In Which there are Goals Part II

Dear Reader,

Yes, I have not been consistent. This will probably continue.

I have many events to record though, from the past week or so, thus there might be a slight increase in posts. I have filled up with family time, begun my last semester of my undergraduate career and received some exciting news which will most likely inspire several later posts.

For now, back to creating goals!

1. What is one specific area of progress you’d like to see this year in your financial health?

No more debt! And a healthy savings account. J
I can now proudly say that I got through college without any loans. I am on a payment plan for this semester, but I just need about $1,500 more pay it all off!

2. How is your current income? In what ways can you make this increase?

My current income will be drastically different next semester. I’m not worried. Grad school will more than double my current income. And TA stipends are not exactly luxurious, so that tells you something. ;)

3. How much debt do you have? In what ways can you eliminate a sizeable portion of it (or all of it) this year?

None! This will most likely change as I move out, etc.

4. How is your savings account? In what ways can you save more money this year?

Fairly good. School has pretty much cleaned me out, but I’ll build it back up. I just have to be careful with buying books. It’s my one weakness.*

1. What is one specific area of progress you’d like to see this year in your financial health?

Once,  I have a steady income, I want to create a budget. I’m so excited for this. It makes my nerdy heart happy already to think of the lists and spreadsheets I will be able to make.

6. Are you giving regularly? If not, in what way can you give financially this year?

I’ve given quite a bit for two years now and God has seen fit to bless me incredibly with this. I give mostly where I see need, specifically with people I know, so I don’t see this changing. However, I would like to continue sponsoring a child through Amazima. (great ministry, btw!)

7. What is your plan this month for starting progress towards better financial health?

No plan, except spend little and save much.

1. In what ways would you like to grow in your relationships outside the family?

I would like to intentionally connect with friends that I don’t see that often. Phone calls, texts and Skype can make this possible.

With people I see more often, I want to be intentional about listening to them and putting people first even before grades. I tried this last semester and I think it really works.

2. What are some ways you can be of service to your immediate community?

Honestly, I know I will be stretched very thin this semester. And I have no idea what next semester will bring. So summer it is. Perhaps I can do some volunteering.

3. Who are some specific people in your life that can use some encouragement? What will you do to encourage them this year?

No names. I need to create code names for some people.  But yes, there are people that I want to pour into because they have helped and supported and encouraged me so much.

4. Who are some people in your life that you admire? What are some practical ways you can positively use their influence in your life?

Some excellent professors, some grad students that are friends, and some others. See above why they are amazing. I think to use their influence, I need to keep these connections strong and not let them weaken or disappear simply because I don’t see them as often.

And there you have it! Some excellent goals which I have already failed at. But there are new mercies every morning and Hallelujah for that!

*Guess that reference!