It's one thing to say I'm going to increase my savings in 2010...it's another thing to have an actual plan of action. Type A me has a plan of action for short term and long term savings growth.
1. Increase my Roth IRA contribution to the maximum (currently $5,000 a year)
As my favorite financial guru, Suze Orman would say, let's do the numbers. Let's say I start investing $5,000 a year in to my Roth IRA, when I am thirty and I make the same $5,000 investment for 30 years. (30 years because at 59 1/2 I can withdraw money from my IRA). That's $5,000 X 30 years for a total of $150,000. But we are not taking in to account compound interest. Let's assume an 8% average annual return on my investment. That will give me about $662,000 after 30 years. If at 59 1/2 or 60 I decide to take all that money out, my tax bill will be zero and I would get all $662,000. Reality Check: I may not be able to invest in a Roth every year for 30 years because there may come a point when my income disqualifies me. That makes it so crucial to sock as much money away as I can in to my Roth IRA.
2. Put more towards my mortgage
You might ask how paying more on my house increases my savings. Do you know that if you were to make one extra payment a year on your mortgage you could shave 5 years off the mortgage? Since it doesn't seem like I'll be able to sell my house any time soon I might as well work towards paying it off sooner.
3. Put side hustle in to savings
I am fortunate to have some additional income from a side hustle. But this is going to be really hard for me to do because I rely on the money I make from my side hustle of teaching to finance my travel plans. I think it is essential to put all the money I make teaching in to my savings account. Where there is a will there is a way and I will ALWAYS find a way to travel.
4. Downgrade to Upgrade
My apartment lease is up for renewal and it's a good time to negotiate for a lower rent. If they won't lower the rent it might be time for me to move. Sometimes you have to downgrade (in this case to a smaller or less expensive apartment) in order to upgrade (and increase my savings).
5. Time for a Raise
The economy has been rough for the last few years but the recession is thawing. I haven't gotten a raise in 2 years...not even a cost of living increase. This might be out of my control. It really depends on if the company decides to do a company-wide salary freeze (no raises in 2010). But I know I have worked my ass off and with the higher cost of insurance in addition to the higher costs of everything it's really time for a raise.
Any other ideas on how to increase my savings? What are you going to do to increase your savings for the short term and long term?
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
Goals for 2010
I'm turning the big 3-0 this year. So at first I was going to set 30 goals for myself...but that's a bit much, even for me. My 10 goals for 2010 are:
1. Throw myself a kickass party for my 30th
Consider this advanced notice. I have never thrown myself a big birthday party before and I'm going all out. I'll be having an all white party at a location and date (early March) to be determined. So what that my birthday is in the middle of winter...we'll just have to wear winter white.
2. Pay off another debt
Now that I paid off the debt consolidation loan I want to turn my attention to another major bill and pay that off.
3. Take a new approach on my health
One of my girls goes to a natural health doctor and I want to try it. I'm tired of the asthma medications and allergy shots and weekly chiropractor visits. I've done the standard, traditional medicines. Now I'm ready to try something new.
4. Re-join the gym
I actually enjoyed going to the gym. I miss my anti-gravity yoga classes, urban rebounding classes and my trainer kicking my ass. I remained a member until my company allotment for fitness ran out. New year, new allotment.
5. Go to Vegas as many times as I can
If I could go once a month (12 times this year) I would. But I think 4-6 trips to Vegas will be sufficient and make up for lost time.
6. Increase my savings
After I pay for my birthday party I have to go back to being responsible and putting more in my savings.
7. Try new recipes
I save recipes from magazines all the time and I own several cookbooks. It's time to start trying out some new recipes.
8. Expand professionally
I have been filling in as a project manager at my job and I like the new challenge. So I want to kick ass as a PM and see what it leads too.
9. Go to more Broadway shows
I've been saying for years that I want to see Wicked...it's time I make that happen. There are also a few other shows that I'm interested in seeing.
10. Purge, purge and purge some more
I once read that if you want to have someone in your life you have to make room in your life. For me, I think I need to start by making room in my apartment.
I'm all about setting realistic macro and micro goals for myself. I feel if you aim too high you'll only be disappointed if you don't reach it. So here's to another year of growing personally and professionally.
1. Throw myself a kickass party for my 30th
Consider this advanced notice. I have never thrown myself a big birthday party before and I'm going all out. I'll be having an all white party at a location and date (early March) to be determined. So what that my birthday is in the middle of winter...we'll just have to wear winter white.
2. Pay off another debt
Now that I paid off the debt consolidation loan I want to turn my attention to another major bill and pay that off.
3. Take a new approach on my health
One of my girls goes to a natural health doctor and I want to try it. I'm tired of the asthma medications and allergy shots and weekly chiropractor visits. I've done the standard, traditional medicines. Now I'm ready to try something new.
4. Re-join the gym
I actually enjoyed going to the gym. I miss my anti-gravity yoga classes, urban rebounding classes and my trainer kicking my ass. I remained a member until my company allotment for fitness ran out. New year, new allotment.
5. Go to Vegas as many times as I can
If I could go once a month (12 times this year) I would. But I think 4-6 trips to Vegas will be sufficient and make up for lost time.
6. Increase my savings
After I pay for my birthday party I have to go back to being responsible and putting more in my savings.
7. Try new recipes
I save recipes from magazines all the time and I own several cookbooks. It's time to start trying out some new recipes.
8. Expand professionally
I have been filling in as a project manager at my job and I like the new challenge. So I want to kick ass as a PM and see what it leads too.
9. Go to more Broadway shows
I've been saying for years that I want to see Wicked...it's time I make that happen. There are also a few other shows that I'm interested in seeing.
10. Purge, purge and purge some more
I once read that if you want to have someone in your life you have to make room in your life. For me, I think I need to start by making room in my apartment.
I'm all about setting realistic macro and micro goals for myself. I feel if you aim too high you'll only be disappointed if you don't reach it. So here's to another year of growing personally and professionally.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Goals for 2009 Recap
Here's a look back on what were my goals for 2009 and how well I did or didn't do.
