I usually shy away from new year's resolutions. They're just so cliche, and I hate failure. But, to butcher an old adage: if you aim for nothing, you hit it every time. This year I have a list of attainable goals because let's face it: no one wants to be exactly the same person at the end of this year that they were the end of last year. Major "ouch" moment of self-reflection when I realized that I had not really improved personally over the last year. Let's not dwell...
"The List" (cue horror movie music) has several goals that cover various aspects of life: personal, relational, spiritual, financial, etc. The goal is to grow in a balanced way, and not to set the bar so high that you're discouraged by day 2. If you're like me, you really *really* want to set that bar ridiculously high. To allow for this, several of the goals (like the financial ones, of course!) have a goal and a challenge goal.
Now, it would be really cruel of me to tell you all of this and then not let you in on my goals/resolutions. What kind of PF blogger would I be then? A few of my goals that relate to finance are:
- Cook dinner 4 times per week
This goal wasn't made for financial reasons, but obviously has financial impact. We don't usually eat out that often, but taking more control over what is made will help with the food budget. Look forward to hearing about adventures in the kitchen, including my new favorite: rotisserie chicken in the crock pot.
- Start tithing again
This is very important to both me and my husband. We've been out of practice for a while, mostly because I'm uncomfortable contributing to a church where we're not members, and I'm uncomfortable contributing to the church where we are members since we don't attend there.
- Open retirement accounts
I'm thinking Roths, but my district has a 203b option, too. I also need to learn more about my options with my teachers' retirement deductions.
- Pay extra on our mortgage (round up to $1,000)
- CHALLENGE GOAL: Pay down 20% of the loan this year (approx. $1900/pymt)
Yes, we bought a house. It's great. I would like to have it paid off in 5 years. Possible? Maybe not, but it will be fun to try.
What are your resolutions? If you haven't made any, it isn't too late. Post below so I can cheer you on!
