Post by: lemonverbena on December 19, 2017, 12:35:45 PM
Please join me in sharing your money goals for the new year!
Post by: Carrie on December 19, 2017, 12:46:29 PM
2. Fully fund two Roth IRAs
3. Max the HSA, start investing when balance reaches $5k (soon)
4. Fund 529s /educational IRA @ $2400/yr per kid
5. Fill up vacation account by adding $4k
6. Rollover old account into IRA
7. Cashflow some minor landscaping, and new countertops for the kitchen
That's about it for us! :)
Post by: OurTown on December 19, 2017, 02:44:28 PM
Post by: alleykat on December 20, 2017, 09:37:58 AM
- write will and notarize
- fully engage in my financial health/knowledge - I am a procrastinator
- set up another Vanguard investment account
- file taxes as soon as I get my w-2. if I get a refund, invest it right away
- set up automatic contributions to my investment accounts
Post by: Erica on December 21, 2017, 08:52:01 AM
1. Add on 6 hrs per week to my work schedule= $92.38 per week/$269 per mo- submitted request. Have a good chance at it
2. Extend the back mudroom of our home to be rented out w/ private bath to an RVer along + full hookups outside- Profit $365+ mo
3. Granted 100-110 more PTO hrs in 2018
4. Max HSA $3300 this yr. Pay ourselves back in 2018 saving on taxes (not included below)
----------------------------------------------
$600 per mo. increase (net).
.
Post by: soccerluvof4 on December 22, 2017, 10:17:55 AM
Fully Funding her 401k
Fully Funding HSA
Adding some to 529's
Reduce our Investment withdrawal % and use more of our cash influx
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on December 22, 2017, 10:22:21 AM
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job
4) Keep travel budget to $7K
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay
6) Stick to budget overall
Post by: Noremak on December 22, 2017, 11:44:45 AM
Post by: moonpalace on December 22, 2017, 12:07:24 PM
Family stays happy and healthy!
Net Worth increases about $100,000, to about $250k
Post by: Serendip on December 22, 2017, 12:34:53 PM
--Increase RRSP savings from 17,500 to 23,000
--Increase TFSA (also my EFund) from 700--8000
Also would love to buy a canoe :)
Post by: TempusFugit on December 22, 2017, 12:35:14 PM
Post by: EmFrugal on December 22, 2017, 01:18:03 PM
2) Get our grocery spend to average below $180 per week for a family of 5, while still eating nutritiously.
3) Walk more/drive less to reduce gas spend and car maintenance fees.
4) Bring in $2-3K from side hustle business.
Post by: Cookie78 on December 22, 2017, 03:04:21 PM
1. Sell rental house
2. Max TFSA (barely a goal, just waiting until Jan 1 to move the money)
3. Re-write will (ie: stop procrastinating)
Post by: Rosy on December 22, 2017, 06:26:32 PM
One goal: Pay off $68,000 of student debt in 2018. Tell me I can't so I can prove you wrong. ;)
I highly doubt that - prove it to yourself - yes, you can do this. All it takes is focus and dedication to the cause:)
My 2018 Financial Goals
1. Save every penny of my SS every month - to reach my goal of $50K by Dec 2019.
2. Save $200 from Jan to July to boost my travel fund - for a combination bucket list trip to Europe and seeing my Mom on her 90th birthday.
I must become a badass MMMer for at least the next seven months to meet all my goals. May start a new journal to help me stay on track.
3. Find a way to bring in at least an extra $300 a month for nine months, Jan-July and Sep to Oct 2018.
4. Keep paying off the credit cards each month - no credit card debt allowed.
5. Challenge - full throttle STOP buying jewelry. Period! - I cannot afford to buy a thing all year unless it is on the approved budget list or a planned expense!
Post by: monstermonster on December 23, 2017, 09:15:17 AM
- Save $10,000 ($5,500 traditional IRA; rest cash savings)
- Earn enough to save $10,000 (~$35,000 gross)
- Switch to New YNAB
- Publish monthly expense reports
- Sell things (I put this off)
- 5x 2017's charitable giving levels
- Pay quarterly taxes
Post by: Salim on December 29, 2017, 03:51:25 AM
2. Rebuild emergency fund to $2K
3. Buy minimal clothing
4. Get my artwork into 1 or 2 galleries and start selling
5. Create and implement art website with shopping cart
6. Increase net worth by $40K
Post by: eightyeighttoone on December 31, 2017, 07:34:33 PM
2) Achieve a 65% savings rate.
3) Bring 401k contribution up to maximize employer match at 1yr job anniversary; once loans are paid off, max out 401k contributions.
4) Invest HSA balance
5) Start doing monthly financial reports again. (I used to do these, but stopped in 2016 when I switched to Mint.)
Post by: newgirl on December 31, 2017, 08:13:32 PM
2018 Goals (you can tell I'm not hardcore MMM, but...)
1) Max HSA - already signed up for and budgeted
2) Max 401k for the first time ever - planning to increase by 1-2% per month to ease myself into it
3) Demolish remaining credit card balance, about $5100 right now
4) Follow YNAB - it has worked for me in the past, it can work again. Achieve an "age of money" of at least 45 days
5) Send extra money to house down payment savings
6) Sell every bit of useless crap I own, funnel profits to credit card debt first then savings
7) Buy nothing new - vintage/used only. Stop taking resources out of the earth so I can have more "things"
Post by: SpareChange on December 31, 2017, 08:40:57 PM
One goal: Pay off $68,000 of student debt in 2018. Tell me I can't so I can prove you wrong. ;)
There's no fucking way you can do that. Especially YOU. :)
Post by: WhiteTrashCash on December 31, 2017, 08:52:17 PM
2.) Fully fund a 401k: $18,500
3.) Get my student loans below $35,000
4.) Remodel our full bathroom, because God knows it needs it
5.) Repair or replace the front steps on our house
6.) Finish my book
7.) Have more board game nights/pot luck dinners at home
8.) Laugh a lot more
9.) Care less about what people think
10.) Read more books for fun
Post by: eliza on December 31, 2017, 11:27:52 PM
1) Max 401(k)
2) Max HSA
3) Save 50% of Take Home Income
4) Grow Net Worth to $750,000 (currently $581,000)
Post by: BeautifulDay on January 01, 2018, 12:36:28 AM
2018 goals
1. Save EF of $13000 - top priority. (4 months spending -or 3 months plus an AC replacement)
2. Save $9000 for side business by July. And set up legal stuff/website for business.
3. Make a will
4. Max Roth IRA and Open DH's Roth IRA.
5. Keep monthly expenses to $3700 or lower - work with DH on strategies to lower this further.
6. Camp 1 weekend per month in April thru October.
7. Increase networth from $130k to $170k
8. Keep resume up to date. Might be necessary this year.
9. No new clothes just for the sake of new clothes. Replacements only for clothes that are beyond repair.
Post by: K-12FI on January 01, 2018, 05:42:48 AM
Pay off Car note in July
start churning
put $5,000 in 457 starting in August
Help wife open new Roth away from Edward Jones & contribute max
Help wife contribute max to 457, and at least 12K to 403(b)
Post by: Zola. on January 01, 2018, 07:23:59 AM
- Hit £10,000 in vanguard funds.
- Overpay on the mortgage for first 6 months
- Build up a nest egg to prepare for our baby
- Improve efficiency in spending
Post by: ChipmunkSavings on January 01, 2018, 01:22:25 PM
2. Invest 17K in index funds (TFSA + RRSP + unregistered)
3. Reach 45% SR (achieved in 2017).
4. Reach NW of 225K.
Post by: Blackeagle on January 01, 2018, 05:50:51 PM
- 50%+ savings rate
- Max out pre-tax retirement savings
- Max out Roth IRA
- Save the other half of a house down payment (half already saved in 2017)
Post by: NinetyFour on January 01, 2018, 06:05:44 PM
2. Max out 457.
3. Max Roth IRA 2017.
4. Max Roth IRA 2018.
5. Get cash and investments up to $750K (now at $656K).
6. Stretch goal.....strive for next BIG milestone in NW (now at $828K).
7. Oh, yeah, RETIRE.
Post by: sisto on January 04, 2018, 10:30:37 AM
Max out 401K
Max HSA
Fund the right amount in FSA
Max my and DW IRAs
Update Trust/Will
Have my stash grow by more than my gross yearly salary
Post by: zinnie on January 04, 2018, 10:53:57 AM
1. Max out 403b.
2. Max out 457.
3. Max Roth IRA 2017.
4. Max Roth IRA 2018.
5. Get cash and investments up to $750K (now at $656K).
6. Stretch goal.....strive for next BIG milestone in NW (now at $828K).
7. Oh, yeah, RETIRE.
Woot on #7!!!