1. Read 30 books
I read 31 books. It was a lot harder than I thought. I read newspapers and magazines all the time but the focus and concentration to read books was more than I anticipated. You can watch TV and flip through a magazine. Can't watch TV and read a book.
2. Pay off my debt consolidation loan
My last loan payment was September 28, 2009 and it feels so good to have one less major bill to pay.
3. Get back in shape
I joined a gym for 6 months and had a trainer for 3 months. So that was very good for me.
4. Keep on cooking
I'm proud of my culinary skills.
5. 3 to 6 months of expenses in to my savings
Wasn't able to do this. When I got close to reaching this goal I lost the tenant in my house. My house was vacant for a bit so I had to cover those expenses with my savings. But I was glad that I had that cushion to fall back on.
6. Relax more
This was a very stressful year so I can't say that I really relaxed more.
7. Stay healthy
I had my annual asthma attack. I say annual asthma attack because I'll have one really bad attack, once a year and usually around the same time of year. So I'm happy that despite how stressful 2009 was I was able to stay relatively healthy.
8. Travel some place I have never been to before
The point of me taking a hiatus from Las Vegas was so I could travel to other places and I went to St. Thomas, Asheville, NC and Costa Rica.
9. Purge my apartment
I am constantly throwing stuff out and donating to good will. I've come a long way but I still have more to do.
BONUS: No Vegas in 2009
This by far was the hardest goal to keep. There were so many times that I wanted to go to get away from it all or someone was trying to convince me to go. But I remained strong and stayed away from Vegas for 365 days :)
If I had to give myself a grade for how I progressed on my goals in 2009 I would give myself a "B" I made progress on some things but I know me and I know I can do better and I can do more.
Monday, October 26, 2009
To Read or Not To Read - Decision
A few days ago I posted about if audio books count towards my goal of reading 30 books this year. Thanks to Everyone who offered their opinions on the issue. I have come to a decision. Audio books will count towards the goal of 30 books BUT certain criteria has to be met.
1. The audio books have to be the unabridged versions.
2. When listening to the books I can't be engaged in any tasks that require my undivided attention. So I can wash dishes, sort laundry, fold towels, make my bed, drive/ride in my car, etc. I can't sort through papers, pay bills, check email, procrastinate on Facebook.
The thinking behind my decision was that if the audio book is the unabridged version it would have taken me about the same amount of time to read the book as it will take listening to the book. There is nothing wrong with a little multitasking while listening to the audio books. Just like I listen to music while cleaning I can listen to an audio book.
I started my first one this weekend. I'm "reading" RED AND ME: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend By Bill Russell with Alan Steinberg. I listened to 2 of the 4 CDS so I'm about half way through the 187 page book.
1. The audio books have to be the unabridged versions.
2. When listening to the books I can't be engaged in any tasks that require my undivided attention. So I can wash dishes, sort laundry, fold towels, make my bed, drive/ride in my car, etc. I can't sort through papers, pay bills, check email, procrastinate on Facebook.
The thinking behind my decision was that if the audio book is the unabridged version it would have taken me about the same amount of time to read the book as it will take listening to the book. There is nothing wrong with a little multitasking while listening to the audio books. Just like I listen to music while cleaning I can listen to an audio book.
I started my first one this weekend. I'm "reading" RED AND ME: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend By Bill Russell with Alan Steinberg. I listened to 2 of the 4 CDS so I'm about half way through the 187 page book.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
To Read or Not To Read
This year I have a personal goal of reading 30 books. It's mid-October and I have read 25 books so I am very happy that I am close to my goal.
Once a year, People magazine has a book sale for Time Inc employees. They sell the books they get to review and give the money to charity. So I picked up a few more books and audiobooks. But if I listen to a book rather than read a book, am I cheating on my goal?
It would still be time spent listening to the book versus reading it. The benefit of listening to the books versus reading them is that I can also do something else at the same time like fold laundry, sort through papers, wash dishes, clean my apartment, whatever.
For my last 5 books should I read actual books or throw a couple of the audiobooks I picked up today in to the mix?
Once a year, People magazine has a book sale for Time Inc employees. They sell the books they get to review and give the money to charity. So I picked up a few more books and audiobooks. But if I listen to a book rather than read a book, am I cheating on my goal?
It would still be time spent listening to the book versus reading it. The benefit of listening to the books versus reading them is that I can also do something else at the same time like fold laundry, sort through papers, wash dishes, clean my apartment, whatever.
For my last 5 books should I read actual books or throw a couple of the audiobooks I picked up today in to the mix?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Winter Workout
I'll be honest, I didn't workout that much this summer. I seriously think I'm going to cancel my gym membership.
My job will reimburse for 50% of a 6 month gym membership. I could use the money I get back to keep the gym membership going OR to enroll in dance classes. I used to take dance classes through Broadway Dance Center and then my job stopped reiumbursing for dance classes. I could also take dance classes at Alvin Ailey. They have non-professional classes.
Working out at the gym has it's positives and negatives. The biggest positive was I noticed the muscle tone change in my body. But the negative was the physical/health problems working out exposed. I didn't have knee and hip flexor problems to this extent until I started working out regularly. Not being a member of Crunch, I would miss the anti-gravity yoga classes and teh urban rebounding classes. Those are my favorites.
What's your winter workout plans?
My job will reimburse for 50% of a 6 month gym membership. I could use the money I get back to keep the gym membership going OR to enroll in dance classes. I used to take dance classes through Broadway Dance Center and then my job stopped reiumbursing for dance classes. I could also take dance classes at Alvin Ailey. They have non-professional classes.
Working out at the gym has it's positives and negatives. The biggest positive was I noticed the muscle tone change in my body. But the negative was the physical/health problems working out exposed. I didn't have knee and hip flexor problems to this extent until I started working out regularly. Not being a member of Crunch, I would miss the anti-gravity yoga classes and teh urban rebounding classes. Those are my favorites.
