I have decided what my financial goals are for 2009.
The main theme to my financial and personal goals is this: I will invest in ME in 2009.
That means I will:
- Contribute to my emergency fund with the goal of reaching 6 months of living expenses.
- Contribute to my 401k, but putting in all in the ROTH.
- Get on the path to homeownership.
- Develop new skills and learn new techniques to help me on my career track.
- Earn more money through various ventures including more freelance writing.
- Go on a big vacation this year with the target date my 32nd birthday, September 25.
- Make new friends and make time for old ones.
- Take better care of my physical self -- including taking up yoga, exercising regularly and improving my diet.
- Take better care of my emotional and spiritual self, including spending more time having fun!
- Write for myself. (I've always wanted to write a novel. So I will get started!)
These are the generalities (I'll get into specifics later).
Most of these are going to cost me money. And that is fine with me. I spent the last few years tightening the purse strings in order to pay off my debt and get some cash saved for a rainy day.
I did that.
I could invest money in other financial assets and such. And I will. Just not right now. Right now, I want to invest in me. I want to seek our and fulfill my life's purpose and I just plain want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. I may need to take some classes or invest in materials to lead my own self-directed course. I may need to seek professionals to teach me things like meditation, career planning, investment strategies and the like. I may need to buy some gadgets and gizmos to help me be more productive. I may need to travel more often. I may need an enhanced wardrobe for future endeavors. I may need to attend a conference. I may need to go to a writer's workshop.
And they will all cost money. I will do this smartly of course -- I don't plan to go into debt accomplishing any of these things -- but I won't fret so much over how much I spent on what. As long as I continue saving and put money away for larger things that cost more, (and, of course, DO NOT spend more than I earn), I'll be ok.
This year, I want to invest in me.
DH
That's a great idea. A lot of people lose sight of the big picture because they're so set on net worth.
Thanks for the reminder.
Fabulously Broke in the City
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver...
Posted by: Fabulously Broke | January 04, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Good for you! Don't let the year go by wishing that you had more focus or that you didn't invest enough in your own present and future.
Posted by: Sistah Ant | January 05, 2009 at 10:08 AM
These are brilliant goals. You are so right to invest in you. Good luck :)
Posted by: Laura @ no more spending | January 05, 2009 at 03:38 PM
I was inspired by this post. :) So I've decided to make some goals to invest in myself as well - namely, my health. Good luck for 2009!
Posted by: Wellheeled | January 05, 2009 at 09:30 PM
Hi - Great well-rounded goals! I have been practicing yoga for a while and wanted to let you know that there are places (yoga studios , not group classes at the gym) that have free or discounted yoga classes.
I met you briefly at a PF blogger meet-up last year, so I know you are in the DC metropolitan area...
If you work in DC proper, these places might be great for you:
Shakti Mind Body Studio - It's next to the DC convention center and is a great place to learn about and practice yoga but also to feel engaged with a health-minded community. I don't know if you've ever had any experience with yoga, but i'd be glad to introduce you to the teachers/owners.
Meridian park has free yoga classes on Sunday mornings when the weather is better.
Most studios offer free classes for volunteering to handle the front desk. Most studios offer a free class once a month. I wouldn't jump around studios just to get free classes, but it's a cheaper way to become familiar with your preferred teaching methods, yoga styles, or atmosphere.
Anyways, sorry for the long comment, good luck with your goals.
Posted by: jaylin4dc | January 07, 2009 at 02:00 PM