Mine:
Figure out what our comfortable FIRE spending level actually is (i.e. accurately track expenses for once)
Hit $1.1M liquid
Figure out whether I want to FIRE now or go back to work for another couple of years. (If the latter: find new, high-paying job.)
Post by: recklesslysober on January 04, 2018, 02:45:21 PM
1. Spending.
2016: $36,000
2017: $29,000
2018: $25,000
2. Debt repayment.
2016: $10,000
2017: $30,000
2018: $40,000
3. Net worth.
2016: -$106,000
2017: -$65,000
2018: $0
Post by: zinnie on January 04, 2018, 02:48:35 PM
I'm in again! Last year was MUCH better than 2016 (before I started being intentional with my finances), but I know I can do better!
1. Spending.
2016: $36,000
2017: $29,000
2018: $25,000
2. Debt repayment.
2016: $10,000
2017: $30,000
2018: $40,000
3. Net worth.
2016: -$106,000
2017: -$65,000
2018: $0
Your spending levels are impressive! I bet it will feel amazing to wipe out your debt in 2018. Good luck on your goals.
Post by: recklesslysober on January 04, 2018, 02:55:25 PM
Your spending levels are impressive! I bet it will feel amazing to wipe out your debt in 2018. Good luck on your goals.
Thank you! 2018 is just when I'll hit net worth $0 - I've been saving for retirement while I repay my debt since I have a match, so the net worth $0 will still be with about $50K in debt. I hope to be debt free by the end of 2019 or shortly after!
Post by: kickel on January 04, 2018, 03:03:11 PM
Savings Rate:
2017: Current Savings rate = 54%
2018: Goal Savings Rate = 70%
Tax Defered Account
Max out IRA= $5,500 - Completed January 1st
Max out HSA = $3,450 - Need to still open
Purchase 1st Rental Property - Aiming for Q1
Increase main job income
2017 = $74,000
2018 = $100,000+
Networth:
2017: $147,000
2018: $200,000+
Post by: alewpanda on January 11, 2018, 04:50:26 PM
2. Use profits from house and extra income from side hustles to pay off last 2 remaining debts (about 12,000 total) and bulk up savings for a move to another state in May (savings goal is between 10k and 12k -- currently at 7k)
3. DH finds new job in new state
4. DH increases current contributions to 401k from 8% to at least 15% (depends on income level he is hired at in new state)
5. Since debts will be gone, develop new budget and cash flow that allows for a minimum 40% savings rate and flesh out 401k, and 2 new roth IRA's accordingly.
6. Get cash savings into a higher interest account
7. Shift to a one car family
8. Lose 10lbs each.
9. Write 25 poems in 2018
10. Develop at least one relationship in new city with a gallery or other location that will display my art.
Yay for 2018! Let the change begin!
Post by: vikingtantan on January 29, 2018, 07:34:37 PM
1. Save 10,000 into my emergency fund for when I move back home.
2. Save 10,000 to travel before I "settle down" again.
I probably won't use up all the travel money, because I do plan on working while I'm traveling. I just want a nice cushion of money there for peace of mind. Any extra left over will be used to replenish the emergency fund or open a Vanguard account (cause apparently you can't do that when you live abroad).
Good luck to everyone else on their financial goals this year.
Post by: alleykat on January 29, 2018, 08:40:56 PM
- fully fund my ROTH IRA in January
- write will and notarize
- fully engage in my financial health/knowledge - I am a procrastinator
- set up another Vanguard investment account
- file taxes as soon as I get my w-2. if I get a refund, invest it right away
- set up automatic contributions to my investment accounts
Funded my Roth, setup another vanguard account, set up auto investment contributions.
So completed 3 so far. Awesome.
Post by: zeli2033 on January 30, 2018, 09:03:02 AM
Our 2018 Financial Goals:
1. Max 2018 Roth IRAs
2. Max HSA
3. Max DH and DW 401Ks
4. Get student loan below $35,000
5. Reach positive net worth for the first time! Hopefully reach NW of $40,000+
6. Save at least $60,000 across various accounts
Post by: newgirl on January 30, 2018, 11:02:45 AM
Happy New Year!
2018 Goals (you can tell I'm not hardcore MMM, but...)
1) Max HSA - already signed up for and budgeted
2) Max 401k for the first time ever - planning to increase by 1-2% per month to ease myself into it
3) Demolish remaining credit card balance, about $5100 right now
4) Follow YNAB - it has worked for me in the past, it can work again. Achieve an "age of money" of at least 45 days
5) Send extra money to house down payment savings
6) Sell every bit of useless crap I own, funnel profits to credit card debt first then savings
7) Buy nothing new - vintage/used only. Stop taking resources out of the earth so I can have more "things"
End of January update...
1) Max HSA - already signed up for and budgeted
2) Max 401k for the first time ever -
3) Demolish remaining credit card balance, about $5100 right now Down to $4500 with another $700 payment scheduled for tomorrow
4) Follow YNAB - it has worked for me in the past, it can work again. Achieve an "age of money" of at least 45 days Followed religiously, horrified by grocery spend, all other categories came in at or below budget. Current age of money 29 days
5) Send extra money to house down payment savings Allocated most of signing bonus to this, about $8k after taxes. Tax refund will also go to this.
6) Sell every bit of useless crap I own, funnel profits to credit card debt first then savings Did fantastic with this, made about $600 from selling crap in December/January. Sent a chunk to the credit card, did use the rest to buy DD some clothes after a growth spurt. Less stuff to sell now as the big ticket items are gone but decluttering remains a focus. Garage sale time.
7) Buy nothing new - vintage/used only. Stop taking resources out of the earth so I can have more "things" Did great with this. January was a buy very little month. I needed a sweater so I went to Goodwill. Bought DD's clothes second hand from online resale groups. I don't think I bought anything new in January.
Post by: monstermonster on January 30, 2018, 05:23:41 PM
January update
- Save $10,000 ($5,500 traditional IRA; rest cash savings) - Put aside $196 in Traditional and $990.01 in cash savings
- Earn enough to save $10,000 (~$35,000 gross) - Doing pretty terrible at that, but I'm in "making" season more than "selling season"
- Switch to New YNAB - Done
- Publish monthly expense reports - Will do later this week
- Sell things (I put this off) - Sold 0 things yet
- 5x 2017's charitable giving levels - No progress, still on default donations
- Pay quarterly taxes Set it electronic tax payment - but thus far don't have much to pay on (business income YTD is <$1000 gross, with half being COGS)
Post by: alewpanda on January 30, 2018, 06:00:43 PM
1. Sell house and clear (hopefully) 10k from it (not much equity) Probably won't be clearing that much. Due to poor market conditions here, we actually just lowered the price to hopefully get some more views. Crossing fingers to clear all expenses of selling/agents plus around 5 or thousand to use...
2. Use profits from house and extra income from side hustles to pay off last 2 remaining debts (about 12,000 total) and bulk up savings for a move to another state in May (savings goal is between 10k and 12k -- currently at 7k) As stated above, may not make much from house. So trying funnel every extra bit I can to the remaining debts/savings. Doing more side jobs, funneling extra from budget categories instead of rolling over, etc. I'm even picking up some babysitting...and I don't enjoy babysitting....
3. DH finds new job in new state DH has updated resume and begun to hunt. He is on linked in and prepping to take his next certification exam to up his hireability
4. DH increases current contributions to 401k from 8% to at least 15% (depends on income level he is hired at in new state) Waiting on this one
5. Since debts will be gone, develop new budget and cash flow that allows for a minimum 40% savings rate and flesh out 401k, and 2 new roth IRA's accordingly. No movement on Roth IRA's...and debts are still in the works
6. Get cash savings into a higher interest account
7. Shift to a one car family
8. Lose 10lbs each. Lowering sugar rich drinks and meats in diet and my lunches have been all vegetables the last week or so...I'm feeling a difference, not sure about DH yet
9. Write 25 poems in 2018
10. Develop at least one relationship in new city with a gallery or other location that will display my art.
Yay for 2018! Let the change begin!
Post by: zeli2033 on January 30, 2018, 09:45:48 PM
Happy New Year!
