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2013: It was Fun While It Lasted

by Erika Torres
16 comments

2013If there is one word I can use to describe 2013, it would be “blessed.” I am so incredibly happy with how this year has turned out. 2013 has definitely brought a major upswing in our lives, and I cannot wait for what 2014 has in store.

A look back at our goals and how we crossed off the most important ones.

1. Bring down my student loans to under $10,000

With a $12,000+ debt payment in May, I have only $648 left on a 0% interest student loan.

2. Pay Down Eric’s Student Loans

While my student loans decreased, Eric’s loans shot up from $2500 to $8250 this year as he continued to pursue his bachelor’s degree. His loans are 0% interest while he’s in school so we’ve just been keeping the money in our bank for now.

3. Pay for Graduate School without loans

My first 9 months of graduate school have been paid for without a hitch. Let’s hope the trend continues in 2014.

4. Make $5,000 in extra income

I made $20,000+ this year in extra income. Ah-freakin-mazing. I still don’t believe it.

5. Go on a domestic vacation

We were able to go to New York in the spring and then San Francisco a month later. I’m really happy that we’ve been able to travel more!

6. Have Eric get hired as a firefighter

I still can’t believe it finally happened! We’re still on Cloud 9.

7. Rebuild emergency fund to $1,000

Not only did we rebuild our emergency fund, we actually connected it to our daily banking account, so we have quick access to the funds in case of, well, an emergency. Before, we had to wait for two or three days for the funds to transfer from our online savings account. It is much better this way!

8. Learn about the stock market

Nope. But I have lost interest in this as well.

9. Lose 15 pounds

Nope. But I will say that I weigh five pounds less today than I did at this point last year. SO it’s a minor win!

10. Save $800 for Christmas 2013

Having a Christmas fund was the best thing EVER! However, it still wasn’t enough! We tend to overspend around the holidays, not just on gifts, but on spoiling ourselves as well. In 2014, I’m upping it to $1000.

11. Bike to work at least 10 times each month

I did it during the summer, but it’s just too darn cold in the winter months.

12. Save $5,000 in our General Savings Fund

We have more than double this amount in our savings right now, but we’re earmarking it to pay off the rest of our debt.

13. Go on at least ONE husband-wife date each month

Eric and I made a really good effort to go out on dates more often this year. I hope to continue the tradition in 2014!

16 comments

City Girl December 31, 2013 - 4:48 pm

This is awesome! You should be so proud of yourself! You should start helping others do this on a consultant basis ;). Happy New Year!!! xoxo

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Sara December 15, 2013 - 2:44 pm

*insert obligatory grumble about someone from CA saying it’s cold while I stare at the two feet of snow in my yard*

Here’s to a happy 2014!

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Renée (@nickelbynickel) December 13, 2013 - 9:56 am

HAd the same problem with the stock market thing, great accomplishments this year though! Good job!

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anna December 13, 2013 - 9:26 am

Wow, so impressed with all the goals that you accomplished, especially all the financial ones! Very inspiring, can’t wait to see what 2014 brings for the both of you! 🙂

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One Frugal Girl December 12, 2013 - 9:15 pm

Congratulations! What a great year!

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Micah December 12, 2013 - 7:41 pm

One of my goals in 2014 is to pay off all my credit/store card debt. I’m inspired by you!

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Megan December 12, 2013 - 10:20 am

Way to go! I’m impressed with how many of your goals you not just met but exceeded!

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H December 12, 2013 - 1:51 am

Well done! 2014 here we come!

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Tonya@Budget and the Beach December 11, 2013 - 5:52 pm

I just posted that I made 10k this year and look at you! You killed it and the rest of your goals. Great job Erika!

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Jolene December 11, 2013 - 2:29 pm

These are amazing goals that you reached my friend! you killed it this year across SO MANY of these!! and losing 5 lbs vs. 15? still a huge win, not minor at all! congrats friend!

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Mrs. Snarkfinance December 11, 2013 - 12:14 pm

Congratulations on your many accomplishments in 2013. I hope you have many successes in 2014 as well!

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Laura @ RichmondSavers.com December 11, 2013 - 11:46 am

You did wonderfully with your goals this year! I love that you had both financial AND personal (relationship) goals. Congrats on achieving both kinds, and hope your 2014 is just as good as this year was for you!

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Tanner December 11, 2013 - 11:25 am

Hey, you did great! Many congrats! I’ll try to do my roundabout next week after the test, which is one of the goal items!

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Mrs. Pop @ Planting Our Pennies December 11, 2013 - 9:36 am

2013 was definitely a good year for you guys – here’s to a wonderful 2014 as well!

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CeCe @Pink Sunshine December 11, 2013 - 8:11 am

Sounds like a great year for you. There were only a few things you didn’t check of your list. Hope 2014 is even better.

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Michelle's Finance Journal December 11, 2013 - 6:50 am

You did so well in 2013. I hope you do even better next year~^^

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