4th Quarter Goals

I can’t believe that it’s almost October! It feels like just yesterday we were making New Years Resolutions (well, I didn’t really make any, but I enthusiastically read everyone else’s!) and now another year is coming to a close.

Don’t worry, I know we still have a few months left and I’m not trying to rush through the rest of the year. Instead, I’m using this as an opportunity to reflect on progress I’ve made so far, and finish up a few projects before the year comes to an end.

Here’s what I’ll be working on for the next 3 months:

Money Goals:

• Save $1500 a month. We’re saving towards a down payment on our next home (if/when we decide to buy again we decided we will keep our current condo as an investment property).
• Cancel grandma’s phone on my family plan. She never uses it, so my grandfather has suggested that I cancel the plan. I’ve been meaning to do this for months but just haven’t had the time have been lazy. I’m going to get her one of those pre-paid phones that you add minutes to, to keep in the car. If you can recommend a cheap phone please let me know. I had a, “trac phone” back in the day and I think they still sell those?
• Set up auto deposit into my retirement account. Since I got promoted in April I’ve been meaning to increase my retirement contribution based on my *new* higher salary. Right now my deposits are based on my previous lower salary, which is still better than the (zip, nil, nada) I was contributing towards retirement when I had $30k of student debt.

Health Goals (good health is wealth!):

We all know that physical fitness and financial wellness are interconnected, so I’m trying to focus more on my physical health and wellness. Someone once told me you make serious changes to your lifestyle when you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired. Well I’m not, “sick and tired”, but I’d like to be much more healthy and energetic

Related side note, if you haven’t been by Shannon’s blog, Financially Blonde recently, you’ll definitely want to check out her new book, Train Your Way to Financial Fitness. It’s an honest and refreshing take on getting, “financially fit”. I personally have struggled withing being too, “extreme” in my diet and exercise in the past. Ditto for my personal finances.

Basically, I like to do things 110% and if I don’t feel like I’m succeeding immediately, I sometimes give up. I love that Shannon’s book helps you figure out where you stand and then helps you focus on finding the right balance between too, “skinny” and too, “fat” (financially speaking). It’s like having a financial counselor and supportive best friend all rolled into one (love that!). It’s the help you get you want (and need) to make your finances work for you.

• Pack lunch for work everyday. For the past few weeks I’ve been making protein smoothies in the morning and bringing them to work in my insulated Klean Kanteen. It saves me money because I don’t buy take-out. It also keeps me from overeating and gives me a big vitamin boast. I’ve been using Nature’s Bounty chocolate protein mix (2 scoops) mixed with 1 cup of frozen berries or banana (or a combo of both) and 1 cup almond milk. I swear it tastes just like a chocolate milk shake, yum!
  
• Exercise 25 minutes a day 5 times a week. I’m trying to be specific and measurable for this goal. In the past I’ve said I’m going to exercise “more” and let’s be honest, “more” doesn’t really mean anything. So this time I’m going to specify exactly what I mean. Those 25 minutes can be walking, jogging (or a combo of both) or doing a Focus T25 workout. I plan exercise longer each day and incorporate some strength and stretching, but I’d rather, “start small” and achievable then shoot for the stars and be disappointed.

Christmas Goals:

• Finish knitting the, “Christmas sweaters”. I’m currently knitting two matching sweaters for my best friend’s twin girls due in January. I also need to start a cardigan for my sweet niece Clara (who has really gotten the short-end of the stick when it comes to hand knits from aunt KK-shame on me!).
• Give $50 to my nephews and niece for their college funds. Each Christmas I give my sisters $50 for each of my nephews and my niece. It’s not a lot, but more importantly, it gives me the opportunity to tell my, “debt story” and teach my nephews and niece about saving and choosing a college they can afford. The eldest nephews are only 6, but it’s never too early to start teaching kids about money.
• Send Christmas cards to friends and family. I already have the cards (I buy a few at a time when there are promo codes for free photo cards from the online photo sites). They don’t all match, but that doesn’t bother me in the least. Unless you’re family, you don’t see the cards I sent other people anyway.
  

Other Goals:

• Finish the course I’m taking. I’m currently taking a SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction) course. It’s a 12-week certification course for field instructors. This year I’m teaching an MSW student from Hunter College. It’s a big responsibility and something that I’m very excited about. My student is smart, engaging and ready to take on the world (it’s a good reminder why I got into the field and a nice way to continue to “stay fresh” and build my skills).
• Write a handwritten letter to my grandmother weekly. We’ve noticed her memory loss for several years, but have just learned that she’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I think writing letters to her will be therapeutic for both of us. Her doctor said that card games, puzzles, crosswords etc. are good “mental exercise” so I assume letter writing would be the same.

Are you already thinking about the end of the year? What goals are you working on?

Image: lululemon athletica