Now Year's Resolution

I've been on a list kick lately. Today alone (well the day I wrote this post), I've made four lists. I think that when things are going as planned (at least somewhat), I start to go planning crazy and I use lists to continue formulating the working plan. Anyway, the list I'm sharing today is my "Now Year's Resolution" list.

I suggested for you all to make your own as well. Please feel free to share how you interpreted this and how it helped, if at all? If you'd like to dive into specific items on it, feel free. As open or closed as you wanna be. Go for it. Comment away! :-)

As for mine, I wrote a list of all of the things I would still like to accomplish in 2011. These may be things that were on my list at Jan 1, 2011 and have yet to be accomplished,  new tasks that I've added, or enhancements to tasks that weren't fully developed at Jan 1. I also tried not to make it too long. Once I got to about ten items, I decided to just focus on those because I'm learning that I don't deal well with being overwhelmed...and let's admit, long lists are frickin' overwhelming!

"Now Year's Resolution - 2011"

1) Complete apartment vision - Since moving in I've realized that getting this place together is going to be a LONG process, but I want to have an end goal in mind. And btw, one of the other four lists I made was a "Things to add to my apartment" list. lol.

2) Make (semi) permanent career decision - I can't dive too deeply into this decision but it includes whether to make a career move, change, or go back to school and pursue another masters (maybe more than one) or a ph.d. TONS to think about...and fast.

3) Lose 20lbs (at least) - I can't even start with my weight right now on this blog. It's a contiuous personal journey/struggle for me. And as with most ppl, weight loss is on the top of my list at all times. Why wasn't I just born with a super fast metabolism that lets me suck up all food and sight and never pay the consequences. deep sigh. I digress.

4) Take a makeup instrcution class - I've always wanted to be able to do more with my makeup but today while looking through Essence on the plane I thought to myself, why don't I take a class on this one day. In my spare time. The spare time I'll have once I accomplish #2. :-)

5) Take boxing lessons - I've heard this is an awesome workout. Also passed a spot in the South Loop over a month ago (and found out a friend goes there) and thought to myself that it could be a really fun workout.

6) Cook three times per week - I mean if I'm going to get married some day in the next 5 years (I am SO speaking this into existence), I should probably put this into practice.

7) Pay off all credit card debt - After I achieve this, I'm going to have to come up with a plan to not drive the debt back up again. I'm really good about getting it to $0 but then I get comfy and start spending again. Stop. Pay off. Anddd the cycle starts again. Yeah. Bad. I know. BUT, I am not of the belief that not having credit cards are the way to go. I think they are an absolutely necessary addition to one's financial portfolio. I just also think you have to learn how you can manage them best (and not let them manage you).

8) Increase savings by at least $3,000 - This is just necessary. I'm still young. I'm into saving agressively right now while I have less financial committments that I will one day (kids, mortgage, etc). Of course, everyone should tailor this to their own situation.

9) Keep on tithing  - Jesus is a waymaker. If you didn't know, I'm telling you. Ever since I've been tithing, I haven't had to worry about one financial issue. I found my own place within my budget and the blessings keep on raining down on me. And I still LOVE writing my bimonthly check to my church :-)

10) Two words: David. Yurman. - This is more of a prize at the end of the rainbow. To keep me motivated and focused. I went to the David Yurman store in Houston today. Love. Y'all know how I am about jewelry. And it's time to add a little Davie :-)

Bills Bills Bills

Rent is due. By July 5th. Boo.

I've taken the liberty to re-vamp/ re-organize my bill payment schedule. This means I need to take a look at and decide if I would like to change:

• Which bills are paid from which paycheck (the 30th or the 15th)
• Make all necessary due date changes to the bills I decide to shift around. In case you didn't know, you can change the due date of most bills. Very convenient.
• Which bills are automatically deducted from my checking account.

I was not looking forward to this exercise. In fact, I was completely loathing the fact that I should do it. But with any major changes such as a new place (with increased expenses) or a change in cash flow (due to a new job or loss of one), I think this is absolutely necessary. I would encourage you to do the same...and maybe even on an annual basis.

Update: Monday June 27th

So at the time of this post I wasn't able to fully explain WHY I'm re-organizing my finances but now since it's official I can tell you all. I got a new job! I'm moving on from my current place of employment. It's a bittersweet feeling because I've learned a ton and fostered some pretty awesome relationships there but I'm so ready to move on to phase 2 of my career. A new apartment, new salary, etc. all led me to a mid year reorganization. Whenever you experience major changes like these, you should take the time out to see if your budget is still representative of your financial situation also.

Halftime: What's Your Game Plan?

It is almost the end of June 2011. Can you believe it?! That means half of 2011 will be over in just a few weeks. I decided today that it would be a perfect time to evaluate my progress through 2011 thus far....in all realms of life. What has changed? What is the same? Am I keeping up with what I planned to attain this year on Jan 1? Where am I behind? Why? If I'm doing well, how can I make the last half of the year even better?

If you can't tell by now, know that I'm BIG on feedback, constructive criticism...basically anything that allows us to learn and grow.
I'd encourage all of you to do the same with yourselves. What were your goals for 2011 and how are you progressing? This can be financially or otherwise. Let's not get to December and realize we haven't gotten where we wanted. Life is going by quickly and for some reason I just really want to get it right...after all, this is the only chance I've got.

My next few posts will be dedicated to evaluating. Let's explore together :-)

First stop: "Now Year Resolution" For fun, why don't you work on one of these for yourself. I'm not going to define it for you. I've already made mine. Make yours, with whatever you think it should include. Let's share next week!