The Money Blog Network has asked us how are we doing on 2008 goals. I’m putting the juicy stuff up front. Not so great.
Goal #1
Specific – Contribute to my 401k plan
Oy. I am having a rough time of it right now. Because I work for a large firm, much of this process is automated. The 401k Plan Administrator is the same place where I have a rollover account. Because of this, I have to call the company and do it manually. This means I will have to bump up the percentage contribution to make up for the lost contributions for my first 3-4 checks. Not bad, but annoying.
Grade: Fail. Until I call and fix the problem, it’s a failing grade.
Goal #2
Specific – Reduce my credit card debt
Measurable – By 50% or $9,137 (rounded up to $10K)
Achievable – Monthly payments of $762
I had to put my Lasik surgery on a credit card and I’m still trying to figure out where to submit my papers to get reimbursed. While I have been making larger monthly payments, I have also been charging new items on my cards, like two new suits for work
Grade: Fail. Until I can get an FSA reimbursement check and trim my spending, I’ll be stagnating on this goal.
Goal #3
Specific – Reduce my credit card debt on my highest balance card ~$10K
Measurable – By 50%
Achievable – ~$450 a month
Grade: Pass. I’m paying $500 a month which meets the goal. But honestly, this feels like a pyrrhic victory. I’m so badly behind on Goal #2 that it seems silly to mark this as a pass. Also, it seems dumb to mark this a pass after only 30 days. I am set to send in a $500 payment for February though, which is due in a few days.
As for my annual Lenten sacrifice, I am doing my usual soda sacrifice with a twist. I will only be allowed diet sodas. I hate the taste of diet, but to get myself used to its flavor and meet my dieting goals, I am going to use the 40 days of Lent to get used to the taste. I will also give up beer and other bubblies. Unless it’s diet, no go.
I’m still thinking of the rest of my goals. I am a little thrown off by Lent’s arrival so early. I can’t think of what else to do this year.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Lite beer doesn’t count, right?
It’s been awhile since I’ve done the Lenten thang and Easter is coming way too quickly this year.
“I will also give up beer and other bubblies. Unless it’s diet, no go.”
Huh?
SM- Sorry, I meant ‘diet soda’. And that other thing you wanted done is done now.