What's your winter workout plans?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Falling Off the Wagon
We all fall off the wagon. No I don't mean the kind of falling off the wagon that requires rehab. I'm talking about when you set a goal(s) and don't quite achieve it or you are progressing towards it and stop short.
I periodically refer to my goals for the year and at one point I thought I was making really good progress. But I looked back at it this weekend and I realized that I haven't finished reading a book in about 6 weeks.
Everyday I enter my apartment and I realize how much I need/want to purge. I've gradually gotten rid of clothes but I still need to cut the heart strings attached to my t-shirt collection. And papers are a constant problem for me. Most journalists are pack rats.
But the good thing about falling off the wagon is recognizing when you are falling short of your goals.
I periodically refer to my goals for the year and at one point I thought I was making really good progress. But I looked back at it this weekend and I realized that I haven't finished reading a book in about 6 weeks.
Everyday I enter my apartment and I realize how much I need/want to purge. I've gradually gotten rid of clothes but I still need to cut the heart strings attached to my t-shirt collection. And papers are a constant problem for me. Most journalists are pack rats.
But the good thing about falling off the wagon is recognizing when you are falling short of your goals.
Monday, April 13, 2009
The End of Lent
For lent I gave up wine and I thought that would be easy. It wasn't as easy as I thought.
First, the devil is no joke. So the week before I gave up wine for lent EVERY SINGLE Fashion Week event I went too, I was given wine...bottles of it. So once lent started my refrigerator was fully stocked with wine. And I had to see it every single time I opened the fridge. The devil set me up y'all.
Second, I didn't realize how much food was cooked with wine. So I had to avoid any recipes that listed wine as an ingredient just so I wouldn't be accused of cheating.
Third, I've been having cravings for Sangria. Out of all the alcoholic beverages I could have, I craved Sangria and it happens to be made with wine. Meera we gotta split a pitcher SOON.
Fourth, wine is my sedative. It's about the only thing, or so I thought, that could get my head to shut up long enough for me to sleep. But during lent I found myself drinking a lot more tea and burning a candle that is supposed to help with sleeping and reading a book or magazine before going to bed. Those methods didn't always work as well as a glass of wine would have.
Firth, I think I just replaced wine with soda. Near the beginning of lent I went to Costco and got a 36 pack of Pepsi. Needless to say I reached for a soda instead of reaching for the wine when I went in to my fridge.
So lent is now over and I can't say that I will go back to drinking as much wine as I drank before. But after a long day or a long week sometimes you just want to come home, crack open a bottle of wine, kick you feet up and enjoy. Erin, you still got that bottle waiting for me :)
My girlfriend Elie found a "loophole." Lent is supposed to be 40 days BUT if you got to any calendar Lent this year runs for 47 days. So technically I was supposed to have 7 days off. I broke down and took one day...I gave in to the Sangria craving when I went to my girlfriend's birthday dinner at a Cuban restaurant. I know this may be a point of debate. ELIE - where's that link you showed me to prove we weren't cheating?
Did I or did I not cheat? What did you give up for lent and were you successful?
First, the devil is no joke. So the week before I gave up wine for lent EVERY SINGLE Fashion Week event I went too, I was given wine...bottles of it. So once lent started my refrigerator was fully stocked with wine. And I had to see it every single time I opened the fridge. The devil set me up y'all.
Second, I didn't realize how much food was cooked with wine. So I had to avoid any recipes that listed wine as an ingredient just so I wouldn't be accused of cheating.
Third, I've been having cravings for Sangria. Out of all the alcoholic beverages I could have, I craved Sangria and it happens to be made with wine. Meera we gotta split a pitcher SOON.
Fourth, wine is my sedative. It's about the only thing, or so I thought, that could get my head to shut up long enough for me to sleep. But during lent I found myself drinking a lot more tea and burning a candle that is supposed to help with sleeping and reading a book or magazine before going to bed. Those methods didn't always work as well as a glass of wine would have.
Firth, I think I just replaced wine with soda. Near the beginning of lent I went to Costco and got a 36 pack of Pepsi. Needless to say I reached for a soda instead of reaching for the wine when I went in to my fridge.
So lent is now over and I can't say that I will go back to drinking as much wine as I drank before. But after a long day or a long week sometimes you just want to come home, crack open a bottle of wine, kick you feet up and enjoy. Erin, you still got that bottle waiting for me :)
My girlfriend Elie found a "loophole." Lent is supposed to be 40 days BUT if you got to any calendar Lent this year runs for 47 days. So technically I was supposed to have 7 days off. I broke down and took one day...I gave in to the Sangria craving when I went to my girlfriend's birthday dinner at a Cuban restaurant. I know this may be a point of debate. ELIE - where's that link you showed me to prove we weren't cheating?
Did I or did I not cheat? What did you give up for lent and were you successful?
Friday, April 10, 2009
First 100 Days
This blog is NOT about the first 100 days of Obama's administration. It's about the first 100 days of 2009 and how far I have gotten on my nine goals for the year.
For anyone who is counting and cares, April 29, marks the first 100 days of Obama's administration.
1. Read 30 books
I have read 9 books and I'm in the middle of my 10th book. So I'm on track to reach my goal by the end of the year.
2. Pay off my debt consolidation loan
My last loan payment is supposed to be September 28, 2009 and I'm still on track.
3. Get back in shape
Although I love my Wii it just wasn't enough so I joined a gym and got a trainer. To say I'm feeling the burn would be an understatement. There are days it hurts to walk but I'm pushing through the pain.
4. Keep on cooking
My not eating out for the month of March definitely contributed to my "keep on cooking" mantra. I still don't like cooking. It's just not something I will ever love to do. I will always prefer eating out. But cooking once a week is not so bad.
5. 3 to 6 months of expenses in to my savings
This is one of my hardest goals and I'm not sure I can do it this year. But it's a good goal to have so I'll keep on striving towards it.
6. Relax more
Anyone knows me knows that I am super Type-A personality. I have a very hard time relaxing. So I'm taking yoga and pilates. I'm also watching less TV. I think TV contributes to my stress. So escaping in to a DVD or spending more time at the gym has been my great escape.
