I’ve approached 2019 with enthusiasm—nay, gusto. And because I enjoy dreaming about and curating my life, I spent some time indulging in wild fantasies and aspirational hair styles. That is to say, I intentionally spent my morning and evening commute—a 30 minute walk—visualizing my future. This exercise was all about establishing inspiration and motivation. It was very effective and fun. So, with my purpose sorted and with enthusiasm in my pocket, I created a plan and set some goals to achieve this plan. I let the SMART acronym guide my goal setting:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound

Framing my goals in this manner is helpful because it breaks down my high level creative vision into actionable steps. Because each goal can be measured along the way, I’ll be able to take corrective action if I get off track, and I’ll be more likely to achieve the goal. Achieving my goals is so motivating and satisfying and really fuels the entire process. So, without further ado, here they are:

2019 GOALS

1. Reach a positive net worth

   • current net worth (February 2019): approximately -$28,000

   • goal net worth: $10,000

2. Increase income to $100,000 (I earned approximately $87,000 gross income in 2018)

   • I’ll leverage these income producing options:

     • day job

       • merit increase

       • bonus

       • promotion

     • freelance writing

     • weekend job

     • blog

3. Contribute the IRS annual maximum to my 401k: $19,000

   • $730.76 per pay period x 26 pay periods

4. Contribute the IRS annual maximum to my Roth IRA: $6,000

   • $500 per month x 12 months

5. Maintain six months of living expenses as an emergency fund: $13,200

   • Held in a high interest savings account*

6. Start triplex fund: $1,000 per month

   • after emergency fund is fully funded

   • $500 per pay period direct deposited into my high interest savings account*

7. Prepare important legal documents

   • I pay $7.85 per pay period for access to legal services. I can leverage this benefit to prepare the below documents at no additional cost:

     • Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare

     • Financial Power of Attorney

     • Revocable Living Trust

     • Will

     • Advanced Directive

8. Cash flow life events

   • 2018 Taxes

     • March

     • Anticipated expense: $3000

       • update my W2 allowances so I don’t owe taxes next year

   • Surgery

     • April

     • anticipated expense: $1,200

   • Friend’s wedding in Chicago

     • June

     • Anticipated expense: $600

   • Trip to Japan to visit brother

     • September

     • Anticipated expense: $2000

       • Expense includes myself & my mother

9. Practice self care

   • Personal therapy

     • Two to four times per month

       • $30 per session

   • Exercise

     • Walk to and from work

     • Add strength training

       • Commit to weekly routine

   • Eat nutrient dense foods

My 2019 goals support my five-year and ten-year plans. I’ll save the details of those big picture visions for a later post, but it’s safe to assume that I see financial flexibility and exhilarating possibilities in my future.

*I use SoFi Money as my savings account. They offer 2.25% APY on all balances; this is an exceptionally high interest rate, and there are zero account fees. To put this into perspective, if I maintain $13,200 (my six month emergency fund) in my account, it earns approximately $25 per month in interest. The interest is automatically deposited into my account at the end of every month. And don’t forget compound interest. The next month my interest deposit will be calculated on the new total ($13,225), so I will continue to make more money every month as long as I don’t make any withdrawls. Basically, my money earns money, and it feels pretty damn good.