This year has been a rocky year for me. The stock market took a tumble. I never did find a full time job to replace my income. The past four months have been good and I plan to continue this trend in 2009. I moved back into my parents home and started retooling at school. I’ve found different ways to save money so I can focus on paying down my bad debt. Next year will be more of the same except it will be better organized and more intense.
I will begin 2009 with realistic budget. The economy is horrible and everyone is struggling. I’m back in school full time. My current employer can not give me a full time schedule. My budget will reflect 30 hours of work per pay period. I will supplement that income with things I do on the side like mystery shopping and odd jobs. I have to tighten my belt much more next year without cutting off circulation to my legs.
While paying off my credit card debt, I need to start saving for planned and future expenses. Car maintenance and insurance is coming due. I want to take a road trip to explore the United States in 2010. I have two small trips planned in 2009.
Ideally, I’d love to eliminate $13,000 of my bad debt in 2009. It’s possible if I find another source of income that generates mad money legally. On my free time, I’ll be working on those other sources of income. I have a few good ideas. I need to get them rolling.
My finances need to be better organized in 2009 so I can see where EVERYTHING goes. I need to keep a better journal and keep all my paperwork filed in one place. I plan to automate all my accounts so all I need to do is write the entry into my journal. My income will be direct deposited into my checking and savings accounts. My credit card bills will be paid automagically each month. I post my transactions into a general ledger where the software will update the other account ledger.
Finally, I want to work with my friends and family to improve their personal finances. Some want to buy a home next years. Others are trying to avoid the debt collectors. I want to help them all. Together, I want us to achieve all the goals we set our eyes on in 2009.
What is your plan for 2009? Where do you see yourself when you prepare for 2010?