I have so many drafts of posts I start writing, but never get around to finishing - mostly because when I go back to finish I realize how whiny/venty/boring they are. Not to mention the whole "do I really want to make this public?" thing (because the internets NEVER forget. EVER.)
Most of what I want to post about these days is finances. It's something that's always on my mind and I spend a good portion of my time reading personal finance blogs and reading as many books as I can get my hands on - I can't get enough right now and I'm trying to piece everything together as much as possible so that I can formulate a reasonable plan for myself to pay off my debt and save as much as possible, with the ultimate goal of 'early' retirement (or at least the ability to work part time/live the life I want to.) I can't wait for the day when I truly have financial freedom.
I've started telling a few people my 'goal' and I think most people think I'm off my rocker. They don't seem to understand that my ultimate goal isn't to sit in my mortgaged home with kids and fancy toys. My ultimate goal is the freedom to pursue anything I darn well please - whether that's becoming a certified unicorn tamer or spending a few years living in a tropical location without a care in the world.
I'm sure part of the concern stems from the fact that the concept of 'early retirement' is nearly unheard of in a society where working past your AARP membership qualification age is the norm. Forgoing home ownership and being a renter isn't a popular decision either...but I would rather be time and freedom rich than house poor. I think some people also assume that I may be giving up an awful lot of 'fun' things to live a life of drudgery and boredom.
However, having been broke and living from paycheck to paycheck most of my adult life has been stressful and it's not an experience I care to repeat. I don't want to be 50 and worrying about how I'm going keep a roof over my head. I don't want to look at my cell phone with dread each time I hear it ring (because student loan/auto loan/credit card companies don't like it when your late or skip all together.) Of course, I know money can't technically buy you happiness, but it can buy you freedom. Freedom from worrying about finances all the time and ultimately the freedom to do what you want when you want it.
So, all of that being said, I'm still trying to figure out what my shorter term goals are and how I'm going to achieve everything I want to. My first step is to build a 6-month emergency fund. I also currently have student loans and a personal loan to pay off, but my interest rates are low and my lack of emergency fund is partly why I have the debt in the first place. I'm single and have nobody to fall back on. I currently have 1 month saved (I had 2 months, but I got careless and lazy...so I'm back at 1.) and while it's a relief to have it, it's not enough to make me feel comfortable.
Once I have that done, I plan on paying back my personal loan as quickly as possible, then putting serious cash away (I hope) in both retirement funds and taxable investment funds while also repaying my student loan.
It all feels a bit daunting right now, but also good. I've never been a huge planner (despite my love of lists and label makers) but this feels pretty loose and mostly realistic at the moment. I just have to remind myself that there will be some bumps along the way and it's not going to happen in the next few years. I'm in this for at least 10 more years...maybe longer.
I may start posting my weekly spending logs in order to keep myself accountable...I may keep details under wraps (I really don't need to post my rent/paycheck for all to see) but use percentages instead. It will be really embarrassing to say '67% of my spending this week was on stuffed otters.' Hopefully I can figure out some way to track my progress. Until then, I'll just keep making the best choices I can make and look for ways to cut back.
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