…because resolutions always get broken. Goals are meant to be attained!
On to my 2010 GOALS:
- Pass the flippin’ CPA Exam: I have TWO sections left – halfway there! I feel like I spent the majority of 2009 applying, thinking about, worrying about, or studying for the exam. I’m really aiming to take (and hopefully pass) my last exam in mid-April. That would mean I would know if I completely passed the exam in mid-May to mid-June (they just love to drag it out). Fingers crossed!
- Learn/Use/Implement Quicken Software: This past fall, I bought Quicken 2009 for a really great price. I’ve wanted to use Quicken for a long time, but I don’t have my own computer to get it all set up on. I’ve since asked my parents for a laptop for Christmas (if all else fails, ask the ‘rents 😉 ). When I get my laptop (assuming they take my request seriously), I really want to get Quicken set up and running like a well-oiled machine. I’ve just grown bored sick of regular old spreadsheets. I figure if I spend so much time talking/thinking/writing about finance, I might as well have a cool software program to track them! Plus,that means you guys get to see more of my spending activity. 😉
- Max out Roth IRA: Self-explanatory. Take $5,000, put it into a Roth IRA.
- Reveal myself on my blog: After I pass the exam, I’d like to put more effort into my blogging. I don’t think I can hide from everyone behind the pen name of Carrie forever. This also means that I’ll have to get a new domain name…any ideas? 🙂 Look for this advancement no earlier then next late fall or winter, which brings me to…
- Move blog to self-hosting: I know nothing about self-hosting. I’m green with envy when it comes to Well-Heeled’s recent jump over to self-hosting. I’ve assigned Lloyd as Commander-in-Chief of the blog migration, but for some reason he doesn’t seem too pumped about that. He’ll come around, I’m sure. Look for this development to start sometime in late summer or early fall.
- Bathroom Makeover: Random? Yes. However, I’m still stuck in a debt-payoff-spending rut. I haven’t spent a dime on freshening up my apartment in years. It’s…depressing. My current bathroom showcases an interesting color palette (do green, blue, red, maroon, and tan match?), boring wall hangings, and out-of-date towels. Obviously since I rent, I can’t paint the walls, but I want to change out the decorations and color scheme. As it is, I already spend way too much time primping in there and think I should at least have a pretty bathroom to show for it! The transformation will be detailed on my blog…yay for you! How does this relate to finance? My goal is to complete the project on the cheap (numbers are still in discussions).
- Become a Fashionista: Yeah, I’m lame. I’m obsessed with fashion. Some of my favorite blogs are fashion blogs (shout out to What I Wore). I subscribe to People Style & Lucky Mag, yet I know nothing when it comes to putting together an outfit. My work ensembles are derived from the easiest of formulas: cute top/sweater, black/gray/tan pants or skirt, brown/black pumps. Ta-da! Just today I work a high-neck tank top under a cardigan and was super proud of myself (I failed Layering 101). How will I achieve this goal? Not sure yet, but a new blog is a possibility. Achievement in this goal is not exactly something you can measure…like an IRA max-out for instance. If I don’t branch out into a new blog, would you guys like to see this new venture in my life detailed on this blog? Let me know!
- Make a To-Do List every morning: I love lists. I love to-dos (when they don’t involve studying). I know I accomplish so much everyday, but sometimes I feel like I have no idea what I did all day. I also feel unorganized sometimes and think this might help me prioritize my life.
- Stretch every day: I preach the joys of lifting and running, but when it comes to stretching, that’s a big fat epic fail for me. Which is just silly because I LOoooove stretching. I used to be on the dance team in high school and could easily do all 3 splits (yes, there are 3). I just always seem to forget or just run out of time at the gym. I don’t even need to stretch for very long – a couple minutes minimum.
I truly believe I can accomplish all of these goals next year! Here’s to a successful and prosperous 2010!
Blonde & Balanced 
Wha???
Why do you HAVE to reveal your identity??
