Rachael GiffenRogue Valley Real Estate
Blog / September 29, 2025

๐Ÿก Financial Updates: Investments, Decisions & a Frenchie Oops

By Rachael Giffen ยท September 29, 2025

This week was full of financial moves. Some intentional, some spontaneous (looking at you, new Frenchie ๐Ÿถ).

Over the weekend, we checked out a duplex that had potential, but after walking through and running numbers, it became clear it was overpriced for the amount of work it needed. Weโ€™re talking:

By the time weโ€™d factor in all those repairs, the deal just didnโ€™t make sense. Sometimes walking away is the smartest investment you can make.

We also toured new construction homes, which Iโ€™m a big fan of. Warranties, fresh builds, no surprise repairs, thereโ€™s something so comforting about โ€œnew everythingโ€, and maybe Iโ€™m just spoiled since Iโ€™ve worked in new construction for 10+ years. Iโ€™ve got our lender running estimates now so we can compare what the monthly payments would look like and see if one fits into our long-term plan.

On the rental side, we received one rent payment this week (so far) that money went straight into the rental account as usual. While reviewing the account, we actually found a little extra sitting there, so I moved it straight into the stock market. Idle cash doesnโ€™t grow, so Iโ€™m putting it to work. ๐Ÿ’ธ However you should always have a โ€œrainy dayโ€ fund.

Iโ€™m also transitioning away from Prosper. The returns just arenโ€™t great anymore, so every time a payment comes in, Iโ€™m moving it over to Robinhood to invest more intentionally.

And yesโ€ฆ about that Frenchie. Definitely not part of the plan, but sometimes life gives you cute detours. ๐Ÿพ

We both get paid this week, so Iโ€™ll be putting more money toward debt payments and investments. Iโ€™ll do a full monthly recap soon with updated numbers so you can see where everything landed for September.

Itโ€™s all about staying intentional; reviewing, adjusting, and keeping money aligned with our goals (even with a new furry family member).

Stay tuned for the recap!

Rachael Giffen
Broker ยท Rogue Valley

More from the blog

Rachael Giffen
June 29, 2026

Celebrate the 4th of July in Southern Oregon ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

If youโ€™re looking for an excuse to get outside this holiday weekend, Southern Oregon has no shortage of fun. From hometown parades and family festivals to fireworks, live music, and lake days, thereโ€™s something happening in nearly every community.Even better? The forecast is looking like classic Sou

April 5, 2026

๐ŸŒธ Life Lately: Spring Sports, Big Moves & Fresh Starts

Spring has officially arrived (and in fullForce) , with it comes that familiar feeling of full calendars, longer days, and a whole lot of excitement. Life has been busy in the best way lately, hereโ€™s a little peek at what weโ€™ve been up to!โšพ Game On: Spring Sports Are Here!Spring sports are officiall

March 25, 2026

Your Guide to Buying a Home in Southern Oregon

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions many people make. The process can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time home buyers. Understanding each step clearly can help you avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. This guide breaks down the real estate purchasin