I compiled this list today while on lunch at Starbucks and drinking a peppermint hot chocolate. I’ve allowed them to woo me with holiday flavors during the past week. I could save for retirement with the money, but sometimes the flavor is worth it.
- Short-Term Goals
- new license plate
- consolidate IRAs
- pay off credit card
call The Pastor’s Daughter back- visit the Purple House again
drinks with The Man from Kirkland- send copy of resume to KK
- Long-Term Goals
- grow investments by at least 10%
- aggressively pursue 401k growth for next 15 to 20 years
- achieve merit-based pay raise in April 2007
- receive promotion by Fall 2007
- gain more experience, technical skills, and proficiency in my job functions
- retain 25% higher salary by Q3 2009
Short-term I should be able to take care of within a couple of months. The Long-Term Goals are obviously more aggressive and will take more time to accomplish. In some ways I’m a bit shocked to see myself planning towards long-term targets. I’ve never thought about my life much more than four years in advance. It’s not that I am now in all respects; I don’t know what job I’ll have in four years. However, I’m able to establish general themes and financial goals I can strive for regardless of where I live or what career I have.
I’m not sure how successful I will be. I can only do so much to achieve these things because the results will be determined by outside factors I cannot ultimately control, but I’ll do what I can do.
The coffee probably isn’t helping me reach these goals, but I’m sure somebody else is benefiting from my consumption. If I’d only bought Starbucks a few years ago.