2018 Goals (you can tell I'm not hardcore MMM, but...)
1) Max HSA - already signed up for and budgeted
2) Max 401k for the first time ever - planning to increase by 1-2% per month to ease myself into it
3) Demolish remaining credit card balance, about $5100 right now
4) Follow YNAB - it has worked for me in the past, it can work again. Achieve an "age of money" of at least 45 days
5) Send extra money to house down payment savings
6) Sell every bit of useless crap I own, funnel profits to credit card debt first then savings
7) Buy nothing new - vintage/used only. Stop taking resources out of the earth so I can have more "things"
End of January update...
1) Max HSA - already signed up for and budgeted
2) Max 401k for the first time ever -planning to increase by 1-2% per month to ease myself into itJust bit the bullet and set my contributions at 17% to max it over the course of the year. No sense baby stepping, do the polar plunge.
3) Demolish remaining credit card balance, about $5100 right now Down to $4500 with another $700 payment scheduled for tomorrow
4) Follow YNAB - it has worked for me in the past, it can work again. Achieve an "age of money" of at least 45 days Followed religiously, horrified by grocery spend, all other categories came in at or below budget. Current age of money 29 days
5) Send extra money to house down payment savings Allocated most of signing bonus to this, about $8k after taxes. Tax refund will also go to this.
6) Sell every bit of useless crap I own, funnel profits to credit card debt first then savings Did fantastic with this, made about $600 from selling crap in December/January. Sent a chunk to the credit card, did use the rest to buy DD some clothes after a growth spurt. Less stuff to sell now as the big ticket items are gone but decluttering remains a focus. Garage sale time.
7) Buy nothing new - vintage/used only. Stop taking resources out of the earth so I can have more "things" Did great with this. January was a buy very little month. I needed a sweater so I went to Goodwill. Bought DD's clothes second hand from online resale groups. I don't think I bought anything new in January.
Right on! Way to dive in.
Post by: Carrie on January 31, 2018, 06:39:32 AM
1. Fully fund 401k (dh's)
2. Fully fund two Roth IRAs
3. Max the HSA, start investing when balance reaches $5k (soon)
4. Fund 529s /educational IRA @ $2400/yr per kid
5. Fill up vacation account by adding $4k
6. Rollover old account into IRA
7. Cashflow some minor landscaping, and new countertops for the kitchen
That's about it for us! :)
1. Set to automatically hit max by YE
2. Auto deduct monthly, max by YE
3. Auto deduct to max, have invested in VTSAX now
4. Kid 1 is there, still need to increase the other 2 by $50/mo
5. Tossed $200 in the vacation fund in January, will continue to throw bits each month to that account
6. -
7. -
Post by: Bateaux on January 31, 2018, 07:21:25 AM
Post by: BeautifulDay on January 31, 2018, 07:31:43 PM
1. Save EF of $13000 - top priority. (4 months spending -or 3 months plus an AC replacement) $7146
2. Save $9000 for side business by July. And set up legal stuff/website for business.$2700
3. Make a will
4. Max Roth IRA and Open DH's Roth IRA.
5. Keep monthly expenses to $3700 or lower - work with DH on strategies to lower this further. $3800 in regular expenses - we also paid for a vacation. With that we were WAYYYY over. Must do better next month.
6. Camp 1 weekend per month in April thru October.
7. Increase networth from $130k to $170k - $136,288
8. Keep resume up to date. Might be necessary this year.
9. No new clothes just for the sake of new clothes. Replacements only for clothes that are beyond repair. no new clothes
Post by: Stimpy on February 01, 2018, 08:32:18 AM
1. Get spending to 2k (give or take 25%) a Month
2. Max out IRA Early!
3. Hit (or get dam close to/surpass) my $182500 NW goal or $382500 (ignoring Mortgage for calculation) if I get rentals
4. Increase 401k contribution (Aim for 12-14k this year, and max the next)
5. Decrease some of the junk I own. (Slow and steady)
6. Get back in the habit of Losing ~ 5-10 Lbs a month (Goal is 140 with a stable weight between 150 and 160 when I am done )
7. 1 bottle or less of alcohol a month. (1 bottle = 1.75L for me)
8. Get a new Job.
For those paying attention, yes I am doing the maxing of retirement accounts backwards. If anyone is having troubles with maxing out your 401k (for whatever reason) it might help to get an IRA and max it out first. Helps build the habit while still feeling like you have the cash available (assuming it's not an automated process) should you think you need it.
Post by: Charise on February 01, 2018, 09:12:45 AM
-Late posting, but I can add the Jan updated
1) Max HSA already signed up for and budgeted -- On track
2) Pay off Credit Card balance (now at $8180k 0% until July) -- $7611
3) Increase emergency fund to $10K (now $4763) -- $5073
4) Get student loans under $20K (now $25216) -- refinanced so no payment due
5) Sell or donate 400 items -- only 17 so far
Post by: sisto on April 11, 2018, 05:26:23 PM
Mine are basically the same as last year.
Max out 401K
Max HSA
Fund the right amount in FSA
Max my and DW IRAs
Update Trust/Will
Have my stash grow by more than my gross yearly salary
Update time
401K is set on autopilot (same as last year and will max before year end)
HSA is on autopilot through payroll
FSA is on autopilot through payroll
IRAs are both done for 2018
Still need to make an appointment for the Will/Trust
WIP on stash growth
Company stock went up really well so I cashed out $30K and invested it in VTSAX
Post by: Carrie on April 11, 2018, 07:01:32 PM
1. Fully fund 401k (dh's) automatic/ongoing
2. Fully fund two Roth IRAs automatic/ongoing
3. Max the HSA, start investing when balance reaches $5k (soon) investing/set to max
4. Fund 529s /educational IRA @ $2400/yr per kid need to increase by another $700 total by YE
5. Fill up vacation account by adding $4k done this week
6. Rollover old account into IRA not done yet...
7. Cashflow some minor landscaping, and new countertops for the kitchen landscape done; planning to price kitchen by May
That's about it for us! :)
Post by: SwordGuy on April 11, 2018, 07:40:41 PM
2) $16k plus employer match in wife's 401K. On autopilot.
3) $9k plus employer match in my 401K. On autopilot, a bit bigger due to part time work.
4) Sell old house. Under contract and fingers crossed.
5) Finish rehab of rental #3 and rent it.
6) Rehab mid-century modern and put house up for sale. (Probable sale in 2019.) Rest of pre-electrical repair teardown scheduled 1st week in may, Electrical work directly thereafter.
7) Keep non-rehab spending within $75k.
8) Pay down mortgage by $10,150 (included in $75k). on autopilot
9) Invest profits of house sales, leaving $150k for real estate investment.
10) Make $1k on art sales or teaching.
2019 goals:
1) Stay FIRED.
2) Switch from COBRA insurance to ACA if cheaper.
3) Keep non-real estate investment spending within $75k.
4) Pay down mortgage by $10,400 (included in $75k).
5) Acquire 1 rental property, rehab it and rent it.
6) Fund 2 real estate flips for flip partner at 1-2% below market rates. (And no, I'm no crazy.)
7) Set up self-employed 401k so we can reduce "income" by enough to qualify for ACA subsidy if that makes sense.
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on April 11, 2018, 08:03:11 PM
1) Fully fund both 401Ks - $37K - done.
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K - $3020 so far
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job - $74,580, and expect to be well over that by my end date.
4) Keep travel budget to $7K - on track. Have spent under $1k, and expect to hit this target with remaining trips.
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay - at $923. Crushing it!
6) Stick to budget overall - yes, on track.
Post by: vikingtantan on April 12, 2018, 04:54:03 AM
My main financial goals are:
1. Save 10,000 into my emergency fund for when I move back home.
2. Save 10,000 to travel before I "settle down" again.
I probably won't use up all the travel money, because I do plan on working while I'm traveling. I just want a nice cushion of money there for peace of mind. Any extra left over will be used to replenish the emergency fund or open a Vanguard account (cause apparently you can't do that when you live abroad).
Good luck to everyone else on their financial goals this year.
As of 4/8/18, I've complete saving 10k into an emergency fund. Accomplished much 4 months earlier than I anticipated. :)
Post by: BeautifulDay on April 13, 2018, 07:31:28 PM
1. Save EF of $13000 - top priority. (4 months spending -or 3 months plus an AC replacement) replaced the AC last month. Have a 2 month EF
2. Save $9000 for side business by July. And set up legal stuff/website for business. found out this week that we are coming into a very unexpected windfall soon. That should cover most of out start up capital.
