoid tax penalty.