Less than 2 weeks ago, I removed cobwebs and skeletons from my desk area at work. Last week, I placed a bobble-gobble-head turkey next to my monitors. Next week, year-end holiday decorations will be going up. 2018 is moving quickly to an end. But I have pre-2019 things on my mind already thanks to a Backstreet Boys song I heard recently. Wait, what?
Self-Subscribed Pop Medication
From their 1997 album Backstreet’s Back, the Backstreet Boys’ song “As Long As You Love Me” got in my head when I heard it a Trader Joe’s today. In between picking out roasted, unsalted cashews and almonds, the song played over the store speakers:
“I don’t care who you are
Where you’re from
What you did
As long as you love me
Who you are
Where you’re from
Don’t care what you did
As long as you love me”
It brought me back to middle school. Bad memories of wondering what would happen if I asked the popular girl out.
But more importantly, it stuck in my head. Of course, it did! It’s a catchy pop song designed from the first note and lyric to be addictive.
From these seemly sappy and trivial, hormone-driven lyrics, I reflected on what these words meant to me now over 20 years later. The following are modified phrases from the song applied with a perspective of self-reflection.
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 Balanced Dividends Plan
This odd BSB-inspired exercise provided me an opportunity to consider a few of the things I’d like to accomplish in 2019 across personal finance and fitness.
Why wait for New Years?! Get started now. Here are a few of the things on my mind right now.
Finance Goals
CD Ladder
I plan to initiate a monthly Certificate of Deposit (CD) each month for 1 year. I plan to allocate $1,000 per month toward each 1 year CD. The goal 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 have drained certain savings. It’s time to firm-up the baseline. I already started for Nov 2018.
Short-Term Savings / Spending Requirements
Related to the above point, I plan to save $2,000 a month in a high-yield savings account for monthly reoccurring expenses; however, I intend to spend over 50-70% each month and bank the excess savings toward future spending requirements. This does not include things like rent.
As a kick-start, I scrounged together a couple grand to get it going from rent credits at my new apartment building. Not paying rent for 2 months certainly helps.
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 changes.
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)!
Other Finance
I’d 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.
Fitness Goals
Orangetheory & Functionality
I’m training to get another PR (personal record) during Orangetheory’s Dri-Tri in March.
My goal is also to win not only at my studio but across other local studios in the area.
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.
Lean Body Mass
I’m currently tracking calories (or trying to) via MyFitnessPal. My overall body composition is 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 – that’s a pretty good reason to grab one right now…
Looking Back and – More Importantly – Ahead
As part of the remaining year’s and 2019 content, we’re 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 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 pre-2019 goals? Are you working on them now? Or do you feel you should wait until year-end to get started?
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.
Love this spin on an annual goals post! Fitness and FI seem to be a common theme among the blogs I read, it’s all about making the most of your time on this rock! Good luck in 2019!
Thanks for your comment!
Yes, BSB was (still is…) a guilty pleasure. It also does make the routine annual goals post a bit more entertaining – at least for me when writing it 🙂
Good luck to you as well in 2019! – Mike