9 resolutions for 2009

Happy New Year! Like many of you, I’ve taken some time these last few weeks to look back on what I’ve accomplished in 2008 and to look forward to what I’d like to achieve in 2009. I never shared last year’s goals so I won’t bore you with the details of what I’ve done, but suffice it to say I’m pretty pleased with the results.

If I’ve learned anything, though, it’s that you can’t rest on your laurels so below are my resolutions – some personal, some career and some financial and all in no particular order – for 2009:

*Workout at least 3 times per week: This was actually one of my resolutions last year and I’m proud to say I succeeded! Most of the time I actually worked out 4-5 times per week but having that minimum threshold kept me to my resolution so I’ve decided to do it again.
Deadline: ongoing

*Set up a CD ladder for my emergency fund: Okay I lied, I will bore you by talking about one of my accomplishments in 2008 – my $10,000 emergency fund. I didn’t have an emergency fund until last year and right now that money is sitting in a savings account making 2.75% 2.5% (darn ING lowered it again!). I’d love to maximize the return on this while still keeping the fund somewhat liquid but I need to do a little more research on CD laddering before I take the plunge.
Deadline: June 30, 2009

*Make a will: Now that I own a house and my net worth is getting up there, I really should have a will to ensure that my assets aren’t held up in the legal system should anything happen to me. I’ve put this off because 1) it’s kind-of morbid to think about being dead and 2) the cost to hire an attorney to make it legit…both of which are stupid reasons because the cost will be much higher to my parents – in both time and money – if I don’t do this.
Deadline: March 31, 2009

*Blog at least 4 times per week: Right now I’ve been averaging 6 posts per week but I know there will be some weeks that are busier than usual at work or life in general. I’m starting to write more posts in advance but even that is dependent on my schedule so I figure 4 times per week is a reasonable (and doable) goal.
Deadline: ongoing

*Be more social: I know, bad goal because it’s not specific or quantifiable, but I don’t really want to say I have to go out X times per week because that’s not what it’s really about. These last few months I’ve been so focused on saving money that I’ve sometimes turned down social invitations to the detriment of my relationships. I need to be a better friend and to learn to enjoy my time with them without feeling guilty that I’m spending money or that I could use that time to do something else “more productive.”
Deadline: ongoing

*Landscape my yard: My yard is fine as it is, but I’d love to add some flowers and more decorative accents to give it character. I have the money for this so it’s just a matter of getting the quotes, deciding on plants and flowers, researching contractors, hiring a company, setting the schedule…phew, already this is sounding exhausting so I’m giving myself the full year to accomplish this goal.
Deadline: December 31, 2009

*Reach 150 readers on my RSS feed: Honestly I have no idea if this would be considered a gimme or an aggressive goal since I’m so new to the blogging world. But at least it will give me something to work toward and will keep me motivated.
Deadline: December 31, 2009

*Read 6 financial books: I started becoming more interested in personal finance about six months ago when I read my first financial book ever, The Bogleheads Guide to Investing. Much to my surprise, it was an easy read and it taught me some of the things I was doing wrong or could do better.  I’d love to continue my learning, not just for personal purposes but also so that I can pass on some of the best tidbits to you!
Deadline: December 31, 2009

*Get over my ex-boyfriend: I kind-of hate using up one of my resolutions on him so I think I’ll re-label this one, “Don’t let/keep toxic people in my life.” He lied, I’m pretty sure he cheated and he was just an unfit boyfriend in general. I broke up with him, so why has this been so hard?
Deadline: As soon as possible

*Move to California: My entire family is in California and every time I visit it is that much harder to return to Texas. I miss my parents, my nieces and nephews, friends and just being in California in general. Texas has been wonderful to me but these past three years I’ve learned that my heart is wherever my family is…
Deadline: December 31, 2009 (although I reserve the right to move it back since this resolution is contingent on finding a job I like at least as much as I like my current job)

Summed up, I basically want to be a better daughter, sister, friend, girlfriend (hopefully!), saver, investor, homeowner, employee and blogger. Piece of cake, right? :-)

Filed under Career, Dating, Finances, Investing, Personal | Comment (1)