7. Stay healthy
Joining the gym has largely contributed to my "staying healthy" goal. I'm still seeing my chiropractor on a weekly basis. I'm still getting the allergy shots and it's working. I went to my girlfriends bridal shower and the host had a dog and I was able to play with the dog and not get sick.
8. Travel some place I have never been to before
In a month I'm headed to St. Thomas. I have never been there before. Still working on the trip to the Dominican Republic and possibly Costa Rica at the end of this year.
9. Purge my apartment
I feel like I'm in a constant state of purging. I have so many magazines that I'm always going through and getting rid of them. And my Mom has been helping me to throw out even more.
Overall I'm very happy with my progress within the first 100 days of 2009. And in addition to my long terms goals for 2009 I have done various short term goals that also help me to stay motivated. I'm in the middle of 2 challenges right now (not using any credit cards this month AND forcing myself to live on less by putting a percentage of my gross biweekly salary in to savings). Those short term challenges contribute to my long term goals.
How are you doing on your goals for 2009? If you haven't given them any thought, go back and see what you listed as goals and do something to get back on track.
Next update on my 2009 goals will be July 1. That's the half way point of 2009.
For anyone who is counting and cares, April 29, marks the first 100 days of Obama's administration.
1. Read 30 books
I have read 9 books and I'm in the middle of my 10th book. So I'm on track to reach my goal by the end of the year.
2. Pay off my debt consolidation loan
My last loan payment is supposed to be September 28, 2009 and I'm still on track.
3. Get back in shape
Although I love my Wii it just wasn't enough so I joined a gym and got a trainer. To say I'm feeling the burn would be an understatement. There are days it hurts to walk but I'm pushing through the pain.
4. Keep on cooking
My not eating out for the month of March definitely contributed to my "keep on cooking" mantra. I still don't like cooking. It's just not something I will ever love to do. I will always prefer eating out. But cooking once a week is not so bad.
5. 3 to 6 months of expenses in to my savings
This is one of my hardest goals and I'm not sure I can do it this year. But it's a good goal to have so I'll keep on striving towards it.
6. Relax more
Anyone knows me knows that I am super Type-A personality. I have a very hard time relaxing. So I'm taking yoga and pilates. I'm also watching less TV. I think TV contributes to my stress. So escaping in to a DVD or spending more time at the gym has been my great escape.
7. Stay healthy
Joining the gym has largely contributed to my "staying healthy" goal. I'm still seeing my chiropractor on a weekly basis. I'm still getting the allergy shots and it's working. I went to my girlfriends bridal shower and the host had a dog and I was able to play with the dog and not get sick.
8. Travel some place I have never been to before
In a month I'm headed to St. Thomas. I have never been there before. Still working on the trip to the Dominican Republic and possibly Costa Rica at the end of this year.
9. Purge my apartment
I feel like I'm in a constant state of purging. I have so many magazines that I'm always going through and getting rid of them. And my Mom has been helping me to throw out even more.
Overall I'm very happy with my progress within the first 100 days of 2009. And in addition to my long terms goals for 2009 I have done various short term goals that also help me to stay motivated. I'm in the middle of 2 challenges right now (not using any credit cards this month AND forcing myself to live on less by putting a percentage of my gross biweekly salary in to savings). Those short term challenges contribute to my long term goals.
How are you doing on your goals for 2009? If you haven't given them any thought, go back and see what you listed as goals and do something to get back on track.
Next update on my 2009 goals will be July 1. That's the half way point of 2009.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
End of No Eat Out Month
WARNING: Do not read this blog post if you haven't eaten. It will make you hungry.
I picked the month of March to not eat out unless someone else was paying for the meal. During the month I kept a food diary so all the doubters could see that I could do it. I'm not going to bore you with the day to day of what meals I ate every day so here's a list of some of the things I cooked:
- Shrimp & Corn Chowder
- Ribs
- Chicken Breast with Broccoli and Brown Rice
- Ravioli with Peas & Shallots
- Steak and vegetables
- Spicy Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
- Vegetable Stir Fry
- Pizza Bagels (I LOVE pizza bagels when it's a New York bagel)
- Loaded Baked Potato (broccoli, cheese and bacon bits)
- Pork Chops (thanks Kristina for the recipe)
I definitely flexed my cooking muscle...LOL. But I honestly think I didn't save any money. I really think eating in is just as expensive as eating out. As you can see from my food diary I did eat well this month. I think I actually gained weight in the process. And as much as I ate I still have a lot of food in my freezer and cabinets. So I'm going to keep the food challenge going. I will go out to eat but I'm going to limit myself to no more than 10 times this month and that will include if I buy lunch. Anyone want to join me for this next food challenge.
Next up: Not charging anything on my credit cards for the month of April.
I picked the month of March to not eat out unless someone else was paying for the meal. During the month I kept a food diary so all the doubters could see that I could do it. I'm not going to bore you with the day to day of what meals I ate every day so here's a list of some of the things I cooked:
- Shrimp & Corn Chowder
- Ribs
- Chicken Breast with Broccoli and Brown Rice
- Ravioli with Peas & Shallots
- Steak and vegetables
- Spicy Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
- Vegetable Stir Fry
- Pizza Bagels (I LOVE pizza bagels when it's a New York bagel)
- Loaded Baked Potato (broccoli, cheese and bacon bits)
- Pork Chops (thanks Kristina for the recipe)
I definitely flexed my cooking muscle...LOL. But I honestly think I didn't save any money. I really think eating in is just as expensive as eating out. As you can see from my food diary I did eat well this month. I think I actually gained weight in the process. And as much as I ate I still have a lot of food in my freezer and cabinets. So I'm going to keep the food challenge going. I will go out to eat but I'm going to limit myself to no more than 10 times this month and that will include if I buy lunch. Anyone want to join me for this next food challenge.
Next up: Not charging anything on my credit cards for the month of April.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Goals for 2009
This year I've decided to do a little something different. I'm going to make 9 goals that I will strive to achieve in 2009.