3. Make a will havent started
4. Max Roth IRA and Open DH's Roth IRA. in progress
5. Keep monthly expenses to $3700 or lower - work with DH on strategies to lower this further. not been doing well here
6. Camp 1 weekend per month in April thru October. yes in March but not yet in April
7. Increase networth from $130k to $170k not making much progress
8. Keep resume up to date. Might be necessary this year.
9. No new clothes just for the sake of new clothes. Replacements only for clothes that are beyond repair. mostly good here
Post by: Making Cents on April 15, 2018, 10:45:54 AM
1. Max HSA (done! Unfortunately Congress decreased the family maximum AFTER I maxed it, so we still need to put back $50!)
2. Max 2017 IRA contributions for me and DH before April 16 (done!) and our 2018 IRA contributions ASAP (in progress)
3. Cash out DH's whole life insurance policy begun by his father and invest the surrender value (in progress)
4. Reach $10k this calendar year in bank/credit card bonuses and rewards for me and DH (so far on track to pass 5k mark next month)
5. Bank a minimum of 3k each month (so far so good - ranging from $3600 to over 6k)
6. Rebuild emergency savings (depleted from medical expenses) to at least 30k
7. Increase my optional retirement plan contributions by 1k/mo once emergency fund goal is met
8. Pay for badly needed new garage roof and back fence repairs, using all DIY labor with help from neighbors/friends
9. Monitor federal tax situation to ensure we don't jump brackets from 12% to 22% due to DH overtime and extra interest income
10. Keep using my new grocery price comparison spreadsheet to cut monthly groceries by at least half (we are starting from a shocking level I'm too embarrassed to disclose, so this shouldn't be hard to do!)
11. Work with colleagues to keep up pressure on employer to address salaries/promotions that have not kept pace with inflation after salary study showed us 20% below peer institutions!
12. Participate in community yard sale next month and get rid of the junk in my attic once and for all!
13. Reward my patient DH's support in all this by taking him on a fly-fishing trip he has been wanting using cc points for lodging cost
Post by: Salim on April 17, 2018, 03:05:43 PM
1.Pay off credit card billsDone.
2. Rebuild emergency fund to $2K This is a long way off at this point.
3. Buy minimal clothing Doing well on this one.
4. Get my artwork into 1 or 2 galleries and start selling Making some progress.
5.Createand implement art website with shopping cart Site should be up in a day or two.
6. Increase net worth by $40K Epic fail so far. Stock market fell a lot and we took out a loan to pay a big tax bill. We have cut spending and are working on increasing income.
Post by: haflander on April 17, 2018, 03:23:12 PM
1. Pay off student loans. Done
2. Fully fund E/FU fund to 17,500. Currently 6250
3. Pay off stupid truck loan. Currently 10,500
Post by: Serendip on April 17, 2018, 07:20:49 PM
--Increase RRSP savings from 17,500 to 23,000 (Already at $27,325)
--Increase TFSA (also my EFund) from 700--8000 (This will be the focus next! Currently at $865.. hours are down at work for the next 2 months but will try to keep spending really low so I can bump this up a couple notches)
Also would love to buy a canoe :) This is on hold--we are trying to avoid any major purchases but might borrow/rent one for a week long trip
Post by: haypug16 on April 23, 2018, 01:27:11 PM
2. Pay down $10,000 in Student Loans - $3,656.83 so far
3. Increase 401k contribution to 25% - currently at 6% next increase will be in May
4. Get FIRE accounts to $50,000 - $31,320.37 so far, got a long way to go on this one.
Post by: boarder42 on April 23, 2018, 01:39:28 PM
Post by: adamsputnik on April 23, 2018, 03:00:20 PM
- pay off all debt
- increase EF to about 3 months worth of expenses ~ $6000
- increase 401k contribution to 20% of salary
Post by: Making Cents on April 26, 2018, 03:53:19 PM
1.Max HSA
2.Max 2017 IRA contributions for me and DH before April 16and our2018 IRA contributions(just ticked this one off)
3.Cash out DH's whole life insurance policy begun by his father and invest the surrender value(done!)
4. Reach $10k this calendar year in bank/credit card bonuses and rewards for me and DH (still on track)
5. Bank a minimum of 3k each month (still on track though barely squeaking by this month)
6. Rebuild emergency savings (growing nicely)
7.Increase my optional retirement plan contributions by 1k/mo once emergency fund goal is met(Done!)
8. Pay for badly needed new garage roof and back fence repairs, using all DIY labor with help from neighbors/friends (pricing out and ordering)
9. Monitor federal tax situation to ensure we don't jump brackets from 12% to 22% due to DH overtime and extra interest income (so far so good)
10. Keep using my new grocery price comparison spreadsheet to cut monthly groceries by at least half (using my price book diligently but not quite making the mark yet... with freezer stocking I expect to see more savings as the year goes on)
11.Work with colleagues to keep up pressure on employer to address salaries/promotions that have not kept pace with inflation(salary report drafted and filed, plans underway for talks with higher ups - I'm not holding my breath but we are doing what we can)
12. Participate in community yard sale next month and get rid of the junk in my attic once and for all!
13. Reward my patient DH's support in all this by taking him on a fly-fishing trip he has been wanting using cc points for lodging cost
Edited to cross off #7 cause I just bit the bullet and increased my ORP contributions by $1/k. Earlier than my plan called for! Boom! (*Drops the mic*)
Post by: JonnyFromCanada on April 29, 2018, 10:39:20 AM
1. Pay off lawyer: ($1000 in visa fees, and $1200 in lawyer fees)
2. Buy two bicycles
3. Keep savings rate at 10% (Plus 5% employer match, so 15%)
3. Pay off my line of credit: $6180
Once we get established in our new town and the wife finds a job there, by 2019, we should be able to bump up our savings rate.
Post by: OurTown on May 08, 2018, 09:43:06 AM
Post by: Rosy on May 23, 2018, 08:50:14 AM
My 2018 Financial Goals
1. Save every penny of my SS every month - to reach my goal of $50K by Dec 2019.
2. Save $200 from Jan to July to boost my travel fund - for a combination bucket list trip to Europe and seeing my Mom on her 90th birthday.
I must become a badass MMMer for at least the next seven months to meet all my goals. May start a new journal to help me stay on track.
3. Find a way to bring in at least an extra $300 a month for nine months, Jan-July and Sep to Oct 2018.
4. Keep paying off the credit cards each month - no credit card debt allowed.
5. Challenge - full throttle STOP buying jewelry. Period! - I cannot afford to buy a thing all year unless it is on the approved budget list or a planned expense!
PROGRESS REPORT:
Goal #1 - yes - I am saving every penny of my SS. ON TRACK!
Goal #2 - travel fund - bucket list trip - funding almost complete - leaving late July:) YAY!
3. $300 avg extra income a month: Yes, but funded differently, $300 bank bonus, $246 tax return, $597 tax return - pending,
$1200 payback received on a loan.
4. YES - credit cards are paid off in full each month.
5. Challenge - no jewelry buying: Caved once in April - hoping to make it through the rest of May, June and July.
After that, I may set new/different criteria.
Wow, I surprised myself to see that I'm really sticking to my goals, but with a lot more whining and heavy sighing than I've ever done before, which is not good. These are all rather ambitious goals to embark on all at the same time.
When I return from my trip at the end of Sep - I'll re-evaluate, but for now, I simply must stick to the plan.
I already know that next year I will take on only one goal - which hopefully will go a long way toward avoiding the level of financial anxiety that I am putting myself through at the moment - I can't see the trees for the forest.
Post by: SansSkill on May 23, 2018, 09:45:52 AM
Saving goals:
1) Emergency fund (5k).
2) Pay tuition up front (~2k, due September)
3) Start saving for house.
Investment goals:
4) Investment account (6k, low cost world stock index).
5) Investment account (3k, trade options as a hobby).
Milestone goals:
6) 10k.
7) 15k.
I currently put 500,- to the top savings goal and 500,- to the top investment goal a month. Whenever my checking account grows too much I move a multiple of 500,- to the first unmet goal, in order of #1, #2, #5, #4.
Currently on track to achieve #1 in June, and #2 potentially in July but probably August.
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on May 24, 2018, 07:20:16 AM
1) Fully fund both 401Ks - $37K - done
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K - $3800, so far.
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job - we moved backward on this one slightly, as our tax bill was even higher than expected. Having to now make up lost ground. We're at $61,415.
4) Keep travel budget to $7K - On track for originally planned trips, but when I decided to stay at work a bit longer, added a trip to Hawaii for extra motivation. That will push us over.
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay - at $950. Crushing it!
6) Stick to budget overall - yes, on track.
