Goodbye 2017 – Hello 2018!

There’s one day left in 2017…and I’m so excited to see what 2018 has to hold for me. I spent the last few days in Cape Cod, visiting with my aunt and her wife, my grandparents, and my parents. We had a great time – talking a walk to the beach, collecting seashells to give to my students and sending postcards to each of them, lots of great food and conversation, and watching the sun set over the Atlantic. [It was freezing, but beautiful. So cold in fact, that both my phone and my Dad’s DIED. But it was worth it.]

Also, I reached 100 followers on Instagram! I am so grateful for this wonderfully supportive debt-free community. I find so much inspiration from the posts I read, so thank you to everyone for sharing their struggles in order to help others. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there into the social media sphere. Thank you!

Who here loves Barnes and Noble? I love browsing the shelves and looking for just the right book to enjoy. In times past, I could easily spend $100 or more in a single trip. But today, I decided that I would stick within my pre-planned ‘fun money’ budget for the month. I’m happy to report that I did! I spent only $57 on two daily tear-off calendars [at 50% off], and 3 books. I still have over $100 left in my ‘fun money’ fund, and I don’t plan to spend much, if any, of it until I get back home on the 3rd. I have a personal goal to try and save at least some of it for next month. [Due to my pay schedule, my monthly budget runs from the 20th of one month to the 19th of the next month.]

I’ve seen a lot of people posting their financial goals for 2018 – it’s made me start thinking of my own personal financial goals.

Goal 1: Stop using my credit cards.

Goal 2: Save up $1,000 in an emergency fund.

Goal 3: Pay off debt – I’m thinking of setting a goal of $15,000 paid.

Goal 4: Plan ahead for known expenses, such as flights home to visit family, new clothes, school supplies, etc.

I think that’s a good place to start.

What goals are you setting for yourself for 2018? Where do you want to be this time next year?

Happy New Year!

The Intelligent Zebra