Twelve in 2012




I had so much fun making this goal graphic with Picnik. I may even print it out, frame it and put it on my nightstand.

I'll delve deeper into my goals.

1. Increase our emergency fund to $13,000
Currently we are at a little over $5,000. So I would have to add over $7,500 to this to complete this goal. This wouldn't complete my emergency fund dream goal but I keep going back and forth on what that should be. That's probably a discussion for a whole other post. One thing we have learned with this avoiding debt adventure is to avoid products and services that have gotten us into this situation to begin with. There are always some companies out there, that target those of us who are engaging in high risk activities such as borrowing too much, loan modification, and online gaming. The best thing for us to do is just avoid those types of activities to begin with.

2. Save $3,000 for geek-tastic vacation to 
the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Legoland.
I am sure you guys are sick of hearing about this. I am almost sick of writing about it. It's time to stop talkin' 'bout it and be about it. We will get this vacation going sometime in 2012. Yay!

3. Complete Q&A a day project.
One of my Christmas presents will be this fun book. You answer a question every day for a year then you repeat for up to five years. It's a fun way to see how or if you've changed your mind about certain subjects through the years.

Some of the questions it asks are "What's your mission?" and "Are you holding a grudge?" I can't wait to reflect on this in a few years.


4. Save $4,000 in Roth IRAs
This is to be split between two separate IRAs. I know we should probably be doing more and I am going to try for more but we are facing a pay cut for the first six months of the year do to relocation but I'm still going to try and go over $4,000.

5. Run 5 miles a week
Last year I didn't make a health goal and wished I had. Five miles a week is not a lot but putting it as a goal will remind me not to let it fall by the wayside.

6. Watch ten classic films I've never seen

7. Read 30 books
Last year my goal was 25 and I reached that with no problem. I hope this slight increase pushes me to read more.

8. Make 24 handwritten letters to friends and family
Have you ever seen this? My handwriting has gotten atrocious and coupled with the fact I don't think I have sent a handwritten letter in over a decade, I think this goal is not only much needed but will be a great way to stay connected.

9. Research and save for an awesome camera
I love taking photos and I like sharing them on this blog but I would love to learn more about taking better photos with an awesome camera. I almost don't even know where to begin.

10. Make 1,000 paper origami cranes
I have been wanting to do this for a long while now. I love the story and the symbolism behind it. Plus, I think this would be just a fun thing to have hanging around the house.

11. Go to a concert
Last year I was lucky enough to go to a U2 concert and it was free!  Definitely would like to do it again even if it's not free. I really don't have a band or singer in mind. Still have to check out some 2012 tour dates.

12. Start a treat yo self fund
Completely inspired by Treat Yo Self 2011. I don't have a set amount and I'm not even sure what I will treat myself to but when I decide it will be the best day of the year!