I generally dislike New Year’s Resolutions — too vague and easily unaccomplished. Like telling someone you want them to be happy without ever asking them what would make them happy. Or something.
Goals, however, are worthy: we’re all going to end up somewhere at the end of the year, why not pick our own map? We can always change our minds along the way, but at least we’re not wandering aimlessly.
At least, that’s what I told myself when a bunch of great bloggers encouraged everyone to create blogging goals for the New Year. Whether you realize it or not, blogging is a huge world out there with limitless possibilities. When I started this blog last Spring, I had a vague notion that if it could help to motivate us staying on track with our debt snowball (it has) then perhaps I could turn it into something bigger that could help motivate others on their financial journeys as well.
I took some steps to toward taking that notion seriously when I purchased my own domain for Budgets are the New Black and set up this self-hosting site. After all, if I’m going to spend money on this while we’re trying to get out debt, I better be ready to take it up to the next level.
I encourage all of you to do the same, whether it’s just for your blog (if you have one) or for you personally. (Although for me, the line between “personal” and this blog is rather blurred.) (Not many things more personal than finances, after all.)
I followed another blogger’s lead in creating categories for my goals. Writing these down was, interestingly, rather difficult. It’s amazing how real things become when you put them on paper. Or, you know, a computer screen. I guess this means I really ought to try to follow through? I also went beyond just blogging goals. Now indulge me whilst I share with ya’ll.
Blogging:
- Continue to be honest and forthright in my writing about our finances, for better or for worse, limited only by respect and discretion for individuals members of my family.
- Continue to learn blog and techie lingo and how to tweak my blog layout for better usability: e.g. Learn how to add a plug-in that allows replies to a specific comment in a thread, for instance.
- Post six times each week.
- Engage more readers. Market more? Have 1000 subscribers by the end of the year. Yes, I just pulled this number out of thin air. I have no idea if this is possible.
- Learn how to monetize my blog. Yes, I’m talking about ads. I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say I hope this blog could eventually earn us a little money. It is about our personal finances, after all.
- Earn enough to pay for what I dished out for the blog domain and self-hosting. (This highfalutin stuff ain’t free, you know.)
- By October, earn enough to justify renewing said domain and hosting.
- Figure out what “enough” is. Right now I seem to be doing this just fine for absolutely no monetary gain whatsoever, thanks to you all! *mwah*
Financial:
- Finish non-mortgage debt snowball.
- Get new tenants in our vacation home rental house. Like, yesterday. (Anyone wanna rent a cute little house in Vegas?)
- Build up emergency fund of $12,000.
- Put away the debit card and move to cash spending. *gulp* (Except for getting gas. I refuse.)
- Curtail the grocery spending by 25%, or to $400/month. *gulp* again. In 2009 we spent $545/month on average.
- Create a workable chore and allowance system for Peter (5) and Olivia (6).
Household: (the first two would also help our grocery bill)
- Start making bread products by scratch. I had big plans to start this a year ago. All I managed to accomplish was collecting some storage bags and getting a good recipe for biscotti from a friend. Maybe it’ll happen this year since I’m writing it down?
- Make laundry detergent by scratch. I’ve always wanted to try this. I’ve found two different recipes online so far. Anyone want to offer their own?
- Finish painting projects.
- Make one digital photo album a month.
- Finish bathroom projects. (Don’t ask.)
Personal:
- Read scripture every day.
- Find a good church for our family.
- Read one financial book every month.
- Use the Wii Fit or otherwise exercise 3x (at least) each week.
- Keep up with assignments for my writing class. (I know, I aim high.)
- Present at least one assignment for publication.
That’s it for now! Have any of your own? I would love for you to share!
***
For more 2010 blogging goals go check out all the links at Savvy Blogging!
Yakezie Posts
- Is Losing Your Job The Best Thing That Could Happen to You? By MD
- Innovative Ideas By Dr.Dean
- It’s Not Just Big Things That Can Lead To Financial Problems By Money Beagle
- Wealth Watchers by Alice Wood – A Review and Givaway By Melissa
- Is Social Security Really a Retirement Plan? By Glen Craig
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love all your goals and I have to say they are all totally doable. I know you can do it… I have many of the same goals as you do although we are just starting out. I took Dave’s financial peace university and put it into place two years ago then we had to use our emergency fund and I never did it again. Thanks for the bump and thanks for telling me I can do it.
[Reply]
Hi Jolyn,
I found your blog through the savvy blooger link, and must say you have an impressive list of goals, quite frankly the most detailed I have seen so far.
As some who has couponed for over 25 years, I would like to offer you encouragement on your $100 a week or less grocery goal. It can be done! As a matter of fact, I am in the midst of a reader survey on my blog and the people that spend over $100 a week are few and far between. And some of these folks have enormous families! Take some time to find some deal bloggers (put them on your rssfeed) and watch for when the write ups come out. Find a deal blogger that deals with your area’s grocery store (there are a lot of people that “do” Meijer, Giant Eagle and other Ohio stores). But whatever you do, don’t get sucked into a site that makes you pay for that info. Too much free info is available on the internet!
Good luck with your Vegas house. I know properties under $200K have been selling in the Vegas market the last few months due to the federal tax credit. Maybe you want to take the plunge and list again?
[Reply]
My mom gave me a recipe for making homemade laundry soap and even bought the ingredients for me and I put them away for about 6 months saying I will make it when I run out of what I already have then I would run out and say, Oh I don’t have time to make it right now, I will do it next time! The key is to make it when you have some soap already! I finally ended up making it and it was so fast and easy. I like the soap a lot and it saves a ton of money. Most recipes are the same so just use the one you like the best. Good Luck!
[Reply]
Oh, you can totally do the cash system! It freaked me out at first, but just start with one category at a time (like your groceries!) and move on as it fits YOUR family. I created some little envelope templates for my cash envelopes, and you can see what I do! Of course, it works for me and may not work for you, but it’s always nice to see what others are doing! Visit this post for a FREE envelope template so you can make pretty envelopes for your cash! http://kelleighratzlaff.com/2009/12/free-envelope-template-and-a-tutorial/
[Reply]
jolyn Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 11:37 am
Oh, my, Kelleigh — you are so crafty! Your envelopes are too pretty! Mine w/b destroyed within days! At least, if my coupon container is any indication.
I like your idea of going slowly and picking one category at a time. Since The Hubs is leaving soon, I’ll be trying this on my own. Hopefully by the time he comes back I’ll have it down pat;)
[Reply]