Resolution is too cliche. New Year’s resolutions seem doomed to failure. Yet, we’re told that you can’t be successful without goals. This may be a matter of semantics but I’m going to choose the goal approach. These are the things I am thinking about this coming year:
Financially – we continue to be on track for our saving goals, saving about 20% of our gross income each year. We will continue this in ’10. There are some positions I am shifting away from over time selling shares each year. We’ve made extra payments to the mortgage, as of now there are 7-1/4 years to go and 7-3/4 years until Jane 2.0 (our daughter) starts college. We’ve worked to fund the college account, but I would also like the extra comfort of knowing the mortgage is paid off a full year prior to her entering college.
Physically – In 2008, I ran 1000 miles. But in 2009, I was a slug and missed duplicating this feat. I missed it by enough to put on 10 lbs over the year. Not happy about that. I plan to get back onto a schedule of 2 long weekend runs and one midweek to stay on track. I might just promise myself a nicer TV in front of the treadmill as a reward if I do it this year. Right now, I’m watching an old tube 19 inch.
Blogging – I’m looking forward to more opportunities to get my name out there, from comments on others’ blogs, guest posts, and other networking opportunities. I was honored to be asked to be a stop on TLC book tours, my first book review (Ron Insana’s How To Make A Fortune From The Biggest Bailout In US History) is coming up this Tuesday. I’d like to continue the guest posts on Jeff Rose’ Good Financial Cents and answering questions at Moolanomy Answers. I’ll continue to maintain a focused approach, offering posts that discuss financial topics of general interest with the occasional ‘personal’ post or technical post that I know is either a bit complex or has a narrow audience. Hopefully, you will continue to find content that keeps you coming back.
Friends – I’ve come to really appreciate the online communities. The ability to get a quick answer to a question or ask for some kind of advice in the online setting is quite remarkable. It doesn’t replace in person relationships, but it sure does complement them. On the flip side, this year Jane (my wife) and I need to socialize more. This past Thanksgiving we had a family over that we knew as our daughters are friends but we hadn’t known the parents so well. Turned out we had a great time and look forward to seeing them again with or without all the kids. I also need more ‘guy’ time. It’s too easy to get caught up in the day to day routine. It’s not that friendships are such an effort, it’s just a matter of making the plans to get together.
Family – Jane and I need to have more one on one time. ‘Date night’ is something we need to get on the calendar, whether it’s once a month or some other timing, it’s important that we have this time. We did a better job of it when we still had a nanny for Jane 2.0, but now we need to work at it a bit. I hope to continue to be a good father to my daughter and try to walk that fine line between being there when she needs me yet keep my distance otherwise. I’ve come to terms with the fact that at a certain age no matter what you say, whatever you do, you will be a constant source of embarrassment to your kids.
What are your goal for ’10?
