We’re officially 25% of the way through the year, so I thought now would be a good time to check in on where I’m at with my goals for 2014. I set these goals back in January, and it seriously feels like that was not too long ago – I can’t believe how fast the year is going by! This year I set a series of large goals and then some smaller items that have been on my to-do list for a long time. Here’s how I’m doing on them:
Build up a $10,000 Emergency Fund
Progress: 92% Complete
I’m making really good progress on this goal. Currently, this account sits at $9,241. Beyond making regular contributions and funnelling freelance income into my emergency fund, I also put my whole income tax return and New Brunswick Tuition Rebate into it. See a full breakdown of how I made so much progress on this goal here.
According to my savings spreadsheet, I should have this goal completed by May, which I am super duper excited about.
Save $6,000 for Retirement
Progress: 42% Complete
I currently have $2,546 in my retirement fund. Every month my husband and I contribute $500 of our combined income into our retirement fund, and if I keep this up until the end of the year, I should finish the year off with almost $7,000 in that account. Since retirement savings is all about slow and steady, I’m going to stick with my regular monthly contribution of $500, instead of rushing to complete this goal. Instead, after my emergency fund is full, I’m going to focus on boosting my travel fund, which brings me to my next goal:
Take One “Big” Trip
Progress: Not Completed
I already have my flight and hotel booked for FinCon2014, but beyond that I really want to take a trip to Europe this year. It’ll probably be in the fall which is my husband’s business’s slow period. Right now I have $2,192 saved in our travel fund, which won’t cut it. I’ll need to save more to be able to afford this trip and complete this goal.
Run in Two Road Races
Progress: Not Completed
I’ve picked my running back up and I’m planning on running in the BlueNose in Halifax in May. I’m doing the 5km race, which will count as my first of two road races. I’ll probably do a second race in the fall.
Change My Name
Progress: 50% Complete
I got married in June and I’m taking my husband’s last name. Since getting married I’ve been taking steps to change all of my information over, but since I’ve finally straightened out my birth certificate name misprint issue, things should be smooth sailing to accomplish this goal from here on out.
Finish My Wedding Photos
Progress: Complete
It took a zillion man hours to hand-edit my photos from my wedding (we didn’t pay a photographer), print them out (including copies for family and friends) and then make a photo album, but I’m happy to say this task is completely finished. Woohoo!
Become a Pro at My Job
In Progress
I’m still working on becoming a pro at my job so that when the time comes I can negotiate a raise. I’ve been taking on a lot more responsibility at work lately, and I think that will help my case.
Check My Credit Report
Progress: Complete
Credit score checked, credit report pulled, everything is in good working order. Instead of requesting the free report I took the easy way out and paid for it, but totally worth it in my opinion for the convenience.
Get Health and Disability Insurance
Progress: Complete
I’m happy to say I now have health and disability insurance through my employer. I’m really happy about this because I missed it. I’d still like to top up my disability insurance, since it only covers a year, but that’s less urgent.
So that’s three out of nine goals – with great progress on the rest of the goals. Things are going well so far this year!
How are you doing on your goals?