1. Read 30 books
I attempted this in 2008 and only got half way there but I'm all about try and try again.
2. Pay off my debt consolidation loan
My last loan payment is supposed to be September 28, 2009 and then I will be credit card debt free.
3. Get back in shape
I'm so happy Santa bought me a Wii. Working out is now so much fun and I can do it anytime I want and totally at my convenience.
4. Keep on cooking
When I think back to 2007...2006...2005...I have come a long way in terms of cooking and I hope to do more of that in 2009.
5. 3 to 6 months of expenses in to my savings
Hopefully I won't have as many rainy days in 2009 where I will need to tap into my emergency savings. I want to build a real financial cushion.
6. Relax more
Anyone knows me knows that I am super Type-A personality. I have a very hard time relaxing. So I'm going to try and do more of that in 2009.
7. Stay healthy
I haven't had a serious asthma attack in a year. I want to stay on top of my asthma, keep getting my allergy shots, be consistant with my chiropractor appointments and just do what I have to do to stay in the best of health.
8. Travel some place I have never been to before
The point of me taking a hiatus from Las Vegas was so I could travel to other places. So in 2009 I need to go some place I have never been before.
9. Purge my apartment
I still have boxes that I have never unpacked from when I first moved to NYC. And I have stuff in my Mom's attic that she wants me to also go through and get rid of. So it's time to, in the words of Tim Gunn, keep it, chuck it or donate it.
I'm all about setting realistic goals for myself. I feel if you aim too high you'll only be disappointed if you don't reach it. So here's to another year of growing personally and professionally.
1. Read 30 books
I attempted this in 2008 and only got half way there but I'm all about try and try again.
2. Pay off my debt consolidation loan
My last loan payment is supposed to be September 28, 2009 and then I will be credit card debt free.
3. Get back in shape
I'm so happy Santa bought me a Wii. Working out is now so much fun and I can do it anytime I want and totally at my convenience.
4. Keep on cooking
When I think back to 2007...2006...2005...I have come a long way in terms of cooking and I hope to do more of that in 2009.
5. 3 to 6 months of expenses in to my savings
Hopefully I won't have as many rainy days in 2009 where I will need to tap into my emergency savings. I want to build a real financial cushion.
6. Relax more
Anyone knows me knows that I am super Type-A personality. I have a very hard time relaxing. So I'm going to try and do more of that in 2009.
7. Stay healthy
I haven't had a serious asthma attack in a year. I want to stay on top of my asthma, keep getting my allergy shots, be consistant with my chiropractor appointments and just do what I have to do to stay in the best of health.
8. Travel some place I have never been to before
The point of me taking a hiatus from Las Vegas was so I could travel to other places. So in 2009 I need to go some place I have never been before.
9. Purge my apartment
I still have boxes that I have never unpacked from when I first moved to NYC. And I have stuff in my Mom's attic that she wants me to also go through and get rid of. So it's time to, in the words of Tim Gunn, keep it, chuck it or donate it.
I'm all about setting realistic goals for myself. I feel if you aim too high you'll only be disappointed if you don't reach it. So here's to another year of growing personally and professionally.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Goals for 2008 Recap
Here's a look back on what were my goals for 2008 and how well I did or didn't do.
FINANCES
1. Increase my 401K contributions - did not happen
Given the state of the stock market I decided to just continuing contribution 6% of my salary and not increase it to 10%. My Personal Rate of Return from 01/01/2008 to 12/31/2008 is -45.3%. I don't have money to lose like that so I'm just going to keep steady but increasing my contributions is just not a good option. I'll stick to maxing out the company match
2. Rainy Day Fund - took a serious hit
I had one too many rainy days so the growth of my rainy day fund took a serious hit. I went through several months of problems with my house in Atlanta where I had to go through several evictions so I had to use my rainy day fund to pay the mortgage. I'm hoping that now I have a stable, reliable tenant in my home I can resume building my rainy day fund.
3. Pay Down Debt - on track but didn't beat the deadline
I wanted to have my debt consolidation loan paid off by December 2008 but again the issues with my home in Atlanta prevented me from doing this. But I'm not discouraged. It will be paid off by September 2009, the original end of the loan date. Maybe I will be able to pay this off a few months sooner than 9/09 but again I'm not disappointed or discouraged. I know when the end is near and I can even circle the calendar on my date. Beating the deadline is just part of me being Type-A.
CAREER
I changed jobs in January from Sports Illustrated to InStyle but career goals remained the same.
1. Enroll in management classes and training programs - I did it
I actually was selected for a management training program through my company, Time Inc. I took one class in the series but because of financial concerns the classes have been put on hold. I'm going to look in to other management training programs outside of the company.
2. Classes, classes and more classes - took more Mediabistro classes but not ones outside of MB
I took a lot of classes through Mediabistro.com. And as long as I keep working there I hope to take more. I didn't end up taking the writing class at the New School but maybe I can enroll some time in 2009.
3. Take control of my workaholism - 50% achieved
This is probably not the time to be quitting gigs, even if they are part-time. But earlier this summer I finally quit the speed dating job and it was such a huge relief. I had to work so hard for the money I made and I honestly don't miss it. I just adjusted my spending. I've transitioned at Mediabistro in to teaching online classes. I hope to do more of that in 2009. But as a result of the economy my hours as a night assistant have been cut in half. I am contemplating quitting the night assistant position to focus on the teaching. But we'll see about that because I am such a workaholic I always have to fill my time with money making opportunities.
4. Get Published - I didn't even try
I have resumed blogging on a more regular basis but I gave up completely on trying to write and get published. The industry is shrinking so I'll leave the freelancing to those who are passionate about it and have the time to focus towards doing a good job at it.
HEALTH & FITNESS
1. Get back in shape - did not achieve
Santa got me a Wii for Christmas so now I don't have to spend money on a wasted gym membership. So I didn't exercise much in 2008 but I know I will in 2009.
2. Keep on cooking - I did but I know I can do even more
I am proud of how much cooking I did this year. It was a heck of a lot more than in 2007. So I'm happy with my progress on this and I want to do even more cooking in 2009.
