It's been 90 days since I started my new job and it's been very much an adjustment! A while back, I posted that I took a new job because I really needed to give myself a raise. I've struggled with some start of job expenses like a longer commute, new clothes (this place has a slightly more professional dress code), and a few lunches out with co-workers so I wouldn't appear unfriendly.

Well I'm past that and I've redone my budget for the next 6 months with the new pay rate. I got a raise of about $20,000 with this job but that isn't a net gain. The last job contributed about $4500 a year towards my retirement while this job only contributes about $900. Plus they gave me a mass transit pass which was worth about $1500 a year in saved gas and transportation costs while this job pays nothing. And of course there are additional taxes. Still I'm obviously ahead. By the end of this year, I will have paid off my one remaining credit card and as of January, I will be able to put away 20% of my gross pay. 10% to my 401K which will reduce my tax burden and 10% to my 401K until it's fully funded. Currently, I'm only able to put away 10%. So I'm on the way finally!