My 2010 Goals – What’s Next?
A new year is upon us and everyone is reflecting on the past or planning for the future. I’ve done well in 2009, but there are more things I want to accomplish in 2010. For example:
1. Financials: As always, I will pay myself first before I distribute one red cent to anyone. In order of priority: 401k ($16,500), IRA ($5,000) BabyGirl’s college fund ($2,000), investments ($12,000), regular savings ($12,000), and remaining debt free – these are my basic financial goals. I divide each goal by 26, the number of paychecks in a year. Then I set up an allotment through payroll and authorize them to send a specific amount to each account automatically. The money never touches my hands. Barring any major life emergencies, it creates a fool proof way to reach my financial goals by the end of the year.
2. Vacation: We are definitely going to Europe in 2010 – Paris and London to be exact. We’ll spend 3-4 days in each city and my budget is $5K-$7k. I was hoping to travel in July as a graduation gift to BabyGirl, but depending on which school we choose, she may have to attend an 8 week summer session. For now, our travel plans are pending college decisions.
3. Decide What’s Next: Now that I’ve mastered the basics of personal finance, talking about paying off debt, saving money, retirement investing, and living within your means is boring to me. In addition to that, I will soon have an empty nest and enter a new phase in my personal life. What does the future have in store? Who knows. I have to create it.
What are YOUR goals for 2010?
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I write my goals down in a 2010 goals booklet. It is always in my wallet and I review it regularly. It keeps me focused on what really matters to me.
Enjoy and success!
Ronny
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Hmm, my big goals for 2010 :
1. start saving for a new car. My current car is 10 years old and while I fully intend to drive it until the wheels fall off, I also intend to pay cash when it is time to buy a new one, so time to start saving.
2. take a “me, myself and I” vacation. I really need a nice vacation somewhere by myself, so I am going to make that happen.
3. check in on our asset allocation and investment plan for the next 5-10 years: we want to be able to retire in about 15 years, so I want to work with a financial planner to make sure we are still on track to realize that goal in the manner we want to realize it…as I am not trying to be retired and can’t go anywhere.:-)
Other than that, more of the same: some work around the house, a nice family vacation and saving and investing. Oh and I am starting graduate school in the fall, so I have to prepare mentally and physically for that challenge.
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My 2010 goals includes MORE travel, MORE fun, and MORE time with family. In 2010, I want to remove myself from the paper!!! LOL. So LESS paperwork, LESS stress, and LESS taxes, LESS expenses.
By the way, I have been to both London and Paris. I enjoyed both cities. If you have to choose, spend more time in Paris! I wish I had. *Paris has better food, too.
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2010 is really up in the air for me because of the job situation, but I want to at least contribute $5,000 to retirement, and travel (probably to/in China with boyfriend). And I want to keep dancing the tango, going to more classes and get to a place where I can attend advanced workshops.
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Paris in the springtime/early summer…amazing! You won’t be disappointed..
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My aim is to stay out of debt. I’ve cleared 95% of my debt (not including mortgage) this year and want to stay that way from now on.
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Get post! It inspired me to come up with my own “pat on the back” post. Happy Holidays!
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My wife’s auto lease is up next year. Our goal is to reduce our car payment by finding a cheaper car to own/lease, and put the extra money into savings so that we can pay cash for the next one.
Setting goals is important. LifeTuner is hosting a twitter chat this afternoon about setting finance goals in the new year. You can get the details here: http://ltqanda.eventbrite.com/
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I’ll miss you!
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“As always, I will pay myself first before I distribute one red cent to anyone.”
Good advice. Hard to do but worth doing.
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