Still working on the nifty little chart with my goals, but while that's getting done... here are my 2014 goals:
1. Eliminate $1,700 deficit (move-out budget)
To achieve my plan of moving, I set out the minimum amount of savings I needed. Right now, there is a $1,700 gap that I need to close between now and May 2015.
2. Get $1,200 for vacation savings (currently at $400)
This will be my recon-type 'vacation'. When I do go, I will be renting a car and staying at a hotel to really survey the area I will be moving to... this goal depends on goals #7 and #8.
3. Increase EF to $2,000 (currently at $1,000)
Just because. I will be debt free next year, and though I can't get 6mo worth of savings, I can at least increase it.
4. Save $800 for Christmas
It was nice and simple to get this taken care of early in the year. No scrambling during the holidays. What a concept!
5. Pay dentist fees in cash-equivalent (for wisdom teeth removals)
Nobody will give me a price, but I am bracing myself for $500+. I want to save and pay for it in full.
6. Buy a car
My current car is my dad's car. I've been wanting one of my own for ages now, and I will try to get it done next year. This will be a very big goal with lots of planning involved. (Pay in cash or payments? New or used? Good or just good enough?)
7. Re-evaluate moving to IL
More on that later. Yes, I know I keep saying that. But the reasons that were driving me to IL have... changed. So I need to really look into this.
8. Select moving destination
#7 is so important I am putting it up twice, in different ways. The "goal" in "working for a goal" was to move to IL. That may not be the case anymore, so I really need to work on this. If I end up going against IL, then I need to evaluate all other potential options and preferences.
9. Complete Japanese Rosetta-Stone learning course
Handy dandy "gift" I got last year. I actually started it before my whole SPHR-mad-study session began, but had to drop it to focus on studying. I've always liked Japanese. Note that I am not holding myself responsible for being fluent in Japanese by the end of the year... just finishing the course.
10. Get at least 30 SPHR credits
The fun thing about being SPHR certified is that you have to re-certify every 3 years. Yes, that was sarcasm. It takes 60 credits to re-certify, and I would like to knock most of them now. No way I will leave this certification slip away because I didn't plan ahead.
And that is it for now.
On #6...you need a car that is reliable. That is #1. In my mind, you can go back about 5 years for a well-cared for used car. Beware of the "credit is no object" places, Drive Time and other lots of their ilk. Their cars are seldom in good condition. I'd talk to friends and family about where they have been satisfied in buying cars. My current vehicle is a used rental vehicle, from Enterprise. You'll probably have to buy it over time, I'd personally budget at least $6,000 to buy a good condition, used car that you can count on to be reliable. Buying a $1,000 car is probably asking for trouble, unless you intend to do all your own maintenance on it (as in fixing it when it breaks down, etc.). Hope this helps.
ReplyDeletePeace <3
Jay
Yes, agree with Jay - buy a good, dependable car - either slightly used or new. We bought a 2010 Honda Civic just this past summer with only 10,000 miles on it (it was out on a lease, probably an older person, as it looked brand new!) and got it for $14,000. Not only is it a good, dependable car, it still had part of the factory warranty left on it, is great on gas, and insurance is not sky-high. All things to take into consideration when buying a car. You'll find something - just do your homework prior to heading out. Look on-line, too. That's how we found the Civic at a local Honda dealer.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your wisdom teeth and paying in cash - always ask "if I pay in cash what kind of a discount do you offer?" My husband always does this - and they'll usually give a % discount for cash; otherwise we put it on the credit card, get the airline miles, and pay it off at the end of the month. But ALWAYS ask!
Great goals. Very achievable and measurable :) I would personally go for a used, but reliable car. I bought a small 2007 model hatchback in 2010. It had already undergone its first 3 years depreciation but I can easily see myself driving this thing for another 10 years. I financed the entire $10,000 purchase and paid off the loan within one year. Good luck with all your 2014 goals. がんばって!
ReplyDeleteGreat goals. I think for the first time ever we paid cash for Christmas and it was indeed freeing. Going to do it again this year. :) Good Luck!!
ReplyDeleteI admire you wanting to learn Japanese!
Whether to buy a new car or a used one really depends on you. A new car has many advantages, such as no damage from accidents, comes with a warranty, and so on. But a used car is obviously cheaper. So you have to figure out your budget and if you think spending money on a new car is not practical as far as your budget is concerned, then go for a secondhand. Just make sure to do your research very well so you won't end up getting duped.
ReplyDeleteRigoberto Axelson @ BrandonDodgeOnBroadWay.net
Looking for a car takes time, and it's ideal to have it next year rather than cramp all your expenses in 2014. If you have ample savings, then going for a brand new car isn't a bad idea. However, there are resellers that can provide you with used yet high-quality cars.
ReplyDeleteByron Walters @ Bobb Dunn Subaru