I have been thinking about the upcoming year, and what my aspirations are. I don't want to make resolutions or even set goals -- I guess I am more interested in continuous improvement in small increments. Even before TD posted about her "theme" I had already decided on a theme, which was coincidentally her last year's theme -- attentiveness/mindfulness. I just need to be more aware. To listen -- not just to people, but to the events in my life. To pay attention to what is happening around me and to me. To have my brain turned on, for Pete's sake! I spend too much time daydreaming.
Financially, I know that there are three things I have to save for. The Key West trip, the cruise, and my gap year. My gap year is the time between my last stipend from the College and the first "upgraded" Social Security payment, when I switch to my own benefit. I think it will be actually a little more than a year. I will need to make up $275 a month. I have two and a half years before it begins.
That sounds pretty formidable, given that my income is pretty low. That's where I'm hoping that mindfulness will create new revenue streams, and new ideas about cutting corners.
Today I tackle the last 15 hours of work. I was going to drive in today, as I am so much more focused there (and can use a better computer) but the weather is not cooperating. An ice storm is predicted, so I am going to stay off the roads.
Today's menu:
Breakfast: Toast
Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich, applesauce
Dinner: Veggies & pita bread
Thinking Ahead
December 28th, 2015 at 02:02 pm
December 28th, 2015 at 02:09 pm 1451311788
I like that. I will probably steal it.
December 28th, 2015 at 02:14 pm 1451312066
December 28th, 2015 at 04:18 pm 1451319528
December 28th, 2015 at 11:55 pm 1451346914
December 29th, 2015 at 02:52 am 1451357555
Here's the link: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2015/12/27/pete-planner-why-financial-new-years-resolutions-dumb/77299886/
He essentially says that if you have to make resolutions or goals, to do them in small amounts/increments - such as a monthly goal.
So let's say you have to make up for 15 months * 275 (4,125)
You have 36 months to save for it. So all you have to do is find $114 a month and you'll have it.
You could even break it up into smaller goals - like say in January I want to find an extra $75 to put towards the Gap year. Then in February find $100 and so on.
December 29th, 2015 at 12:57 pm 1451393872
Maybe I will tweak my variables budget and make $114 for gap year a line item.
EC, I will take any contract work that comes my way, and will keep an eye out for part-time opportunities.
I'm also going to start selling my antique booth inventory on eBay. Don't know if I'll get anything, but it's worth a try.
December 29th, 2015 at 05:13 pm 1451409180