2008 Financial Goals
Ive struggled with this for a few days now and I’m still figuring it out. Every book I’ve read and Podcast I listened to all say to write it down. So this is what I’m doing. I need to be accountable in 2008 so this is my plan starting in February. Why February? I am expecting some cash pay down debt substantially and we are still recovering from the holiday season.
I am also feeling bad because I feel like we should be farther along than we are in the area of saving money. We have both been in graduate school for the last 3-4 years since graduating college and my husband just finished his masters program in December. But I don’t want to make excuses anymore. We are a six figure income household and after meeting with a financial advisor back in October, she gave us a plan and said everything else was within its limits (mortgage, debts etc etc). We told her flat out that we needed to take control of our finances and be more responsible. I also needed her to give us a plan on what to do even though they are things we know already. Do we pay down debt first, save or contribute to our 401k? These are things we hadn’t learned as children and it was so apparent after looking at our spending patterns and trends in 2007. In 2007 we exhausted our savings due to buying a new house which included buying down the interest rate, new furniture, and a few family emergencies. Anyhoo, so I’m taking control and the first step by writing it down.
Wish me luck! I will post the 2008 budget and goals when I nail it down. I want it to be specific, attainable and measurable.
About the Author: Girls Just Wanna Have Funds is for the woman that wants to take charge of her personal finances. We value budgeting, investing, frugality and remain mindful of our spending habits. Move over and make way for women who are in control of their financial destinies and not afraid to say it. We're armed with a positive net worth and not afraid to flaunt it while breaking financial ceilings one stiletto at a time!
Yakini (5 comments.) | Jan 5, 2008 | Reply
I am trying to do the same for 2008! I really want to take control of my finances, and that is gonna start by me taking a close scrutiny of the financial decisions i make–the good, the bad, and the ugly! lol
Gdub | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
That sounds great. I have been slacking after buying my house, and about to buy
a car with keeping track of my spending. I need to get a financial advisor to give
me a plan for my next steps. Retirement is up to par. I need outside investment
vehicles. Any recommendations for financial advisors?
Ginger | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Hey Gdub!
Ginger | Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Hey Gdub!
I can’t recommend anyone until Ive used them but I am working on having a young
from the PG Womens Fair come to speak to the Girls Just Wanna HAve Funds meetup group within the next two months. I just need to get her contact information. She was SO thorough, motivating and covered all bases. So once I get in touch with her I’ll let you know and perhaps you can join us? The meetup link is on teh side.
Otherwise when I get the information I’ll email it to you.
Her name is Tiffany Hollinger.
Natasha | Jan 17, 2008 | Reply
I recommed subscribing to Kliplinger Personal Finance magazine and watching The Suze Orman show on CNBC. I tape every episode.
shaleh8 (5 comments.) | Feb 27, 2008 | Reply
I recommend Dave Ramsey’s TMMO and his entire website. He is hard-hitting and practical and has his own
radio show everyday from 2-5P live.