Post by: haypug16 on May 24, 2018, 10:18:13 AM
2. Pay down $10,000 in Student Loans - $6,096.61 more than half way there and it's only May :) I was able to make some extra payments the last couple months so hopefully I can still keep the good momentum
3. Increase 401k contribution to 25% - at 8%, increasing every month as I adjust my budget. Will go up to 10% in June. I hope to make a big jump up by the fall.
4. Get FIRE accounts to $50,000 - $31,975.50 - small increase from last month but should start seeing this go up more and more
5. Min 50% savings rate - current average is 59.05%, not bad at all
Post by: Making Cents on June 02, 2018, 04:44:46 PM
1.
2.
3.
4. Reach $10k this calendar year in bank/credit card bonuses and rewards for me and DH (just passed halfway mark)
5. Bank a minimum of 3k each month (sort of failed this in May... i say sort of because I made it if i count the added 1k now going to 401k and I still have well above 3k/mo average for the year)
6. Rebuild emergency savings (still on track)
7.
8. Pay for badly needed new garage roof and back fence repairs, using all DIY labor wasted ith help from neighbors/friends (under construction!)
9. Monitor federal tax situation to ensure we don't jump brackets from 12% to 22% due to DH overtime and extra interest income
10. Keep using my new grocery price comparison spreadsheet to cut monthly groceries by at least half (set a household record low in May)
11. Work with colleagues to keep up pressure on employer to address salaries/promotions that have not kept pace with inflation (still trying to get employer to recognize that inflation exists and flat rate raises unchanged since 1990s are insufficient)
12.
13. Reward my patient DH's support in all this by taking him on a fly-fishing trip he has been wanting using cc points for lodging cost
Post by: BeautifulDay on June 05, 2018, 10:12:44 PM
2018 goals
1. Save EF of $13000 - top priority. (4 months spending -or 3 months plus an AC replacement) replaced the AC. Have a 2.5 month EF
2. Save $9000 for side business by July. And set up legal stuff/website for business. equipment purchased thanks to a gift from my parents. Still need to set up the business info and start production.
3. Make a will havent started
4. Max Roth IRA and Open DH's Roth IRA. in progress
5. Keep monthly expenses to $3700 or lower - work with DH on strategies to lower this further. not been doing well here
6. Camp 1 weekend per month in April thru October. yes for May. Guess I need to plan something for June this will be tough with other commitments this month
7. Increase networth from $130k to $170k $145k not too bad all things considered. Our biggest expenses this year are paid. So we might still be on track.
8. Keep resume up to date. Might be necessary this year.
9. No new clothes just for the sake of new clothes. Replacements only for clothes that are beyond repair. Seems like almost everything I own has ripped. Had lots of replacements I needed to buy. But I haven't really gone beyond what I needed to purchase so mostly a success.
Post by: BeautifulDay on June 05, 2018, 10:26:20 PM
Goal #2 - travel fund - bucket list trip - funding almost complete - leaving late July:) YAY!
I already know that next year I will take on only one goal - which hopefully will go a long way toward avoiding the level of financial anxiety that I am putting myself through at the moment - I can't see the trees for the forest.
Congrats on all your success. Sounds like you are on your way to lowering your financial anxiety. I was having a lot of financial anxieties and I had to massively change my finances. Thankfully I was able to turn that corner this year and you're gonna get there too. So nice to lower that stress level.
So where are you headed? I have my own dream trip to Germany planned for September but only get to stay a week. Sounds like you're there July to September. I wish I could stay that long. That's my FIRE dream.
Post by: Rosy on June 12, 2018, 08:08:28 AM
My 2018 Financial Goals
1. Save every penny of my SS every month - to reach my goal of $50K by Dec 2019.
2. Save $200 from Jan to July to boost my travel fund - for a combination bucket list trip to Europe and seeing my Mom on her 90th birthday.
I must become a badass MMMer for at least the next seven months to meet all my goals. May start a new journal to help me stay on track.
3. Find a way to bring in at least an extra $300 a month for nine months, Jan-July and Sep to Oct 2018.
4. Keep paying off the credit cards each month - no credit card debt allowed.
5. Challenge - full throttle STOP buying jewelry. Period! - I cannot afford to buy a thing all year unless it is on the approved budget list or a planned expense!
PROGRESS REPORT:
Goal #1 - yes - I am saving every penny of my SS. ON TRACK! $20K reached - halting until Oct.
Goal #2 - travel fund - bucket list trip - funding almost complete - leaving late July:) YAY! $10K - DONE!
3. $300 avg extra income a month: Yes, but funded differently, $300 bank bonus, $246 tax return, $597 tax return - pending,
$1200 payback received on a loan.
4. YES - credit cards are paid off in full each month. - seeing that -0- balance gives me a feeling of control over my finances!
5. Challenge - no jewelry buying: Caved once in April - hoping to make it through the rest of May, June and July. YAY - I broke the habit!:)
After that, I may set new/different criteria.
Wow, I surprised myself to see that I'm really sticking to my goals, but with a lot more whining and heavy sighing than I've ever done before, which is not good. These are all rather ambitious goals to embark on all at the same time.
When I return from my trip at the end of Sep - I'll re-evaluate, but for now, I simply must stick to the plan.
I already know that next year I will take on only one goal - which hopefully will go a long way toward avoiding the level of financial anxiety that I am putting myself through at the moment - I can't see the trees for the forest.
1. I am super excited - two goals reached!!! Yay me:)
Goal #2 - $10K saved for trip! and Goal #5 - broke that jewelry buying habit! DONE!!!
2. Goal #4 - still paying off credit cards each month! A zero balance once a month is a powerful reminder that I am in control of my finances!
3. Overall on track halfway through 2018!
Post by: Salim on June 12, 2018, 08:32:04 AM
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on June 12, 2018, 11:49:46 AM
1) Fully fund both 401Ks - $37K - done
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K - $4000, so far.
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job - we moved backward on this, as we had a bigger tax bill than expected (property sale) & decided to upgrade our electrical & paneling & install air conditioning. We are now at $38K
4) Keep travel budget to $7K - On track for originally planned trips, but when I decided to stay at work a bit longer, added a trip to Hawaii for extra motivation. That will push us over.
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay - at $990. Crushing it!
6) Stick to budget overall - yes, on track.
Post by: shinn497 on June 12, 2018, 06:27:33 PM
1) Pay off all debts - -5300
2) 5K emergency fund - 300
3) 5700 in retirement accounts (6000 Stretch)- 2640
4) 4300 Car Savings - 0
5) 1200 Travel Savings - 0
6) Make an extra 500$ outside of work (1000$ Stretch) - 0
Post by: shinn497 on June 15, 2018, 06:31:54 AM
2) 5K emergency fund - 300
3) 5700 in retirement accounts (6000 Stretch)- 2640 (I need to recheck this one)
4) 4300 Car Savings - 0
5) 1200 Travel Savings - 10
6) Make an extra 500$ outside of work (1000$ Stretch) - 0
Post by: Serendip on June 16, 2018, 01:33:54 PM
--Increase RRSP savings from 17,500 to 23,000 (at $28,000)
--Increase TFSA (also my EFund) from 700--8000 (at $4500)
Also would love to buy a canoe :) This is on hold--we are trying to avoid any major purchases but might borrow/rent one for a week long trip
Funny how I underestimated what would be possible. I've also started an investment account, currently only at $2000, but pretty happy with how things are going this year.
Post by: haflander on June 26, 2018, 10:26:51 AM
I'm late but I love this! 1 was easy, but 2 and 3 will be difficult. I may have to choose one or the other, we'll see.
1. Pay off student loans. Done
2. Fully fund E/FU fund to 17,500. Currently 6250
3. Pay off stupid truck loan. Currently 10,500
Halfway through the year is a good time for an update everybody! I know there's a few days left but I also know my #s won't change in the next week.
1. Pay off student loans. Done
2. Fully fund E/FU fund to 17,500. Currently 9000
3. Pay off stupid truck loan. Currently 7800
Progress in two months below. So obviously I'm giving equal priority to both. After quickly running the #s it looks like I would achieve #3 barely in time for 2018 and won't quite achieve #2, IF I keep going with the below #s for the rest of the year. However, I am sitting on a hail damage check for 1250 that would definitely put me over the top and achieve them both! Ie, if I decide to keep the cash. In any case, it'll feel great to be 100% debt free by the end of this year! I'm not a big fan of Dave Ramsey but maybe I'll think about calling in to his show to yell the "debt freedom" thing or whatever they do. I'm really looking forward to starting a tIRA or (backdoor?) Roth with Vanguard in January when I'm finished with the above. I'll be able to put everything extra there! I have a lot to learn about retirement accounts before that time.
