At the midpoint of 2018, would you say the year is half over or still has half to go? Whichever it’s time to monitor progress of my 2018 goals. At the beginning of the year I set goals in three categories of life: health, wealth and travel (not coincidentally the name of this blog!).
HEALTH
Weight Loss – Grade: D. Well so far this year I’ve tried Nutrisystem and Weight Watchers programs without success. Three weeks ago I began eating low carb, moderate protein and high fat diet known as keto. It’s going great and I think it’s the right plan for me (plus no fees!). I’m giving me a D because most of the quarter was a fail but I feel like there’s a much better grade next time.
Exercise – Grade D. Jazzercise didn’t last but I did a lot of walking last month in Greece and Italy and I’m trying to increase my steps on a daily basis so I’m gonna give myself a D here.
Hobbies – Grade A. I dropped one of my book clubs because it was just too large a gathering to get to know anyone. I love my original book club and look forward to talking with everyone each month. I’ve also joined a couple of new meet up and have some planned activities with them in July; more details to come.
In terms of my blog I’ve been crushing it other than during our vacation which was planned.
WEALTH
Roth IRA – Grade A. I’m on plan to max out contributions on this including the catch up (for being older).
401K – Grade A. I’m contributing 1/12th of the maximum allowed for my age each month and all is on track. I will have to remember to go in and change my contribution from the regular to catchup category as my company doesn’t have it in one category. Annoying!
Spending – Grade B. Our grocery bill went up now that I’m cooking more at home but our dining out bill went down so there’s that. I still need to focus on watching my expenses more closely.
TRAVEL
After no vacation in the first four months of the year We were was happy to take our Greek island cruise in May. We also had unplanned travel for our daughter’s funeral. That just goes to show you never know what’s going to happen and you have to appreciate every day.
Greek Isles Cruise – Grade A. This all the advance planning for this trip turned out to be worth it. With the exception of day of travel flight changes everything else went as planned. I’ve started recapping the trip here and I’ll be finishing up those posts in July.
Grandkids Visit – Grade B. I don’t know how to grade this one. This trip is totally up to ended by the unexpected funeral travels since we were going to spend half the trip with that side of our family.
I ended up canceling all the hotel plans and original flight plans. The airlines are great about redepositing miles without fees due to the tragedy. I ended up buying a ticket to travel solo and spend few days with my grandson who we didn’t get to spend much time with.
Kids Cruise – Grade I. We did jump cruise brands to save $1200 plus go on my favorite line Holland America. I have a feeling we’re going to need that money to buy air fare since it seems so high during the holiday season. I’ll make excursion plans after final payment.
Overall, I’m satisfied with my progress but know the health category needs to be a priority. I’ll share the results of my adjustments and further progress at end of this quarter. How are you doing with your 2018 goals?
I’m glad you were doing well with your other two areas but I do hope that the rest of 2018 sees a huge improvement in the Health Department! It’s the most important one!
We’re coping ok, we could be doing better midyear but I’m focusing on doing better! <3
Thanks Revanche! I think teaching a 3 year about money AND successful flights is quite a success!