October 2020 Financial Samurai Recap Returning to Normal Life

October 2020 marked a significant turning point for many, as it felt like the dawn of a new era—akin to the transition into early retirement. After enduring strict lockdowns and making drastic lifestyle adjustments, the feeling of freedom was both exhilarating and unsettling. As routines began to shift back to a semblance of normalcy, many grappled with the implications of such newfound liberty. Would it last? How would we adapt? These questions loomed large as daily life resumed its rhythm, albeit with an underlying caution.

This article takes a closer look at how October unfolded, highlighting family moments, financial updates, health reflections, and personal insights during this unique period. The journey through these layers of life during the pandemic provides a richer context for understanding the interconnectedness of our experiences.

Family moments and experiences

October was a month of reconnection for my family, filled with unforgettable outings that had been long overdue. The opportunities to engage in activities together offered not just joy, but a sense of normality that had been missing for months.

• Our visit to the California Academy of Sciences was particularly poignant. This museum, a staple since our son’s birth, felt like a reunion with old friends. It was a heartwarming experience to witness our daughter explore the exhibits for the first time.
• We also ventured to the Japanese Tea Garden, which was more stunning than I remembered. Watching my son navigate a stone bridge for the first time was exhilarating, even if it came with a hint of parental anxiety!
• The zoo trip marked another milestone, as our children saw animals like rhinoceroses, grizzly bears, and koalas for the first time. After purchasing a membership just before the shutdown, this visit felt like a long-awaited reward.
• Our family vacation to Lake Tahoe was a blend of adventure and chaos, with our kids experiencing their first real hike amidst less-than-restful nights. However, these memories were priceless, especially considering the uncertainty of future trips.

Social interactions and family dynamics

Socialization was a crucial aspect of our family life that had suffered during the pandemic. Organizing playdates with our son’s preschool friends became a priority, as I noticed the lack of interaction was affecting him. We also invested in an inflatable pool for some backyard fun during warm days, providing a much-needed outlet for energy.

My daughter, now a curious crawler, was reaching new milestones, bringing immense joy to our home. Seeing her playful spirit was a reminder of the simple pleasures amidst the chaos of life during a pandemic.

As Halloween approached, we got creative with costumes, dressing our children as characters from “Number Blocks,” a show that has become a favorite for learning basic math concepts. However, we faced a scare when our daughter had a reaction to a new food; this prompted us to take extra precautions as she navigated the world of solid foods.

Financial reflections and market insights

October was a challenging month for investments, with the S&P 500 experiencing a drop of approximately 3.5%. This decline mirrored a decrease in our net worth, but I remained optimistic about the potential for economic recovery post-election, influenced by Federal government actions.

Despite market fluctuations, I was relieved to report that all my tenants continued to pay rent on time, a testament to their stable employment. Their ongoing residency in my rental properties is crucial, especially as I anticipate a rebound in demand for housing once the pandemic stabilizes.

Investment strategies and rental market trends

The rental market in San Francisco has shown resilience, particularly in less dense areas. Tracking comparable home sales during the pandemic has revealed a surprising strength in demand, which is encouraging for future investments.

As for my overall net worth, it remained relatively stable—flat for the month but up 12% for the year. This stability was thanks to healthy streams of passive income and online revenue which offset losses in stock values. My focus on real estate continues to guide my financial strategy, as I aim for a 10% growth in net worth annually and a target of generating $300,000 in retirement income.

Passive income and unexpected distributions

A welcome surprise came in the form of a $34,981 distribution from my real estate crowdfunding investments. This unexpected windfall boosted my total distributions for the year to $191,679, a figure I had not anticipated due to the pandemic’s impact on the economy.

Reinvesting portions of these funds into the market became a priority as I sought to capitalize on lower prices, particularly in well-established companies like Netflix, which I’ve held for over eight years. My strategy hinges on the expectation of continued support from the Federal Reserve, regardless of the election outcome.

Health and well-being during uncertain times

October was a notable month for my health, as I began to feel more like myself after months of lingering symptoms. Participating in weekly softball games restored some of the joy and camaraderie that had been missing from my life, despite the usual aches and pains that come with age.

This period has also highlighted the importance of mental health and its influence on physical well-being. As stress levels rose during the pandemic, I recognized that many of my physical symptoms were not merely age-related but intertwined with emotional strain.

• Parents juggling work and family responsibilities should be gentle with themselves. It’s okay to take breaks and allow kids some screen time for sanity’s sake.
• Finding balance has been a journey, especially while parenting young children in uncertain times.

Updates from Financial Samurai

Throughout October, I remained committed to publishing content regularly on Financial Samurai, maintaining a schedule of three posts a week. My wife and I also recorded several podcasts, further diversifying our outreach.

To enhance engagement, I have considered launching a paid newsletter offering deeper insights and investment strategies, although I'm weighing the commitment required for such a venture. Additionally, I made updates to my site, ensuring that readers could see the publish dates for all posts.

As traffic typically slows during the holiday season, I planned to take a break in December to recharge after a busy year. My writing during our Lake Tahoe trip set a solid foundation to maintain my publication cadence as we approach the end of the year.

Looking ahead: Health and family goals

With the arrival of November, I’m optimistic about maintaining our family's health and well-being. Reflecting on past illnesses, especially during November 2019, I’m thankful for our current health and the quality time spent together. The pandemic has, in some ways, allowed us to grow closer as a family.

We are actively exploring preschool options for our son for Fall 2021, while being open to homeschooling if necessary. This flexibility has become a hallmark of our parenting during these unprecedented times.

Plans for November 2020

In November, we aim to maximize our time outdoors, enjoying parks, museums, and other public spaces that had been closed. The city has made significant investments in upgrading playgrounds, and we’re eager to explore these new facilities.

As winter approaches, we’ll continue to utilize moderate weather for outdoor activities. I also anticipate my contractor making progress on a remodel for one of my rental properties. This project, once completed, should enhance its value significantly.

With a budget of approximately $70,000 for renovations, the goal is to create a more livable space that can yield additional income. The completion of this project is crucial, and I’m hopeful for a swift turnaround.

Overall, October was a month of revitalization, filled with family bonding, financial strategizing, and personal growth. I look forward to carrying this momentum into November and beyond.

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Readers, how was your October? Any plans for November?

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