2. 2750
3. 2700
Post by: SwordGuy on June 26, 2018, 04:03:12 PM
1) FIRE May 2018.Done, both of us!
2) $16k plus employer match in wife's 401K. Done.
3) $9k plus employer match in my 401K. Done, plus a bit.
4) Sell old house. Done!
5) Finish rehab of rental #3 and rent it.Less than a week to go! :)
6) Rehab mid-century modern and put house up for sale. Closing scheduled for Wednesday! :)
7) Keep non-rehab spending within $75k.Had to have two teeth extracted. With surgery and implant costs, we'll go over spending by about $10k.
8) Pay down mortgage by $10,150 (included in $75k). on autopilot
9) Invest profits of house sales, leaving $150k for real estate investment. Bought 1 rental and 1 rental or flip.
10) Make $1k on art sales or teaching.Teaching scheduled for January of 2019. Unlikely to sell any art work before end of year (because I haven't made much of anything, too busy with real estate).
2019 goals:
1) Stay FIRED.
2) Switch from COBRA insurance to ACA if cheaper.
3) Keep non-real estate investment spending within $75k.
4) Pay down mortgage by $10,400 (included in $75k).
5) Acquire 1 rental property, rehab it and rent it.
6) Fund 2 real estate flips for flip partner at 1-2% below market rates. (And no, I'm not crazy.)
7) Set up self-employed 401k so we can reduce "income" by enough to qualify for ACA subsidy if that makes sense.
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on June 29, 2018, 01:32:41 PM
1) Fully fund both 401Ks - $37K - done
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K - $4000, so far.
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job - Finally made some progress - we're at $65.8K
4) Keep travel budget to $7K - We will definitely go over this. We added a family trip to Hawaii & an adult trip to Las Vegas (kids are at summer camp) to the agenda. We will need to cut back for next year.
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay - at $990. Crushing it!
6) Stick to budget overall - yes, on track, minus the house category. We opted to put in air conditioning (which required a bunch of other electrical upgrades)
Post by: Cookie78 on June 29, 2018, 03:56:07 PM
Post by: haypug16 on July 12, 2018, 12:55:15 PM
2. Pay down $10,000 in Student Loans - $6,978.51 (I think I'll actually hit $12K for the year)
3. Increase 401k contribution to 25% - up to 12% as of this month
4. Get FIRE accounts to $50,000 - $33,023.75 (still have a long way to go)
A little less than half the year to go. Goals are looking pretty good, with the exception of the FIRE goal of $50K. Trying to figure out if there is any way I can still hit this goal but it's no looking good. It looks like I'll be closer to $40K than $50K.
Post by: NinetyFour on July 15, 2018, 08:34:13 PM
1. Max out 403b.
2. Max out 457.
3. Max Roth IRA 2017.
4. Max Roth IRA 2018.
5. Get cash and investments up to $750K (now at $656K).
6. Stretch goal.....strive for next BIG milestone in NW (now at $828K).
7. Oh, yeah, RETIRE.
1. Done ($24,500 put in this account--tax deferred)
2. Done ($24,500 put in this account--tax deferred)
3. Done (topped off my Roth (up to $6500) for 2017)
4. Done ($6500 added to my Roth for 2018)
5. Done (cash + investments now stands at $808K)
6. Met my stretch goal (NW now stands at $1,005,800)
7. DONE--retired on June 30.
:D
Post by: abhe8 on July 15, 2018, 09:05:15 PM
Post by: zeli2033 on July 22, 2018, 06:17:59 AM
I love these goals-based threads so much! I enjoy the accountability that comes with putting it out there and making an honest effort to reach it.
Our 2018 Financial Goals:
1. Max 2018 Roth IRAs done!
2. Max HSA on track, set to auto
3. Max DH and DW 401Ks on track, set to auto
4. Get student loan below $35,000 currently at ~$55k, hard to be sure but still looks possible pending a few work-related changes on DHs part
5. Reach positive net worth for the first time! Hopefully reach NW of $40,000+ reached positive net worth for the first time ever this month!! Based on how its tracking, Im hoping to still hit net worth goals for the year
6. Save at least $60,000 across various accounts at roughly $47k so far
Time to check in! Im pretty pleased with where we are at just over the halfway point. Hopefully we can keep it up!
Post by: SwordGuy on July 22, 2018, 09:03:05 AM
Updating to show current status:
1) FIRE May 2018.Done, both of us!
2) $16k plus employer match in wife's 401K. Done.
3) $9k plus employer match in my 401K. Done, plus a bit.
4) Sell old house. Done!
5) Finish rehab of rental #3 and rent it.Making good progress, done by end of August.
6) Rehab mid-century modern and put house up for sale. (Probable sale in 2019.) Under contract, as is, pending buyer's sale of their current house. 2nd buyer in the wings.
7) Keep non-rehab spending within $75k.Had to have two teeth extracted. With surgery and implant costs, we'll go over spending by about $10k.
8) Pay down mortgage by $10,150 (included in $75k). on autopilot
9) Invest profits of house sales, leaving $150k for real estate investment. (Waiting on sale of flip house, otherwise we'll need it for the rehab if the sale falls thru.)
10) Make $1k on art sales or teaching.Teaching scheduled for January of 2019. Unlikely to sell a lot of art work before end of year.
2019 goals:
1) Stay FIRED.
2) Switch from COBRA insurance to ACA if cheaper.
3) Keep non-real estate investment spending within $75k.
4) Pay down mortgage by $10,400 (included in $75k).
5) Acquire 1 rental property, rehab it and rent it. Close on this one on 2-August. Rehabbed and ready to rent by end of October.
6) Fund 2 real estate flips for flip partner at 1-2% below market rates. (And no, I'm not crazy.)
7) Set up self-employed 401k so we can reduce "income" by enough to qualify for ACA subsidy if that makes sense.
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on July 22, 2018, 10:57:42 AM
1) Fully fund both 401Ks - $37K - done
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K - $4250, so far.
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job - Finally made some progress - we're at $54.9K. We're up & down with a bunch of home projects
4) Keep travel budget to $7K - Over this. when I decided to stay at work for a few more months, I agreed to a family trip to Hawaii as an incentive. ;-) Currently at $9200.
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay - achieved. At $1080.
6) Stick to budget overall - yes, on track, minus the house category. We opted to put in air conditioning (which required a bunch of other electrical upgrades)
Post by: mspym on July 22, 2018, 05:55:34 PM
2018 Goals: as at May
1- Max out Super - currently at 20k out of 25k - July - smashed this woot woot, now to start on next FY's cap.
2- Save 75k after tax. This is a stretch goal, currently 20k down, 55k to go. - July - at 37.5/75k - this is a big stretch goal considering my current contract ends in 3 months but we will see.
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on July 30, 2018, 07:58:56 PM
Here's our status.
1) Fully fund both 401Ks - $37K - done
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K - $4250, so far.
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job - Finally made some progress - we're at$54.9K.We're up & down with a bunch of home projects - now at $70.8K
4) Keep travel budget to $7K - Over this. when I decided to stay at work for a few more months, I agreed to a family trip to Hawaii as an incentive. ;-) Currently at $9200.
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay - achieved. At $1080. - now at $1434
6) Stick to budget overall - yes, on track, minus the house category. We opted to put in air conditioning (which required a bunch of other electrical upgrades)
Post by: BeautifulDay on August 01, 2018, 09:13:21 PM
1. Save EF of $13000 - top priority. (4 months spending -or 3 months plus an AC replacement) replaced the AC. Have a 2.5 mo EF
2. Save $9000 for side business by July. And set up legal stuff/website for business. equipment purchased. Still need to set up the business info and start production.
3. Make a will havent started
4. Max Roth IRA and Open DH's Roth IRA. priorities changed. I think we may need to work on the EF more until the end of the year in case of a job change.
5. Keep monthly expenses to $3700 or lower - work with DH on strategies to lower this further. not been doing well here - auto repairs killed us this month
6. Camp 1 weekend per month in April thru October. Nope. Too hot and havent had time to get away to mountains and cooler climates
7. Increase networth from $130k to $170k $153k
8. Keep resume up to date. had and interview today. If I don't get this job I'll wait a few months before applying for anything else. Gotta work for n that EF.
9. No new clothes just for the sake of new clothes. Replacements only for clothes that are beyond repair. NOthing lately. Could really use new sunglasses- eye condition requires I wear them daily and mine are very scratched. But I'm going to hold off. .
