I stumbled across this old picture from when Keisi was little.
Welcome back to another beautiful Italian morning! It has been cold, but growing up in Idaho, I can’t help but count my blessings that is is mid January and I see sunny skies, no wind, and can take an afternoon walk without a snow coat! You may have seen from my post last week that I have been thinking alot about taking action on my goals. The goals of today, as well as those from the past years that have remained. Today is the day to define my Long-term goals and determine which I can accomplish in 2017!
Remodel
Remodeling! Not everyone’s favorite, but surely some of you out there have an interest in DIY projects. There are endless resources online that can teach how to master that DIY project at your home. So, I don’t intend to instruct, but share the process I used. I don’t claim to be an expert. Maybe this is a good place for a disclaimer: ‘Do not try this at home!’ haha. I hope you can at least find enjoyment in following the ups and downs of my upcoming remodel projects, which are:
As shown, I’ve developed a quick point system that will track my 2017 goals completion. This way I can track my progress! I always liked the achievements ‘gaming model’ as motivation. Who doesn’t like some positive reinforcement.
Each time I accomplish something I’ll update both my spreadsheet, as well as my home page. I’ve made some changes, check it out if you haven’t seen it yet. Newcomers to this site will get a quick snapshot of my status.
Right now we have two properties to work on. First, our personal home, which has been ongoing for a few years now. Second, my in-laws have purchased a home near ours for the future, so they can have a place to be when they visit and retire. It needs some work, but we got a real good deal for it. In time it will be very comfortable.
Retire
I’ve written this post as if the Relax section is chronologically after Retirement, but I believe amidst all the hustle, it is important to experience life to increase effectiveness. So, consider this section not to be the point of retirement, but more as the process I will use to arrive at retirement efficiently. These are the goals I spend most my time thinking about instead of doing. I’ve got a good start going already, including this blog and educating myself. Here’s my point board:
I’ve listed three categories. Personal Growth, and two projects I’m working on. Codename ‘Project SR’ is to be revealed over time. …. mystery…. But I would be amiss if I didn’t include it in my tracking system. Don’t fret, it’s worth the wait!
The last category I had mentioned previously. The Innovation Collective. It’s been a long time coming, but I fully intend to achieve these goals during the year 2017.
How do these goals relate to retirement? There is an simple equation for explaining this.
Hard Work + Side Projects = more $$$ + educated investing = early retirement
Ya, I told you I was no expert. Reading through finance blogs, books, documents you’ll find an onslaught of principles to follow in personal finance to reach a healthy if not early retirement. The principle I want to stress is that either you can add income or reduce expenses from your budget, both of which help you save more. So in reality the secret is savings! The amount you save exponentially enhances your retirement goals. The amount is not the only factor however, By saving $1 per day or even per year, with enough time, mathematically you could save enough to retire. The ‘catch’ is, as I mentioned previously, that time plays a significant factor. With human nature as it is, it can be difficult to save for your family’s future. It’s time to take take control, act, and start saving now!
Relax
I’ve always been attracted to the niceties in life. I come from a culture that discourages it a little bit, but I believe that it is important to dream and follow those dreams. The majority of these goals are going to be lifelong, but I would be wrong not to prepare for them today. I want my family to experience the world. I think often about people, in general. Much of the world in poverty, a smaller percentage with more money than they could ever use. I’m not the type that dwells on the imbalance to the point of making judgement on one or the other. I just take note on how I can use the information to improve my family in the future.
Think about this, a family in a rural part of the world, makes just enough money to get by. Has some kids, and those kids grow up, go to school, and find a job, and set up roots in the same town they grew up in. This can occur perhaps even for generations. I exaggerate a bit, but to me it shows we find comfort in stagnation. Truly, there is nothing wrong with the choice to remain near family. Personally, I see the world, and the different geographical zones, with differing cultures and think we are missing out on truly understanding each other if we do not take the opportunities that arise to experience the world.
This is why I have set not only destinations, but experiences (I guess this can be considered a bucket-list) that I want to enjoy with my family over the years. And this site will tell our story. Hope you enjoy my list. If you have additional ideas or suggestions please don’t hesitate to comment or contact me.
I have prioritized Europe whereas we live here now. Instead of that famous European tour, we can find good deals for about 20 Euros per ticket. Some of the ideas here were assigned more points based on significance. I imagine each trip will have a profound effect. As for the moment, I have chosen my most preferred locations, and we shall see how everything develops in the future.
It is important to note that I made this list without the consultation of my family. As you know by now, I am the dreamer and my wife is the smart one! So I have to make this list and convince her over time haha. Just kidding, she loves to travel as well. But with kids, the difficulty to accomplish these goals is increased. Kids, if you read this in the future, this list is for you! I want you to experience people. I want you to reach for the stars! There is no limit to what we can accomplish. Together we are a force to be reckoned with.
I’m happy to finally get these thoughts on ‘paper’. Now is the time – to do it!
