Goals for a (Happy) New Year

If you were at all curious what I did on New Year's Eve, there it is. I ate semi-fancy but reasonably priced cheese and crackers, drank an entire bottle of "sparkling wine" and watched bits and pieces of Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with SSF. Don't hate.

In addition to all  that, earlier in the day, when I was not drinking I sat down and wrote a future letter to myself. It's an idea that I picked-up from Jess over at MML. I had never done it before and found it painfully uncomfortable, but it was an interesting way to craft some new goals for the coming year. You can see a full explanation of the exercise here but simply stated, the idea is to write a letter to yourself from the perspective of one year in the future looking back on all you accomplished throughout the year .

I liked this exercise because it helped me to open up and write from my heart. I feel like the things I envisioned myself accomplishing over the next year are things I really want to do, not things I feel like I have to do. From that letter I was able to draw out major themes that I wanted to share.



There are only so many ways we can cut money from our spending, but the potential to earn money is unlimited. Couple that with the fact that  I've always wanted to open my own business and you've got my first goal for 2012. I have no plans on leaving my current job, but I can't say that it's salary alone is enough to keep SSF and I financially comfortable. With my student loans coming due very soon, we need some additional income. So in 2012, thanks to a little  inspiration from her, her, and her, I am going to start a small (side) business. I don't want to give away too many details right now, but you better believe it has something to do with fashion.



This may (or may not, depending on how well you know me) surprise you, but I am a nerd. But I'm also lazy. I'm worried now that I am out of an intellectual environment I won't keep learning. So I've made it a point to put reading at the top of my to-do list.



It's so easy to get swept up in the wedding details and forget why you are getting married, and what your budget is. I don't want to lose touch with reality so I will be keeping one eye focused on the bottom-line at all times. That includes my dress. I'm having second thoughts about the super expensive one I fell in love with last year and have decided to keep looking for something more budget appropriate.



I really can be selfish with my time and too often I put myself ahead of my friends, and even my family. This year I want to put them before me. I want to be the friend/sister/daughter that remembers important dates, calls often, and is always there.




Don't get me wrong, I think SSF and I have a beautiful home, I just wanted it to really feel like home. I want to look around the house and see things that SSF and I created together. I want to feel like my house is worth of a magazine without spending a fortune. I want to do lots of DIY's.


What resolutions did you make for 2012?

Everyone Has Goals

Yesterday I turned 26. I'm not going to lie, it's a little strange being closer to 30 than 21. But instead of dwelling on the fact that I'm another year older I thought instead I would share with you all some of the goals I hope to accomplish in the next year, both financial and other.

1. Read 6 books.

This may seem silly but between working full time, school, and the blog I don't feel like I read as much as I used to, or ever.

2. Take a vacation with SSBF.

Next summer will be the first year in three that SSBF won't have the option of freeloading off my parents for a vacation, but I would still like some time to travel. We are thinking somewhere out west. We're open to suggestions.

3. Be consumer debt free.

Well, kind of. I will still have my car loan but I am hoping once I pay off my credit card to put together an aggressive plan to pay that off also.

4. Get a raise and/or promotion.

It's hard to say what will happen in a year. Since I changed job recently I have to wait until at least May until I apply for any promotions, but my review should come before then so fingers crossed.

5. Get Engaged

Take on more financial responsibility around the house.

SSBF is not keen on the idea of having a monthly payment for an wedding or a ring so I know the only way I can make something happen is to take on more of the financial responsibility around the house. This pretty vague right now but I am working on a plan to make sure that happens, I will share later.