Just because I want to. 🙂 I’m a 26 year old girl studying for the CPA in Kansas City who likes to work out (among tons of other clues dispersed throughout my blog). Someone will find me out eventually. Better to beat them to the chase! Plus, I don’t plan on giving up blogging anytime soon. 🙂
Oooh I can’t wait to see the Big Reveal. 😀 I also want to develop a more solid sense of personal style… and accumulate pieces that are high-quality, stylish, AND comfortable.
Once you ‘come out’ so to speak, will you continue being as open about your money as you have been? (Really curious to know!)
Unfortunately, that’s the downside. I’ll take down all my sidebars and stop revealing my net worth. 😦 However, feel free to e-mail me whenever and ask me nosey questions! I don’t mind spilling all the dirty deets with my PF buddies. 🙂
I’m also trying to develop a personal sense of style. It’s become much more difficult while in grad school…I want to fit in, so I avoid anything too girly…
Lucky had a pretty good article on layering in the latest issue.
I always try to remember that the total outfit should be greater than the sum of its parts. A blouse + skirt + cardigan can be boring, but add funky tights, fun shoes, and a colored belt, and suddenly it gets so much more interesting!
I saw that! I still fail in that area, though. 🙂 I’ve read tons of articles on laying and style and I’m still confused. Personal finances comes easy to me, fashion does not (even though I wish it did!).
Re: painting your bathroom – It might be worth a try to ask your landlord if you can paint. If you’re a good tenant and promise to paint it back or at least prime it so they can paint it back, they might let you. Most places put a fresh coat of paint on between tenants already. I painted both my last two rental places. I was lucky with the last one and didn’t have to do any painting because the new tenant liked the colour.
Just remember if you are painting a bathroom to buy the paint that is appropriate for bathrooms because of the steam, etc.
I can’t wait for the big reveal! I’m also looking forward to your fashionista progress. I, too, keep it simple for work. But I would like to work on bringing more fashionable outfits to work so I don’t go to happy hours looking like I’m still at work.
Can we both PLEASE pass our exams and stop thinking about them? I’m in the same boat as you… studying & thinking about studying is all-consuming!
I would love it if you reveal your identity… when I read PF blogs, I’m more interested in what works for you and tips that you might have, as opposed to specific numbers and goals. That’s just me, though!
Laura, what exam are you taking again? Yes, I hope we both pass so we can move on with our lives!! 🙂
Hmmm I’m intrigued by you revealing your identity! I’ve thought of that too, but I also REALLY like the freedom that anonymity offers. Perhaps I’ll just post some more pictures and take down my financial info. OR perhaps I’ll just see how you do it and follow your example. I do that a lot with you anyway… your awesome finances, your killer fitness routine, etc. 😉
Anyway, great goals! I’m excited to see you accomplish these in the next year!
I’ve thought of revealing myself too, so I’m curious to see how yours goes. Also, what’s the third way of doing the splits?
Left, right, middle. 🙂
1. Just be careful re: revealing yourself. Wouldn’t want an awful, awkward situation to pop up.
2. Self hosting is pretty simple — I didn’t know how to do it either, but moving over to WordPress was the hardest
Since you’re already on it, you just have to learn an FTP program like FileZilla (freeware) and poof, done….
DM or email me if you have questions 😀
The blog will be going through a huge clean-up before I ever consider revealing myself. 🙂
Your goals are admirable — I hope you reach them all in 2010!
I’m currently working on moving to self-hosting. Got Blogger to just push over to the new domain (www.rainydaysaver.net) but want to set up WordPress and definitely have it self-hosted. I know nothing about it, either, but my PF friends are helping me along!
As for anonymity — there are pros and cons. Me, I’m not anonymous — my name’s right there on my About Me. But because of that, I don’t put my stats out there for all to see. But I like my name out there, because I’m a journalist/editor, and my name is my brand. You just have to do what’s right for you.
You’ll get the hang of being a pro fashionista through a lot of trial and error. I love Jessica’s style diary – it’s been a huge inspiration.
it also helps to start building your wardrobe with basics like Jessica suggests. Once you’ve got the foundation you’ll have freedom to mix and match, play it up or experiment with different prints, textures and styles. Fabulously Broke has been super helpful in helping me determine if something works or not. =)
Great goals!! Good luck with all of them!