2012 Recap and 2013 Goals

Before I started blogging, everything was a jumble in my head. I had plans, but nothing written down and no specific time frame. However, there were a few things I wanted to accomplish in 2012, and I did pretty good on achieving those. Here were my top four and a look toward goals I AM writing down for 2013.

1)Start a Blog– I have been reading financial blogs for over a year. I’m not sure when it turned from lurker to commenter to blog owner, but I knew earlier this year that I wanted to give it a shot. When you face your biggest fear, it usually isn’t so bad. In the case of starting a blog, the worst thing would be that no one  reads it. If they do, they might think it sucks. I could live with that, so on August 1, Eyes on the Dollar went live. I still have no idea what I’m doing technically, but I have lots to say, and so far, some of you have listened and been very kind. I don’t think blogging will make me rich, but I do see the potential for earning some income if I can keep it up. I am committed to doing it for a year, and we’ll see from there. My top three posts this far have been…

How We Paid Off $30,000 in Credit Card Debt

Reasons to Love Your Used Car

Does it Make Sense to Pay Off the Mortgage Early?

2)Pay of Credit Card Debt-This was a stretch goal and was more likely to happen next year, but we did it. Paying it off felt a million times better than buying any of the stuff that got us into debt.

3)Buy a Rental Property-We achieved this goal at the end of August this year. It was lots of work, since we did most of the remodel ourselves. Our tenants moved in November 1, with some fanfare, but we’ve had no problems since then. We are clearing $332 a month after expenses, so while we are still negative for the year, this has the potential to provide some great passive income.

4)Sell my optometry practice and work less-This was the most ambitious goal, and we are close. Some last minute financing issues have thrown a monkey wrench into the deal, but at this point, it appears to be on track for March. I was extremely disappointed, and had a bit of a meltdown for about 30 minutes when I found out. Again, though, when I looked at what I was afraid of (having to continue my current schedule and not being able to pay off more debt with the down payment) it really wasn’t that bad. I actually have arranged it so that I am working no more than 3 days a week next year. While I will still have to run a business for a few more months, I am working the schedule I wanted. I hope it happens, but worst case is that I still own a successful business.

With 2012 almost in the books, what is it that I hope to achieve in 2013?

1) Complete the Business Sale

2)Pay Off Student Loans

3)Monetize this blog and complete a redesign

4)Take a two week vacation to the Pacific Northwest-I have never been able to take more than a week off at a time. My husband is a teacher, so he has summers off. I always have had to work. We’ve always wanted to take a longer trip and visit this part of the country. We love the outdoors and would likely camp part of the time. Eventually, we’d like to take an extended trip to Europe, but that’s probably too ambitious for next year.

5)Take time everyday to remember how lucky I am- I am as bad as anyone about getting wrapped up in my own little dramas. I need to look at the bigger picture and see how incredibly lucky I am to have my family and my health.

I really would like to thank my readers and all the very wonderful bloggers I am fortunate enough to count as friends. I’ve never interacted with so many people who think like me. After being “odd” my whole life, it’s nice to have found my clan! Happy New Year!

What do you hope to accomplish in 2013?

Written By

Snipon

Snipon is owned and run by a small team who love to find deals on a dime along with the best sweepstakes and giveaways out there. We’re always scrolling the internet for the latest offers to share them with our community. Sign up for our weekly newsletter so you don’t miss another freebie!