by John | Jan 1, 2018 | Investor Mindset, Investor Psychology, Learning from Mistakes, Passive Income, Personal Journey
A year ago I communicated some of my goals for 2017. Today I’d like to review how I did with my goals from last year. In the coming days I’ll share some of my new goals for 2018.
Grow my Trading Account by 8%
This was the least successful of all my goals. I was not able to grow my trading account using the covered call strategy. A number of my value stocks don’t have options, so I wasn’t able to sell covered calls on them. And some of the covered calls I sold were too close to where the stock was trading and the covered call was exercised.
Stick to my Budget
I was rather frugal in 2017 and for the most part stuck to my budget. I would like to watch it more closely in 2018. My strategy is mainly to pay myself first (retirement, savings, investment contributions) and then as long as I’m able to pay for my rent and other expenses without going into debt I’m doing fine. I would like to keep a closer watch in 2018.
Make $1,000 Selling Coins
In previous years there have been some very much in-demand coins that I was able to sell for a goodly profit, however, none of these opportunities presented themselves in 2017 so I did not make any money (or lose any money) selling coins.
Grow HowIGrowMyWealth.com Audience to 500 Users per Month
I had an average of 630 users (as defined by google analytics) per month in 2017. My best month was December, with 816 users. Thank you! So I was able to exceed this goal by 26%!
Yearly totals include:
9,139 Sessions
7,101 Users
13,535 Pageviews
2017: A Mixed Year
All in all it was mixed. I exceeded my goals for increasing the audience of this website (again thank you!), however, some of my other goals fell short.
Some of those reasons were outside of my control (exchanges booting US based customers, the mint not creating rare in demand coins). However there are several things I could have done better.
More accountability and tracking
Talking about one’s goals with someone else is critical. I also think it is important to print off your goals, carry your goals with you and check on them on a regular basis. I hope to do ever better in 2018 and look forward to sharing some of my new goals in the coming days.
Happy New Year!
by John | Jul 3, 2016 | Investor Mindset
On the Fourth of July the United States celebrates Independence Day. Just a few days ago, on 23 June, a majority of British voters elected to initiate the exit of Britain from the European Union in what some are calling Britain’s Independence Day. Coming up on 15 August is India’s Independence Day.
Make 4 July 2016 the day you declare Financial Independence!
While the United States, Britain, India and many other countries around the world celebrate their independence days, it’s an opportunity to reflect on one’s own personal financial situation, and if necessary, make a Declaration of Financial Independence.
Financial Independence
My notion of Financial Independence means making enough money via passive investments so that I don’t have to work a traditional 8-6 job. Financial Independence means I’m free to pursue my hobbies and interests full time and I’m not reliant on my employer to sustain my standard of living. Financial Independence means the freedom to choose what to do with my time.
What does Financial Independence mean for you? What is your “why” for growing and protecting your wealth? Is it to go on a dream vacation? Be able to retire before age 112? Volunteer full time? Spend more time with family or friends? Have more control over your own life? Be able to support your favorite charity?
Progress to Goals
What does Financial Independence look like for you?
I lead a modest life. I live in a single bedroom apartment in a safe but not very glamorous part of town. I drive a 14 year old car with over 200,000 miles on it. Not very flashy or impressive at face value.
What else do I have?
- Zero debt
- Steadily growing investments
- Several months worth of income in an emergency fund
I’m reliant on my job and money from my employer to maintain my standard of living. So I don’t consider myself to be financially independent but I am well positioned to become so. How have I done it so far?
- Specific savings goals
- Dogged commitment to paying down non-productive debt (such as my student loans)
- Living below my means
- Continual Financial Education
By paying off my debts, saving in smart investments, and living below my means, I’m confident that one day I will achieve financial independence.
Mid-Year Resolutions
When the American Colonies Declared Independence from Britain they still had to fight and win the Revolutionary war in order to BE an Independent Country. Just Declaring Financial Independence doesn’t GET you there. You need actionable goals that you work towards every day!
Friday 1 July marked the beginning of the second half of 2016.
The second half of 2016 is your time to pay down debt, save more (or start saving!), and working towards living the lifestyle that empowers you to pursue your dreams, whatever they may be.
It’s not easy. It does take sacrifice and discipline.
Take Action!
What can you start doing today to start working towards Financial Independence? Here are some ideas:
- Create a Budget and get an accountability buddy to help you stick to it
- Include a reward for sticking to the budget
- Set a realistic monthly savings goal you want to reach by 31 December 2016
- Research a new investment for the money you save
- Create a realistic plan for paying down debt
- Find recurring discretionary purchases and cut a few of them out
- If you have Netflix and Amazon Prime perhaps you cancel one. Maybe you cancel your cable or satellite TV plan and just pay for Netflix. Perhaps you buy a coffee maker and thermos instead of going to Starbucks each day.
Choose 1-3 financial goals that will lead to Financial Independence and write these goals down on a piece of paper. Post the paper in a prominent place in your home where you’ll see it ever day. The second half of 2016 is when you’re going to work for and achieve these goals.
Money Can’t Buy Happiness
Money certainly can’t buy happiness, but having enough to meet your needs is important for a happy life. Use the second half of 2016 to Declare Financial Independence and then take practical steps to work towards the life of freedom that you desire.
One of the ways I increase my financial liberty is through passive income.
