Finances 2018

I overspent last year. I actually got ashamed of myself, but not to the point of frustration. I knew that my “overspending” was still at the normal level. I didn’t accumulate any debts because everything was well-accounted for. It was just that I felt regretful because I could have saved more money had I not succumbed to overspending.

So, what did I spend my money on? Bigger clothes because I gained weight (this I’m admittedly quite disappointed about!). More pasyal which translated to bigger transportation and eating-out expenses. Some home stuff that I could live without but were too nice and convenient not to indulge myself in (you know, products of the I-deserve-these-comforts-because-I-work-hard attitude that I get on occasions). And other unexpected miscellaneous expenses that I’m too lazy to remember right now.

If there’s one positive thing that came out of this, it would be the realization that going back to my old ways is really a no-no. I cannot afford not to stick to my financial goals. Otherwise, it’s going to be all downhill from there. As much as my human powers and abilities can endure, I will never let that happen.

I also realized that having some level of discipline when it comes to money management will allow you to recover fast should you get into a big financial setback. Bouncing back is going to be manageable, if not a breeze.

Despite the overspending I committed last year, I am proud to have accomplished a few things in my journey to financial freedom:

-increased my net worth (separate from the hubby’s) by 25.96%
-closed the year with some good gains from our stocks
-reached my monthly savings target and even went above target in those months when the usual windfalls from work arrived
-paid for an appliance, a gadget, and a bag (which I’ll finally receive tomorrow!) in full without touching our emergency funds
-still zero credit card debts

For this brand new year that’s full of possibilities due to the newly-implemented TRAIN law and the third tranche of salary increase for government employees like yours truly, I plan to do better and make it a point not to get sidetracked from achieving my financial goals.

Have you also committed some financial mistakes last year or I’m the only one? I hope you learned your lesson by now and are ready to get your acts together. We can do this!!!

To achieving our financial goals while enjoying life, friends! 🙂

May you choose happiness always,