(no subject)

[lizzybennet]

Looking back, I realize that 2007 was quite eventful for me. We moved three times, from China to Florida to Washington (you could say four times if you count Chris' trip to Arizona to get our stuff from storage.) I realized that I was capable of a lot more than I allowed myself credit for. For example, I successfully homeschooled the kids. I learned to speak Chinese, to a certain degree. For the first time in years, I wrote creatively. I'm so proud of my memoir chapters and my short story.

This year, I'll finish my bachelor's degree! This has only been 15 years in the making, lol. I can't even express how proud I am of myself for finally making it to the end of my BA (not that I've made it yet, but the end is in sight!)

I have several resolutions for the new year. Get healthy is number one. I'm not going to say "lose weight", although I do hope that is a side effect of the changes. Mostly, I just want to start eating better, exercising, and getting the family in on the changes as well. I want this to be a lifestyle change for us all. Also, Chris and I are going to set a budget for the first time ever (I know, Mom, you must be groaning at that realization.) I've been reading "Financial Peace" by Dave Ramsey and we plan to implement his plan into our lives. I know if we have a budget, it will eliminate a lot of contention and that is a good thing.

I hope you all have a Happy New Years! I'm so glad for my livejournal friends. In all the change of my life throughout the past 2 years, you guys have been a constant that I trust and rely on. I know I don't always comment, but I read faithfully. Thank you. *hugs*

Comments

[jediwonderboy.livejournal.com]

>>"Financial Peace" by Dave Ramsey

Good book. He's got a lot of very sensible ideas (saw him speak here in Kansas City not too long ago), and while some of his plans are just a little... i dunno... unatainable for me at this point, he does make a lot of sense when he talks about money management.

Of course, I work at a mutual fund company, so I have all this money management stuff around me all the time. heh.

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

I haven't finished the book yet, but I have no doubt there will be some aspects of his plan that will be out of our reach for now. After the death of my friend's husband, I feel such a need to establish some security for our family. College savings accounts for the kids, life insurance, etc...all these things we've put off for "someday".

I didn't know you worked at a mutual funds company! I knew you worked in an office, but I suppose I had imagined up some sort of employment where you were able to use your artistic and writing skillz in conjunction with your job. So, does this mean that you and your wife are totally set when it comes to investing for the future? Feel free to toss some tips my way, if you feel so inclined :)

[jediwonderboy.livejournal.com]

I wish i was able to do something more, artistically, but that's a couple of years down the road, I think. My job here entails a LOT of reading and intrepretation of tax law, legal language, and SEC language. So my English degree comes into play quite a bit.

Totally set? Hrmmmm... not quite, but we're getting there. ;-) It kind of falls under the "you have to make money to save money", and right now, it's just me making the money, so the saving part isn't as big as I would like it.

Tips? Oh, I dunno. Nothing spectacular, or anything more than you would hear from anything else. Sutff like: Don't eat out all the time, save 4% of your income into an employer matching plan; save at least 4% of your income into an individually funded retirement plan, and make it all direct deposit from the paycheck, so you never have to think about it. Beyond all the general stuff, I've no amazing secrets; but feel free to ask about stuff, whenever you like.