3. Read more books - did not happen
In 2007 I read 15 books and in 2008 I thought I could fit in 30 books. But I read the exact same number as the year before. For me it's hard to balance reading the newspaper every day with reading books. Then throw in all the free magazines I get from my job and it gets overwhelming. So I read a lot but I didn't read all the books I intended to read. I'm going to try again in 2009.
If I had to give myself a grade for how I progressed on my goals in 2008 I would give myself a "C." I made progress on some things but I know me and I know I can do better and I can do more.
What resolutions/goals did you have for 2008? Did you achieve them? Check back tomorrow for my goals for 2009.
FINANCES
1. Increase my 401K contributions - did not happen
Given the state of the stock market I decided to just continuing contribution 6% of my salary and not increase it to 10%. My Personal Rate of Return from 01/01/2008 to 12/31/2008 is -45.3%. I don't have money to lose like that so I'm just going to keep steady but increasing my contributions is just not a good option. I'll stick to maxing out the company match
2. Rainy Day Fund - took a serious hit
I had one too many rainy days so the growth of my rainy day fund took a serious hit. I went through several months of problems with my house in Atlanta where I had to go through several evictions so I had to use my rainy day fund to pay the mortgage. I'm hoping that now I have a stable, reliable tenant in my home I can resume building my rainy day fund.
3. Pay Down Debt - on track but didn't beat the deadline
I wanted to have my debt consolidation loan paid off by December 2008 but again the issues with my home in Atlanta prevented me from doing this. But I'm not discouraged. It will be paid off by September 2009, the original end of the loan date. Maybe I will be able to pay this off a few months sooner than 9/09 but again I'm not disappointed or discouraged. I know when the end is near and I can even circle the calendar on my date. Beating the deadline is just part of me being Type-A.
CAREER
I changed jobs in January from Sports Illustrated to InStyle but career goals remained the same.
1. Enroll in management classes and training programs - I did it
I actually was selected for a management training program through my company, Time Inc. I took one class in the series but because of financial concerns the classes have been put on hold. I'm going to look in to other management training programs outside of the company.
2. Classes, classes and more classes - took more Mediabistro classes but not ones outside of MB
I took a lot of classes through Mediabistro.com. And as long as I keep working there I hope to take more. I didn't end up taking the writing class at the New School but maybe I can enroll some time in 2009.
3. Take control of my workaholism - 50% achieved
This is probably not the time to be quitting gigs, even if they are part-time. But earlier this summer I finally quit the speed dating job and it was such a huge relief. I had to work so hard for the money I made and I honestly don't miss it. I just adjusted my spending. I've transitioned at Mediabistro in to teaching online classes. I hope to do more of that in 2009. But as a result of the economy my hours as a night assistant have been cut in half. I am contemplating quitting the night assistant position to focus on the teaching. But we'll see about that because I am such a workaholic I always have to fill my time with money making opportunities.
4. Get Published - I didn't even try
I have resumed blogging on a more regular basis but I gave up completely on trying to write and get published. The industry is shrinking so I'll leave the freelancing to those who are passionate about it and have the time to focus towards doing a good job at it.
HEALTH & FITNESS
1. Get back in shape - did not achieve
Santa got me a Wii for Christmas so now I don't have to spend money on a wasted gym membership. So I didn't exercise much in 2008 but I know I will in 2009.
2. Keep on cooking - I did but I know I can do even more
I am proud of how much cooking I did this year. It was a heck of a lot more than in 2007. So I'm happy with my progress on this and I want to do even more cooking in 2009.
3. Read more books - did not happen
In 2007 I read 15 books and in 2008 I thought I could fit in 30 books. But I read the exact same number as the year before. For me it's hard to balance reading the newspaper every day with reading books. Then throw in all the free magazines I get from my job and it gets overwhelming. So I read a lot but I didn't read all the books I intended to read. I'm going to try again in 2009.
If I had to give myself a grade for how I progressed on my goals in 2008 I would give myself a "C." I made progress on some things but I know me and I know I can do better and I can do more.
What resolutions/goals did you have for 2008? Did you achieve them? Check back tomorrow for my goals for 2009.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Goals for 2008
As my copy editing teacher Raleigh Mann used to love to say, "Keep It Simple Stupid." (KISS). So I try to keep my goals/resolutions fairly simple and very attainable. Last year I really only had three major goals and I think I'm going to keep them on my list for this year and add a few more. But I think this year will be focused around three major themes: finances, career and health & fitness.
FINANCES
Under finances I have a few goals I would like to obtain:
1. Increase my 401K contributions
The first ten years of contributions to your 401K are so important in the long term so I would like to get up to putting in 10% of my salary versus just maxing out the company match contribution.
2. Rainy Day Fund
I unofficially have a financial adviser whom I call Poppa K. He's always getting on me to make sure I have an account that has at least 6 months of expenses in it because you just never know. This by far has been the hardest goal to reach but I understand the importance of it and I want to do it.
3. Pay Down Debt
The debt consolidation was the best thing I could have ever done in 2007. (Thanks Poppa K). You wouldn't believe how much easier and how much faster I see results in the reduction of my debt because I'm paying to one place instead of several. I just make one large payment and it has freed up some of my money. Now that I have consolidated my debt I want to put more towards paying it off sooner. I'd like to have it paid off by December 2008 but even if I don't hit this goal I know by 2009 it will be.
CAREER
I plan on making major career moves in the new year and to do that I need to do the following:
1. Enroll in management classes and training programs
I actually got this great idea from one of my mentors Sandra Long, Managing Editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer. (I have several great mentors) She suggested several classes and programs to build my skills and help me to obtain my professional goals.
2. Classes, classes and more classes
I work part-time at Mediabistro.com and one of the benefits of working there that I have never capitalized on is that I get to take classes and seminars for free. So I made a list of the classes I want to take through March and had my boss enroll me. I'm looking forward to the free professional development. I also want to take a writing class with Sue Shapiro at the New School in the Fall BUT I will only be able to do that if the next goal happens otherwise I won't have the time.
