Six months ago to the day, I started thinking about 2019 goals and plans. When published a couple of weeks later in November, I asked myself writing the post: why wait? There is no better time to implement change – do it now. Here is our 2019 progress.
I’d planned to cover a different topic today, but the pop-music deities had other thoughts in mind.
While again in Trader Joe’s this morning on Sunday before Orangetheory Fitness, I heard the same song that inspired part of the 2019 goals and plans post.
Perhaps I go to the store each week around the same time, and they play the same soundtrack on a similar schedule. I have no idea, but I thought it was kind of weird.
More importantly, I got motivated to sit down and write out these thoughts before diving into the 2019 goals update.
Reminder – Release Your Own Inner Nerd (or Whatever)
Maybe you have a shameless (or shameful) liking for late 90s pop music in addition to whatever other music genres you prefer. I like many others; variety is a good thing.
But sometimes, I’ll put a song – new or old – on repeat a dozen times in my ear buds or computer speakers. I don’t care. If it’s reflecting a mood or feeling I’m in, I’ll keep it going.
If you find yourself improving at or enjoying something, keep doing it. Don’t let others bring you down for doing what makes you happy.
Here are some things I find worth remembering.
Who We Are (Were)
However we define ourselves, it’s important to remember who we were. Change, whether positive or negative, often does not happen quickly – especially overnight.
Even more important though is who we are currently. Yes, the past influenced who we became today, but each interaction, thought, and decision is an opportunity for moving forward.
Where We’re From (Going)
Having a plan is important. It’s helpful and can be very effective to help move you forward to where you’d like to go. But don’t let the plan manage you.
At work, I like to say we don’t spend enough time re-prioritizing our priorities so we have time to prioritize our re-prioritized priorities. Translation: spend time planning but do more doing.
What We Did (Do)
Actions speak louder than words. Our actions in the past can weigh heavily on how we view ourselves today – or how others view us.
Going forward, what we do is more important.
As Long As You (I) Love Me
Love yourself and love others. It can be difficult to love what you do, but one can define this in many different ways. Whether what you do for a living or work, or for fun, strive to be happy with yourself first.
Others will love you back for who you are now and what you do going forward – not for who you’ve been, where you’re from, or what you did.
2019 Progress – Balanced Dividends Update
Eight hours later, I’m back at writing this post on Sunday, Cinco de Mayo! It’s amazing how a few spontaneous, completely unplanned hours of tequila-fueled hydration can ignite motivation and passion.
As Game of Thrones, Season 8, Episode 4 comes to an end, here is the current update.
Finance Goals
I planned to initiate a monthly Certificate of Deposit (CD) each month for 1 year. My goal was to allocate $1,000 per month toward each 1 year CD. The ideal outcome will be to renew annually and keep rolling the CD.
Why? I’ve been far too light on cash for a long time. A handful of personal circumstances had drained certain savings. It was time to firm-up the baseline.
Progress Update: 7 months completed. 5 to go. This is hard to do at times. Not only does it represent a good chunk of my disposable income, it requires discipline to allocate funds each month.
It does feel good, but it’s very temping to go splurge (or even allocate toward a riskier investment).
Short-Term Savings / Spending Requirements
Related to the above point, I had planed to save $2,000 a month in a high-yield savings account for monthly reoccurring expenses.
However, I also intended to spend over 50-70% each month and bank the excess savings toward future spending requirements. This did not include things like rent.
Progress Update: This number ended up being closer to $1500 each month. I found the additional $500 too much at times depending on the month.
To find a balance of investing vs. spending, I’ve utilized this $500 (or whatever portion of it) differently each month. In March, I ended up utilizing it for two awesome quick trips. Other months, I’ve invested the difference toward other saving or investment goals.
As mentioned previously:
Each month will be different and bring about fluctuations. Dealing with averages isn’t perfect, but it’s better than being average.
Related: (Money) Muscles Checkpoint: Six Week Spending/Saving Status
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Previously, I’d not been eligible for my employer-sponsored high deductible health coverage plan. In 2019, this changed.
With the high deductible plan comes the HSA option. Sign me up for triple tax savings (pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified health expenses)!
Progress Update: I’ve maxed out the employer-eligible contributions ($500) by doing healthy things like showing I can still run a 5 minute mile.
I’ll continue to contribute the standard amount each pay check (twice a month) to end up maxing out the $3500.
Other Finance
I’d mentioned I would also like to max-out my employer-sponsored 401(k) – $19,000 in 2019. Additionally, maxing out my Roth IRA would be great – $6,000 in 2019.
But just a few things might redirect some of those priorities:
- The savings goals mentioned above;
- I don’t want to live in my parents’ basement; and,
- I have a number of other things I’d like to do.
Admittedly, I’ll still attempt to max these out, but they’re just one of many priorities. It’s all about balance.
Progress Update: I’m on target to max out my pre-tax 401(k). This is easier to do versus the after-tax Roth IRA, which I’ve contributed about a quarter of the $6,000 eligible maximum so far in 2019.
I’d like to max out my Roth, but I’m also focusing on my taxable M1 Finance portfolio, which recently underwent a major overhaul (more to come soon).
Fitness Goals
Orangetheory & Functionality
I’d been training to get another PR (personal record) during Orangetheory’s Dri-Tri in March.
My goal was also to win not only at my studio but across other local studios in the area.
Progress Update: The earlier mentioned trips in March were a lot of fun. They also brought a lot of alcohol and altitude – not a great combination for competing in the Dri-Tri competition.
Despite our poor condition, my friend and I still placed first and second place, respectively, and still had the best time at our home studio in Chicago despite being in Denver.
I was a few minutes off my PR. A bit disappointing, but I’ll take the trip and memories over the short-term PR.
Foam Roll & Stretch
I feel better when I stretch. Foam rolling also helps me before and after workouts. What’s lacking for me is consistency.
Thank you Rumble Roller; you bring pain and suffering but relief at the same time. Quite ironic.
Progress Update: I still love (and hate) you, Rumble Roller. Enough said.
Lean Body Mass
I’m still tracking calories (or trying to) via MyFitnessPal. My overall body composition was another area where I’m focusing to reduce my body fat percentage.
Drinking far fewer beers as of late has helped quite a bit. Although, I can’t handle nearly as many when I do.
Progress Update: I’ll still drink beer, but I usually switch to harder stuff – which causes me to consume fewer calories and drink less actually.
Overall, drinking is way down. Throw in intermittent fasting on most days, and I’ve seen my body fat percentage drop to nearly 12% in the last few months. I’m really happy about this, but I plan to keep getting stronger.
Looking Back and – More Importantly – Ahead
As part 2019 content, we’re still planning to cover some expanded, as well as new, items:
- Dividends & Passive Income Deep-Dives
- Fun Fitness Forays
- Side Gigs & Hustling
Whatever your 2019 plans, goals, and dreams might be, I hope you continue to take at least some time to make the time to have the time to find time to save time. Get to it!
Readers, what are some of your 2019 goals? Are you working on them now? How are you progressing?
Related:
2018 Goals Overview: What Do You Want To Do This Year?
Orangetheory Fitness: Post-Hell Week & Change
Post-March Madness: 5 (Plus) Ways To Find Balance
Our favorite free financial tool is Personal Capital. We use it to track our net worth, manage our spending & savings, and to monitor our investments. It’s simple and free to use.
Man does not live by savings alone. Glad to see that you were able to meet most of your financial goals as planned with a few social aspects enjoyed along the way, whether planned or not. Appears to be balanced living to me!