There’s been a few changes around here that affect our plans, so it’s time for a little catch up.
University Plans. My children’s university plans have played a bit part in how our lives have been shaped over the last few years and will continue to do so in the future. My eldest child, who is 24, has recently finished her degree and is now working in London. My middle child, who is 21, went to university at 18 and then left…..now he’s decided to return in September. And my youngest child, who’s nearly 18 and the one that really affects our decisions for the next couple of years, has decided that she doesn’t want to go to university at all. Um. OK. That’s absolutely fine because the last thing we want to do is put pressure on her, but it will make a big difference to our plans next year.
This is a great example of how plans can change and how your goals have to be fluid. It’s also made me realise how much I’ve changed over the last five years. My need to escape [like tomorrow] has all but gone and I’m much more relaxed about everything. Eventually we will move to Portugal, but when the time is right.
Income. Yay for new jobs. My new job is working out really well and makes a big difference to our budget. After reducing our fixed expenses as much as we can want to, and with the extra income my job is bringing in, we have now hit our 50% net savings rate a little early. We’re spreading the money between our mortgage, our cash saving and our travel plans.
Travel. Because of the above our NY trip in 2012 has been changed. We had hoped to go to Manhattan for a month next April, however now we’re going for ten days. I wouldn’t feel right booking a month off work, so we’ve made a few changes. The good news is that we can now go to Lisbon for five days this September as well. Hubby is looking forward to using his language skills while we do a little area research.
OK. That’s where we’re at today. Things may change but we’re still very focused on getting to our end goal.
PS. If you’re interested and like this sort of thing, I’ve added two savings meters to my sidebar for a couple of the goals that we’re working on. —–>
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Sounds like you’re well on your way to reaching your goals! I’m happy to hear your new job is going well! here would get back to work! Ugh!!! :/
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Laura,
I love that you are able to save 50%. Your goals will be met before you know it. I’ve wanted to move from this area for a long time. I still do. However, I have two kids still in high school, and I’m hoping that in four years I will have enough saved to put them through college as well as saving for our own dreams. It’s a big nut to crack, and I’m afraid it’s time for me to go back to work fulltime to see these dreams through.
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It’s fun to read about other people’s goals! By the way, love your bucket list! Thanks for stopping by & commenting on mine
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