Well, I consider April 15th more a day of reckoning that Jan. 1 because it forces you to take inventory. I thought I'd share with you all my successes and failures.
I know this is a financial forum but I thought I would share other aspects of life, since there is more to life than money. But I'll start with finances:
Financial
Successes
- Contributed $8,000 to both Roth IRA's and maximum to DW's 403(b)
- Contributed $15/week to both 529's
- Redeployed portfolio successfully to include commodity
- accomplished this on 8K less than we made last year
- Small tax refund of $800 making my quarterly estimates good for the most part
Failures
- Still behind on college accounts, esp. 10 year old
- Business had 20% drop in revenue last year (overhead dropped too)
Physical
Successes
- Lost 20 pounds after 3 day fast
- Started regimen of baby aspirin and flaxseed oil
- Increased energy post-fast
- restarted vigorous exercise
Failures
- Still have ways to go to improve fitness and health
Mental
Successes
- Read a few books
Failures
- Need to expand horizons - explore idea of becoming a semi-expert on an area of history
Spiritual
Successes
- Completed 3 day fast and reconnected with spiritual side
Failures
- Regular church still eludes me
Family
Successes
- Managed 10 days of vacation last year
- Put downpayment on family pool for backyard
- Transitioned from shock to welcome for 3rd baby
- Put hardwood floor down in 2 rooms
Failures
- Family life remains too hectic
- Regular dinners only happen 1x/week
- Gaps in oldest one's supervision (left alone 1.5 hours/day during school)
Career
Successes
- Beginning new business/intellectual endeavor w/ an old colleague/friend
- Became board eligible for a career related certification
Failures
- Business is suffering healthcare challenges
Social
Successes
- Rekindled old friendship
Failures
- Have no friends other than virtual, LOL