Quick, before I get Sidetrack'd

2009 Financial Goals

Thoughtfully penned on February 2nd, 2009 and generally concerning Goals, Matt's Hard Earned Cash

About 4 years ago Matt and I took Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. With the things we learned in the classes we were able to pay off all of our debt (except our house).

For the first couple of years we did really well, but as we got out of debt and started bringing in a little more income we got lazy with our budgeting and envelope system. So when our church decided to offer FPU we decided to go through the program again. This time around we’re focusing on getting our savings in line so we can do some things around the house and work toward paying cash for our next car.

Last weekend we sat down and worked out our budget for February. It wasn’t much fun, but, hopefully, it will all pay off when we are able to meet our financial goals for this year.

As of today, these are our financial goals for 2009:

1. Move our savings into an account that earns more interest – February 15

2. Have Life Insurance in place for both Matt and I – March 1

3. Create a Last Will and Testament for both Matt and I – February 15

4. Research Homeowners and Auto Insurance options before renewal – May 1

5. Fully fund 4 months of Emergency Fund – September 30

6. Prepare and file tax return – February 15

Each month I plan to revisit these goals to see what we’ve accomplished and to add any new goals to the list. I think having the information here and in print (in my budget book) will help keep us on track and accountable.

Noise from the peanut gallery

  1. hyperactive lu · February 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 am

    Sounds good. We use Etrade and its very good. I haven’t had one issue yet and its so quick and easy to transfer money from my checking to savings or vice versa. We did the will, but I think we still need it to be notarized or something…we have to do one more thing. Hmmm…. gotta check on that. We do have life insurance, but not the amount I would need if something were to happen to A…. so that is our first thing to do this year since baby no 3 is coming. I am so proud of y’all for no 5! I wish we were at that step!

  2. Lauren@Baseballs&Bows · February 3rd, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    Doesn’t sound like fun, but those things are so important! I know you will be glad to have them taken care of!

  3. Leah · February 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    those are great goals….actually setting them is the hardest part! i have no doubt you’ll be able to accomplish them…AND having your blog as accountability is wonderful!

  4. kris johnson · February 16th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    oooh dave! we’re taking fpu too, working on paying down our student loan debt, the only thing left besides our house. go you for all of your goals! :)