It is hard to believe that July is here. For most of us, it is hot, humid and hazy – summer is in full swing. Before you know it, our children will be back in school, vacations over and we will be preparing for fall and winter. Where does time go?
Looking back, it was just six months ago that we were in a brand new year. None of us really new what 2010 would hold. All though all of us, in some way, had our plans for what we wanted to do this year.
Some of those plans, resolutions if you must, were things that we failed to accomplish in 2009 but knew we would get to them this year. “Good intentions”, I think, is what they are called. How many of us have actually lived up to those?
I prefer to call them goals and not resolutions. In most cases, resolutions never get completed. Goals, on the other hand, when really managed, tracked and worked to get done. What were yours – goals or resolutions?
What has all of this to do with finances? Well, let me ask – what have you done about your financial goals or resolutions that you set six months ago?
For some it was the year that you were getting out of debt. You were tired of the ball and chain of debt and it was 2010 that you were going to do something about it. Worry, stress, lack of sleep – they were all going to be part of your past because you were getting out of debt. So how is that coming?
For others it was the year that you were going to begin investing. We are not getting any younger and the possibility of retirement is getting closer each day. Getting money into investments now, in 2010, is going to help you take advantage of the investment principles that will make your money grow. How is that coming for you?
Still others are tired of having a mortgage. You are tired of the thought of something happening to your number one investment and you are finally beginning the process of paying more on your mortgage to get it done and behind you. How is that working out?
Finally, some of you have decided that this is the year you are going on a paid for vacation or paying for your 2010 Christmas with cash. How much do you have in those accounts so far? Are you on track?
I could have waited until December to write and send this, but what could you have done then? By then the year is gone and you have no way to complete your goals. Right now, there is still time.
Get going. Yes it is almost July, but you have six months to get back on track. Review your goals and begin a plan to get them completed – this year – 2010!
We have all let the things of life get in the way. Now is time to stop and get re-focused!
(This is a repost from 2008)
