Around the Sun: A Blog About Saving Money in Portland, Oregon, and beyond

2008 Goals

January 8th, 2008

Last year, my new year’s resolution was to decrease impulsive and unnecessary spending. You can read about it here. Overall, I’m happy with the way the year went. Among the things I did to live up to my goal, I packed my lunch most days, mended my yoga pants twice, and commuted by foot or bike more than I ever have before. I challenged my desire to spend every day. And it was a challenge every single day. Of course, I still bought things, but I managed to say “no” enough to make a significant difference in my finances. I was able to increase my 401k contribution by 10% and fund my Roth IRA fully.

This year, I’m going to start a car fund. My car is a 1992 Chevy Cavalier, and someday it will break down for good. I’m not sure when, but I doubt it has another 15 years in it. (Though I do have a friend whose father has been driving the same car for at least 27 years, so you never know.) My goal is to save $5,000 this year, which is a little over $400 per month. Honestly, I have no idea how I’m going to make this happen, especially since I plan to maintain my retirement contributions. But a goal wouldn’t be a goal if it wasn’t equal parts realistic and crazy, right?

Do you have financial goals for the new year? Please share!

Photo by jbweir

Entry Filed under: Goals