2018 Has Been My Year

I’ve had an extraordinary year.
Really.
I’ve had an extraordinary year.

Juicy details below:

• January

  • Left abusive relationship

  • Started individual therapy

• February - April

  • Survived extreme anxiety, stress and fear

  • Consciously took care of myself

• May

  • Experienced my ‘aha!’ moment

  • Started thriving!

  • Saved the most money I’ve ever had in my entire life: $5,000

  • Turned 30 years old

  • Began 401k contributions (6% with 3% company match)

  • Consolidated all consumer debt into $18,000 personal loan

• June

  • Started 2nd job working in the evenings and on the weekends

  • Funded a trip to visit family in another state

• July

  • Paid off $18,000 personal loan

• August

  • Funded a trip to visit family in another state

  • Hit a 70% savings rate for the month - a personal best!

• September

  • Funded the purchase of a used 2015 MacBook Pro, website & domain

• October

  • Refinanced $58k student loan from a 20-year 6.3% term to 5-years at 4.1%

  • Increased emergency fund to $10,000

• November

  • Started new job (still working 2nd job on the weekends)

  • Maxed out Roth IRA for the year ($5,500)

  • Published 1st ever blog post!

• December

  • I plan to send most income into my 401k to reduce my 2018 taxable income
    

2018 Starting net worth: -$76,000
2018 Ending net worth (projected): -$38,000

This blog is titled Financial Dependence because I have been, and still am, dependent on a steady stream of active income to support my life. In fact, most people are in a state of financial dependence. In 2019, I’m looking forward to exposing my own behaviors, mindsets and habits which kept me in a pattern of consumption and debt for my entire adult life (until now). And, I’m excited to share my enthusiasm for financial education and forward momentum!

Stay tuned.