3. Take control of my workaholism
I actually tried to resign from one of my part-time jobs but they readjusted the job to better suit my needs so I'm staying BUT in 2008 I have to quit working so many additional jobs. This is a HUGE problem for me because I like my jobs, I enjoy working, it keeps me focused and balanced. The additional money has helped me to do things like buy windows for my Mom's house and pay off credit cards and just have fun in NYC. But I know I need to eventually quit some of my hustles so my goal is to quit by summer and hopefully in the fall launch my own company. That would put me at one full time job and one side hustle that is my own business.
4. Get Published
Several of the classes I'll be taking in 2008 through my part-time job are writing classes. So I would like to get at least one of the articles I write for these classes published. I'm targetting the pieces I write to either a women's magazine or the modern love column in the New York Times. Mia always has plenty to say about dating and relationships but is it compelling enough to get published in the New York Times?
HEALTH & FITNESS
Last but not least is health & fitness. First my two goals from last year go back on the list.
1. Get back in shape
My problem is that I work so much I don't leave a lot of time for exercise. But I know I need to either get back in to dance classes or join a gym and hire a personal trainer to keep me motivated and on target.
2. Keep on cooking
I have been purging my home for the new year and I finally put all the recipes I have saved from Essence magazine into a binder. So my goal is to try at least one recipe a month. Doesn't sound like a lot but even cooking once a month for me is a lot.
3. Read more books
For some this may not fall in to the health and fitness category BUT I have a hard time focusing. I always need to be doing 10 things at once. But reading requires undivided attention and thus it is a means for me to learn to relax more. This year I read 15 books so my goal for 2008 is to read 30 books. I'm already off to a good start thanks to the help of my girlfriends who started a book club. That's a guaranteed 12 books. And I have so many books on my bookshelves collecting dust. I also want to finish the Left Behind Series of books I started reading this year. So if I do that I'll be sure to hit 30. Being the over achiever I am I would say I want to read 30 by the summer but I'm going to cut myself some slack and just strive towards having 30 books read by the end of next year.
And there you have it...my goals for 2008. So as you can see I have a lot of things I want to achieve in 2008 but I think they are all very attainable and there is enough variety in the things I want to do that I can do more than one thing at one time and for me that is the key to reaching any goals I set for myself.
BUT I'm going to need your help. I need my friends to support me and push me. Every now and then ask if I have worked on any of my goals. People I care about and who I know care about me holding me accountable keeps me on target. I should probably print out this blog and hang it up on the fridge at home and on my bulletin board at work. This year I didn't revisit my goals but surprisingly I did work on all of them throughout the year.
What are your goals for the new year? What are some things you would like to accomplish in the first 3 months, 6 months and by the end of 2008?
FINANCES
Under finances I have a few goals I would like to obtain:
1. Increase my 401K contributions
The first ten years of contributions to your 401K are so important in the long term so I would like to get up to putting in 10% of my salary versus just maxing out the company match contribution.
2. Rainy Day Fund
I unofficially have a financial adviser whom I call Poppa K. He's always getting on me to make sure I have an account that has at least 6 months of expenses in it because you just never know. This by far has been the hardest goal to reach but I understand the importance of it and I want to do it.
3. Pay Down Debt
The debt consolidation was the best thing I could have ever done in 2007. (Thanks Poppa K). You wouldn't believe how much easier and how much faster I see results in the reduction of my debt because I'm paying to one place instead of several. I just make one large payment and it has freed up some of my money. Now that I have consolidated my debt I want to put more towards paying it off sooner. I'd like to have it paid off by December 2008 but even if I don't hit this goal I know by 2009 it will be.
CAREER
I plan on making major career moves in the new year and to do that I need to do the following:
1. Enroll in management classes and training programs
I actually got this great idea from one of my mentors Sandra Long, Managing Editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer. (I have several great mentors) She suggested several classes and programs to build my skills and help me to obtain my professional goals.
2. Classes, classes and more classes
I work part-time at Mediabistro.com and one of the benefits of working there that I have never capitalized on is that I get to take classes and seminars for free. So I made a list of the classes I want to take through March and had my boss enroll me. I'm looking forward to the free professional development. I also want to take a writing class with Sue Shapiro at the New School in the Fall BUT I will only be able to do that if the next goal happens otherwise I won't have the time.
3. Take control of my workaholism
I actually tried to resign from one of my part-time jobs but they readjusted the job to better suit my needs so I'm staying BUT in 2008 I have to quit working so many additional jobs. This is a HUGE problem for me because I like my jobs, I enjoy working, it keeps me focused and balanced. The additional money has helped me to do things like buy windows for my Mom's house and pay off credit cards and just have fun in NYC. But I know I need to eventually quit some of my hustles so my goal is to quit by summer and hopefully in the fall launch my own company. That would put me at one full time job and one side hustle that is my own business.
4. Get Published
Several of the classes I'll be taking in 2008 through my part-time job are writing classes. So I would like to get at least one of the articles I write for these classes published. I'm targetting the pieces I write to either a women's magazine or the modern love column in the New York Times. Mia always has plenty to say about dating and relationships but is it compelling enough to get published in the New York Times?
HEALTH & FITNESS
Last but not least is health & fitness. First my two goals from last year go back on the list.
1. Get back in shape
My problem is that I work so much I don't leave a lot of time for exercise. But I know I need to either get back in to dance classes or join a gym and hire a personal trainer to keep me motivated and on target.
2. Keep on cooking
I have been purging my home for the new year and I finally put all the recipes I have saved from Essence magazine into a binder. So my goal is to try at least one recipe a month. Doesn't sound like a lot but even cooking once a month for me is a lot.