Post by: shinn497 on August 04, 2018, 12:27:40 AM
2) 5K emergency fund - 600
3) 5700 in retirement accounts (6000 Stretch)- 2690 (I need to recheck this one)
4) 4300 Car Savings - 0
5) 1200 Travel Savings - 10
6) Make an extra 500$ outside of work (1000$ Stretch) - 0
Post by: NinetyFour on August 07, 2018, 09:23:01 AM
1. Max out 403b.
2. Max out 457.
3. Max Roth IRA 2017.
4. Max Roth IRA 2018.
5. Get cash and investments up to $750K (now at $656K).
6. Stretch goal.....strive for next BIG milestone in NW (now at $828K).
7. Oh, yeah, RETIRE.
1. Done ($24,500 put in this account--tax deferred)
2. Done ($24,500 put in this account--tax deferred)
3. Done (topped off my Roth (up to $6500) for 2017)
4. Done ($6500 added to my Roth for 2018)
5. Done (cash + investments now stands at $808K)
6. Met my stretch goal (NW now stands at $1,005,800)
7. DONE--retired on June 30.
:D
Congrats!! Looks like you are due for some new goals.
Thanks, and it's true about needing some new goals!! I should try to come up with a reasonable spending plan for 2019, as I have done a good bit of splurging during the second half of 2018!!
Post by: Salim on August 09, 2018, 02:42:27 PM
1.Pay off credit card billsDone.
2. Rebuild emergency fund to $2K This is a long way off at this point.
3. Buy minimal clothing Doing well on this one.
4. Get my artwork into 1 or 2 galleries and start selling Making some progress.
5.Createand implement art website with shopping cart Site should be up in a day or two.
6. Increase net worth by $40K Epic fail so far. Stock market fell a lot and we took out a loan to pay a big tax bill. We have cut spending and are working on increasing income.
Making good progress.
1.
2. Rebuild emergency fund to $2K
3.
4. Get my artwork into 1 or 2 galleries and start selling
5.
6. Increase net worth by $40K Increased so far by $25,633.
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on September 01, 2018, 09:08:45 AM
1) Fully fund both 401Ks - $37K - done
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K - $4250, so far. Need to decide if we're going to divert any "found money" to this one in 2018
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job - Finally made some progress - we're at
4) Keep travel budget to $7K - Over this. when I decided to stay at work for a few more months, I agreed to a family trip to Hawaii as an incentive. ;-) We're at $10K at the moment. Work has been insane & hard, and travel helps me get at least some pleasure out of the extra time in role. I'll be going on a sabbatical next year, so lots of traveling will be occurring
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay - achieved. At $
6) Stick to budget overall - yes, on track, minus the house category. We opted to put in air conditioning (which required a bunch of other electrical upgrades)
Post by: SansSkill on September 01, 2018, 12:44:46 PM
Bit late to the party, but I figured I'd put the goals I set in 2017 as well as those I set in the meantime here.
Saving goals:
1) Emergency fund (5k).
2) Pay tuition up front (~2k, due September)
3) Start saving for house.
Investment goals:
4) Investment account (6k, low cost world stock index).
5) Investment account (3k, trade options as a hobby).
Milestone goals:
6) 10k.
7) 15k.
I currently put 500,- to the top savings goal and 500,- to the top investment goal a month. Whenever my checking account grows too much I move a multiple of 500,- to the first unmet goal, in order of #1, #2, #5, #4.
Currently on track to achieve #1 in June, and #2 potentially in July but probably August.
These goals aged... interesting.
Emergency fund is met.
Tuition I decided against, since I don't plan to repay my mortgage earlier because of larger returns in the market I figured the same philosophy should hold here as well and so I opted for paying in terms, which means paying 20% every two months.
Due to medical issues I decided to quit my part time job and focus on my studies, so I'm putting off on saving for a house, also because I have become more aware of the local rent vs buy market and found that renting may actually be better in the long term, so instead I'm saving for my next holiday instead.
I probably won't reach my investment account goals, 4k should be doable, but 6k sounds out of the question.
As for the option portfolio, I found out that the strategy I wanted to do can't easily be achieved with my available selection of brokers.
I have found an alternative derivative I could probably use in lieu of options, so I'll be dabbing in that, but with a smaller portfolio of 500-1000.
As for milestones I reached the 10k at the end of june, to reach 15k I need 3.5k more appreciation in the next 4 months, which is very unlikely, so I'll be aiming for 12.5k end of year I guess? Not sure if viable barring derivative portfolio skyrocketing in value but sounds like a nice stretch goal.
Post by: WhiteTrashCash on September 01, 2018, 01:11:12 PM
Updating this for Sept. 1st:
1.) Fully fund two Roth IRAs: $11,000 Done.
2.) Fully fund a 401k: $18,500 Will be done by the end of the year.
3.) Get my student loans below $35,000 Still working on this.
4.) Remodel our full bathroom, because God knows it needs it. Have to put this off until at least next year.
5.) Repair or replace the front steps on our house. Done.
6.) Finish my book. Still working on this.
7.) Have more board game nights/pot luck dinners at home. We did a lot more of this, so mission accomplished.
8.) Laugh a lot more. It's been a hard year, so hopefully this will happen more next year.
9.) Care less about what people think. Done.
10.) Read more books for fun. Way more. Very happy about this.
Post by: haflander on September 04, 2018, 09:18:37 AM
I'm late but I love this! 1 was easy, but 2 and 3 will be difficult. I may have to choose one or the other, we'll see.
1. Pay off student loans. Done
2. Fully fund E/FU fund to 17,500. Currently 6250
3. Pay off stupid truck loan. Currently 10,500
1. Pay off student loans. Done
2. Fully fund E/FU fund to 17,500. Currently 9000
3. Pay off stupid truck loan. Currently 7800
1. Pay off student loans. Done
2. Fully fund E/FU fund to 17,500. Currently 11,200
3. Pay off stupid truck loan. Currently 5000
Post by: zeli2033 on September 04, 2018, 09:19:56 AM
Updating this for Sept. 1st:9.) Care less about what people think. Done.
Excellent goal. Im going to borrow that for the rest of this year...
Post by: shinn497 on September 07, 2018, 05:03:31 PM
2) 5K emergency fund - 2040 (yay markets :/)
3) 5700 in retirement accounts (6000 Stretch)- 3030
4) 4300 Car Savings - 0
5) 1200 Travel Savings - 0
6) Make an extra 500$ outside of work (1000$ Stretch) - 24
Post by: shinn497 on September 13, 2018, 11:41:42 PM
2) 5K emergency fund - 3861 (yay markets :/)
3) 5700 in retirement accounts (6000 Stretch)- 3098
4) 4300 Car Savings - 0
5) 1200 Travel Savings - 0
6) Make an extra 500$ outside of work (1000$ Stretch) - 24
Post by: OurTown on September 18, 2018, 09:58:55 AM
Post by: Serendip on September 18, 2018, 05:21:44 PM
Couple of goals
--Increase RRSP savings from 17,500 to 23,000 (at $28,000)
--Increase TFSA (also my EFund) from 700--8000 (at $4500)
Also would love to buy a canoe :) This is on hold--we are trying to avoid any major purchases but might borrow/rent one for a week long trip
Funny how I underestimated what would be possible. I've also started an investment account, currently only at $2000, but pretty happy with how things are going this year.
Alright. Update
--Increase RRSP savings from 17,500 to 23,000: $30,030!
--Increase TFSA (also my EFund) from 700--8000 $6516
Also would love to buy a canoe on hold, but I have a 'canoe/etc account' with $2200 in it
While I was at it: Started an investment account now at $3005
Post by: haypug16 on September 27, 2018, 01:08:27 PM
2. Pay down $10,000 in Student Loans - $9,358.79 (should hit $10K next month and close to $12K by year end, I can't wait for the day when they are gone!)
3. Increase 401k contribution to 25% - up to 15%. My company is switching 401K providers so I'm waiting until that is completed before making the next increase to 17%
4. Get FIRE accounts to $50,000 - $36,942.87 (Should reach about $40K by the end of the year I'm OK with that considering how much more of my debt I've been paying off)
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on September 27, 2018, 04:47:14 PM
Nice update Serendip1. Pay off Credit Cards-Done
2. Pay down $10,000 in Student Loans - $9,358.79 (should hit $10K next month and close to $12K by year end, I can't wait for the day when they are gone!)
