Debt Hater in 2009: Investing in Me!

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

Comments

[Fabulously Broke]

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...

[Sistah Ant]

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.

[Laura @ no more spending]

These are brilliant goals. You are so right to invest in you. Good luck :)

[Wellheeled]

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!

[jaylin4dc]

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.