3. Read more books
For some this may not fall in to the health and fitness category BUT I have a hard time focusing. I always need to be doing 10 things at once. But reading requires undivided attention and thus it is a means for me to learn to relax more. This year I read 15 books so my goal for 2008 is to read 30 books. I'm already off to a good start thanks to the help of my girlfriends who started a book club. That's a guaranteed 12 books. And I have so many books on my bookshelves collecting dust. I also want to finish the Left Behind Series of books I started reading this year. So if I do that I'll be sure to hit 30. Being the over achiever I am I would say I want to read 30 by the summer but I'm going to cut myself some slack and just strive towards having 30 books read by the end of next year.
And there you have it...my goals for 2008. So as you can see I have a lot of things I want to achieve in 2008 but I think they are all very attainable and there is enough variety in the things I want to do that I can do more than one thing at one time and for me that is the key to reaching any goals I set for myself.
BUT I'm going to need your help. I need my friends to support me and push me. Every now and then ask if I have worked on any of my goals. People I care about and who I know care about me holding me accountable keeps me on target. I should probably print out this blog and hang it up on the fridge at home and on my bulletin board at work. This year I didn't revisit my goals but surprisingly I did work on all of them throughout the year.
What are your goals for the new year? What are some things you would like to accomplish in the first 3 months, 6 months and by the end of 2008?
Goals for 2007 Recap
It's that time of year when you take a look back and then plan for the future.
So in looking back I looked at the 3 goals I set for myself this year and how I did in achieving or not achieving them.
1. Pay off some credit cards
Every year I gain more ground with this goal. This year I decided to take out a debt consolidation loan and it has changed my life. I'm on track to be credit card debt free by September of 2009. But I'm an overachiever so I'm hoping to pay it off sooner than that.
2. Get back in shape
I didn't do as well as I hoped with this goal. I started taking salsa and hip hop classes in the beginning of 2007 but didn't continue with it throughout the year.
3. Keep on cooking
I still don't cook as often as I should or could. I realize my problem is that cooking requires focus and I'm a multi-tasker. It's very hard for me to do one thing at a time. I can't cook and watch TV or cook and talk on the phone because that's a recipe for disaster. I did burn the hell out of myself again this year, making cupcakes...I know who burns themselves making cupcakes. But I have perfected my gumbo, my cornish hens are always juicy and my yellow rice and peas never fail as a great side dish.
So overall I'm happy with how I progressed in 2007 but there is always room for improvement in 2008.
So in looking back I looked at the 3 goals I set for myself this year and how I did in achieving or not achieving them.
1. Pay off some credit cards
Every year I gain more ground with this goal. This year I decided to take out a debt consolidation loan and it has changed my life. I'm on track to be credit card debt free by September of 2009. But I'm an overachiever so I'm hoping to pay it off sooner than that.
2. Get back in shape
I didn't do as well as I hoped with this goal. I started taking salsa and hip hop classes in the beginning of 2007 but didn't continue with it throughout the year.
3. Keep on cooking
I still don't cook as often as I should or could. I realize my problem is that cooking requires focus and I'm a multi-tasker. It's very hard for me to do one thing at a time. I can't cook and watch TV or cook and talk on the phone because that's a recipe for disaster. I did burn the hell out of myself again this year, making cupcakes...I know who burns themselves making cupcakes. But I have perfected my gumbo, my cornish hens are always juicy and my yellow rice and peas never fail as a great side dish.
So overall I'm happy with how I progressed in 2007 but there is always room for improvement in 2008.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Goals for 2007
It's that time of year again when we reflect on the past year and hope the new year will be an even better year. I'm not in to making new year's resolutions that are so far fetched that I have a better chance of winning the lottery than achieving my resolutions. But I'm all about setting goals for yourself and working towards attaining those. Resolution, goal, whatever you call it, I always try to make sure it is something that is within my reach. So as always I'm keeping them short, simple and to the point.
1. Pay off some credit cards
This is on my list every year and in 2006 I didn't do too bad. I paid off some of those store charge cards. Now it's time to hit some of those major credit cards.
2. Get back in shape
Notice I said get back in shape and not lose weight. There is a difference. I think people focus on the wrong thing when the focus is on just the weight. Having the surgeries and not being able to dance I don't feel like myself. So I want to get back in to taking dance classes, particularly salsa. If I lose weight in the process, great, but I'm not worried about my weight.
3. Keep on cooking
I am ending this year on a bit of a cooking kick and I hope to expand upon that. I have no confidence in my cooking. I think it's okay enough for me to eat and not starve but not palettable enough to be shared. Aristocrates has unwillingly been my guinea pig. He says the food I have made tastes fine and he hasn't gotten sick off of anything I have made...yet. And he would never miss out on the chance to use my bad cooking as a joke, so since he hasn't picked on my cooking I guess he's telling the truth when he says it's fine. If anyone knows of any simple cookbooks and a list of things all cooks should have (like spices to always have, etc.) I'm open to suggestions.
And there you have it...my goals for 2007.
What are your goals for the new year? What are some things you would like to accomplish in the first 3 months, 6 months and by the end of 2007?
1. Pay off some credit cards
This is on my list every year and in 2006 I didn't do too bad. I paid off some of those store charge cards. Now it's time to hit some of those major credit cards.
2. Get back in shape
Notice I said get back in shape and not lose weight. There is a difference. I think people focus on the wrong thing when the focus is on just the weight. Having the surgeries and not being able to dance I don't feel like myself. So I want to get back in to taking dance classes, particularly salsa. If I lose weight in the process, great, but I'm not worried about my weight.
3. Keep on cooking
I am ending this year on a bit of a cooking kick and I hope to expand upon that. I have no confidence in my cooking. I think it's okay enough for me to eat and not starve but not palettable enough to be shared. Aristocrates has unwillingly been my guinea pig. He says the food I have made tastes fine and he hasn't gotten sick off of anything I have made...yet. And he would never miss out on the chance to use my bad cooking as a joke, so since he hasn't picked on my cooking I guess he's telling the truth when he says it's fine. If anyone knows of any simple cookbooks and a list of things all cooks should have (like spices to always have, etc.) I'm open to suggestions.
And there you have it...my goals for 2007.
What are your goals for the new year? What are some things you would like to accomplish in the first 3 months, 6 months and by the end of 2007?
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