3. Increase 401k contribution to 25% - up to 15%. My company is switching 401K providers so I'm waiting until that is completed before making the next increase to 17%
4. Get FIRE accounts to $50,000 - $36,942.87 (Should reach about $40K by the end of the year I'm OK with that considering how much more of my debt I've been paying off)5. Min 50% savings rate- current average is 48% (had a little drop but should still be able to average 50% for the year.
@haypug16 - so close on those student loans! Awesome
Post by: boarder42 on September 27, 2018, 04:52:21 PM
Hit the double comma NW club!. everything else is pretty simple and on autopilot
We made it. Thought it was a stretch but it was a pretty smooth ride in 3 months early. Back below today but probably above tomorrow
Post by: Blindsquirrel on September 27, 2018, 07:01:23 PM
1- Sell a house held more than a year. - Met
2. Pay off mortgage on my house-Met
3. Save 49k in 401ks- will meet.
4. Begin transition to using a property management company on rentals- Started with a couple out of our hands.
5. Finish a couple big projects at work- meh, not so good. Boss has had me do a bunch of other stuff than what I had planned. Did some other good work but more important long term work fell to the side. His choice, foolish but not my problem for long.
6. Catch up on rental capex- so far so good. 3 roofs and 4 HVAC systems done. 3 big rehabs/turn overs done. 2 roofs to do yet.
Post by: zeli2033 on September 28, 2018, 07:46:26 AM
I love these goals-based threads so much! I enjoy the accountability that comes with putting it out there and making an honest effort to reach it.
Our 2018 Financial Goals:
1. Max 2018 Roth IRAs DONE
2. Max HSA ON TRACK
3. Max DH and DW 401Ks Sigh. Looks like we won't be able to max DH's this year as they won't let us bump contributions up to the max like I'd planned. But on track for at least one being maxed out!
4. Get student loan below $35,000 This one is tight but we *might* be able to get it done! If not, we'll miss the goal by a hair
5. Reach positive net worth for the first time! Hopefully reach NW of $40,000+ Reached positive net worth a month ago! Currently at +22k and the current trend is about +$5-6k/month. It's close but I think we can reach the NW...
6. Save at least $60,000 across various accounts On Track
Not too bad a showing so far. 75% of the year complete, hoping to keep going strong as we finish it out!
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on September 28, 2018, 10:39:56 AM
Here's our status at the end of August.
1) Fully fund both 401Ks - $37K - done
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K - $4250, so far. Need to decide if we're going to divert any "found money" to this one in 2018
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job - Finally made some progress - we're at$54.9K.We're up & down with a bunch of home projects - now at $76.6K. We've had a few expensive months, with front loading travel, yearly car insurance, etc.
4) Keep travel budget to $7K - Over this. when I decided to stay at work for a few more months, I agreed to a family trip to Hawaii as an incentive. ;-) We're at $10K at the moment. Work has been insane & hard, and travel helps me get at least some pleasure out of the extra time in role. I'll be going on a sabbatical next year, so lots of traveling will be occurring
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay - achieved. At $1080. - now at $1700. Wooohoo! Will now try for $2K for the year.
6) Stick to budget overall - yes, on track, minus the house category. We opted to put in air conditioning (which required a bunch of other electrical upgrades)
Status at the (almost) end of September:
1) Fully fund both 401Ks - $37K - done
2) Yearly max to both kids college accounts - $28K - $4350, so far. Put $100 towards this from a "found money" refund check from the settlement of a house we sold over a year ago.
3) Save an extra $150K before I quit my job - We're at $96,410 - so close to the $100K mark!
4) Keep travel budget to $7K - Over this. when I decided to stay at work for a few more months, I agreed to a family trip to Hawaii as an incentive. ;-) We're at $10K at the moment. Work has been insane & hard, and travel helps me get at least some pleasure out of the extra time in role. I'll be going on a sabbatical next year, so lots of traveling will be occurring
5) Earn another $1K selling random stuff on eBay - achieved. At $1710. Only $10 uptick from August, but expect more money to be coming in over the next couple of months. Setting the revised goal for 2018 at $2K.
6) Stick to budget overall - yes, on track, minus the house category. We need to do a better job of predicting large house project expenses. For this year, it was solar & air conditioning. No regrets on either purchase, but didn't do a good job on the budget forecasting side.
Post by: Rosy on September 29, 2018, 01:50:17 PM
My 2018 Financial Goals
1. Save every penny of my SS every month - to reach my goal of $50K by Dec 2019.
2. Save $200 from Jan to July to boost my travel fund - for a combination bucket list trip to Europe and seeing my Mom on her 90th birthday.
I must become a badass MMMer for at least the next seven months to meet all my goals. May start a new journal to help me stay on track.
3. Find a way to bring in at least an extra $300 a month for nine months, Jan-July and Sep to Oct 2018.
4. Keep paying off the credit cards each month - no credit card debt allowed.
5. Challenge - full throttle STOP buying jewelry. Period! - I cannot afford to buy a thing all year unless it is on the approved budget list or a planned expense!
PROGRESS REPORT:
Goal #1 - yes - I am saving every penny of my SS. ON TRACK!
Goal #2 - travel fund - bucket list trip - funding almost complete - leaving late July:) YAY!
3. $300 avg extra income a month: Yes, but funded differently, $300 bank bonus, $246 tax return, $597 tax return - pending,
$1200 payback received on a loan.
4. YES - credit cards are paid off in full each month.
5. Challenge - no jewelry buying: Caved once in April - hoping to make it through the rest of May, June and July.
After that, I may set new/different criteria.
Wow, I surprised myself to see that I'm really sticking to my goals, but with a lot more whining and heavy sighing than I've ever done before, which is not good. These are all rather ambitious goals to embark on all at the same time.
When I return from my trip at the end of Sep - I'll re-evaluate, but for now, I simply must stick to the plan.
I already know that next year I will take on only one goal - which hopefully will go a long way toward avoiding the level of financial anxiety that I am putting myself through at the moment - I can't see the trees for the forest.
UPDATE:
All goals met.
The no jewelry buying challenge - aka gazingus pin - going strong and trying to hang in there for another 90 days.
Not doing anything remotely as difficult in 2019 as every one of these goals in 2018 proved to be. But, I made it, except for the ongoing no jewelery buying challenge until Dec and I plan to make that one too.
Good luck everyone!
Post by: MaybeBabyMustache on September 29, 2018, 02:25:58 PM
Post by: adamsputnik on January 06, 2019, 01:38:21 PM
- pay off all debt - only $6000 in student loans remain
- increase EF to about 3 months worth of expenses ~ $6000 - done
- increase 401k contribution to 20% of salary - alas, no
Time to come up with goals for 2019.
Post by: TempusFugit on January 06, 2019, 02:44:02 PM
Achieve a 50% savings rate
2018 savings rate was 53%. For the win.
My spending in real dollars was pretty much the same but i saved more due to higher (modestly) income.
Post by: Dicey on January 19, 2019, 10:23:04 AM
Post by: Salim on January 19, 2019, 03:21:18 PM
1.Pay off credit card bills
2. Rebuild emergency fund to $2K
3. Buy minimal clothing Spent $1,258
4. Get my artwork into 1 or 2 galleries and start selling
5.Create and implement art website with shopping cart
6. Increase net worth by $40K Net worth decreased by about $35,213
We failed at most of our financial goals in 2018. What the numbers above don't show is the progress we made toward improvement. For example, my DH took a course in 2018 that made it possible to get his new job in 2019, and I had to buy a car so I could commute to my new job.
We are off to a much better start in 2019. DH and I both just got part-time work (we were both retired before that, except for some occasional consulting for me) for a total income increase of about $800 per month. Yay!
Post by: haflander on January 21, 2019, 08:07:30 AM
I'm late but I love this! 1 was easy, but 2 and 3 will be difficult. I may have to choose one or the other, we'll see.
1.Pay off student loans.Done
2. Fully fund E/FU fund to 17,500. Currently 15,100
3.Pay off stupid truck loan. Done
I guess 2/3 is ok. I committed more to the debt than the savings. I'm totally debt free, a very good feeling. 2019 is the year I tip the scales from paying interest to earning it.
Post by: Salim on January 30, 2019, 08:23:25 AM
I'm late but I love this! 1 was easy, but 2 and 3 will be difficult. I may have to choose one or the other, we'll see.
1.Pay off student loans.Done
2. Fully fund E/FU fund to 17,500. Currently 15,100
3.Pay off stupid truck loan. Done
I guess 2/3 is ok. I committed more to the debt than the savings. I'm totally debt free, a very good feeling. 2019 is the year I tip the scales from paying interest to earning it.
Congratulations on killing your debt!