Part 7/10:
From a financial standpoint, the year was stable but unremarkable. Our dividend income for both 2023 and 2024 hovered around $50,000, reflecting minimal growth. This plateau is attributed to factors such as dividends being cut from some investments within my portfolio, emphasizing the need for diversification.
Our monthly living expenses totaled approximately $6,000, dominated by housing followed by food costs at $1,300. While healthcare expenses were relatively low due to my wife's continued employment, these costs will surge when she eventually leaves her job. Balancing our budget has been a tightrope walk that requires careful planning, especially regarding medical insurance.