There are few things I love more than a good New Year’s Resolution. I am always overflowing with motivation and inspiration, ready to take on my goals for the new year. After scrolling through Pinterest, evaluating how my 2023 went, and contemplating how I want my 2024 to go, I’ve come up with a list focusing on improving my finances, health and free time. Here’s an overview of my goals for this year and how I plan on achieving them!
Financial Goals
- Have over 10k in savings:
Why: To feel financially secure. To save for the future.
How: I am starting the year with $4,000 in my emergency fund. This is a solid base, but I want to continue building my wealth for the future. I plan to track my spending for the previous week each Monday (“Money Monday”) and hold myself accountable for my purchases. I will set a budget that allows me to save, pay back debt and live my life. - Pay back over $6,000 in my student loans:
Why: Getting ahead on these loans will allow me to cut down on the overall interest that is paid on them. I will also feel less anxious regarding my overall debt.
How: Pay more than the necessary ($380) payment each month. Put portions of tax returns and end of year bonus towards debt. Any unexpected money should be going to my savings, retirement or student loans. - $5000 towards my Roth IRA
Why: My new employer does not offer a 401k. I will need to take saving for retirement into my own hands until this is set in place.
How: Ideally, I’d like to put $500 a month towards my Roth. I know this may not always be possible due to life events and my other financial goals but I will try my best. - Become financially literate
Why: I do not want to feel silly or embarrassed when talking about money. I want to be able to educate others and let them know that they are not stuck in their current financial situation forever.
How: Reading financial wellness books. Listening to more podcasts focused on money and savings. Spending time doing my taxes and really understanding where all of my money is going.
Health Goals
- Run another half marathon in less time than it took in 2023
Why: The half marathon day last year was one of my favorite days of the year.
How: Start running 2x a week in April – bump up to 3x in August - Squat 150 lbs
Why: To get stronger and push myself
How: Continue strength training 3-4 times each week. Focus on flexibility to allow my squat to get deeper. Continue adding weight each week. - Do a pull-up
Why: This is an ambitious goal. I have never been able to do a pull-up and it is always something that I’ve wanted to be able to accomplish.
How: Start small. Do progressive exercises that strengthen the muscles necessary to do an entire pull-up. - Commit to stretching / yoga –
Why: Longevity.
How: Yoga once a week, work on hip strengthening and stretching
Recreational Resolutions
- Read 50 books –
Why: I love reading. It will keep my brain active. It will allow me to take time away from social media and mindlessly scrolling.
How: Read 1 book each week. Start a book club with friends to turn reading into a way to also spend time with my friends. - Drink less alcohol
Why: I never feel great after a big night of drinking. I do not want to cut alcohol out completely, but I want to shift the way I use it. I want to try more wines, fun cocktails, new beers, etc. I want drinking to add to my life, not take away by making me dysfunctional the next day.
How: Choose fun drinks that I enjoy. Sip to enjoy the drink, not to get drunk. Try mocktails when possible. Experiment with cocktails at home.
- Keep a scrapbook –
Why: it allows me to be creative and create a product that will last forever and I can show to others. It will bring a new reason for me to take pictures rather than to post on social media.
How: Take lots of photos, visit the craft store when coupons and sales come up, put time aside to be creative and work. - Limit social media usage –
Why: I have spent so much time this past year looking at the lives of others rather than living my own life. The time I spend on social media can be used for so much more than scrolling.
How: Spend time on apps that inspire me like Pinterest. Eliminate apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat that only serve to show the lives and drama of celebrities.
I plan on checking in on these goals at the end of each month. I’ll track my progress and reassess as needed. Some of these goals are quite big, but nothing I’ve listed is unachievable. I am going into 2024 focused, educated and ready to grow. If you’d like to get started making your own goals, you can check out this resource here!