2013 is coming to an end but a new chapter in life is about to begin when 2014 arrives in less than a week. Last year, I believed that this year would be a year of change and I was right. It’s filled with lots of vicissitudes that often reel me from sudden extreme ups and downs.
However, I keep moving forward and as the new year approaches, it’s got me thinking about what happened in 2013 and what I want to happen in 2014. This may sound like a personalized new year’s resolution, but I believe that a many of you also share the same sentiment.
Invest and Become Financially Independent
Saving is something I have always strived for. I’ll admit that I’m a little shopaholic at times, but I swear I’m not some kind of out-of-control freak who goes berserk at the thought of zero retail therapy. But yes, I am often tempted to buy quirky little things that end up gathering dust in the back of my cupboard. Bookstores are bad for me too because I end up buying one or two to add to my growing reading list – and they are hard to finish.
Sales were even worse as one book-buying party once resulted in 5 new books. Next year, I have decided to spend less and go more for my needs than wants. I have contacted a good friend, who is a trader by profession and he gave me great advice on how to save and invest money. Here’s to hoping 2014 will be a more financially stable year for me.
Travel More and Experience More
Whenever I travel, it feeds my wanderlust and makes me want to travel even more. While it may sound contradictory to my plan to save and invest money, I believe it complements one another. If I invest money, it means I will have funds that will allow me to travel more. Also, if you are a budget traveler, you will know how to enjoy every trip while spending the least amount of money. I don’t think that I will be able to give up travel but I will reduce my trips if it will help me save money for investment.
Then I can make up for lost time the following year and go on more trips, which will help me recharge and gain more experience about life. But when traveling, it is always wise to carry travel insurance with you as one unforeseen emergency can easily drain your savings. People can stay within budget while traveling if they avail affordable plans from insurance companies like Seven Angles and be prepared for any eventuality.
Be Open to Change… Wisely
My mom used to call me Slowpoke Rodriguez–the opposite of Speedy Gonzales, the fastest mouse in Mexico–because I’m slow to change. I’ve always been a very cautious person and while I would welcome change to be a breath of fresh air, sometimes too many changes at once can overwhelm me and make me want to escape. At my previous company, I stayed a long time because at the time I was afraid of the changes a new job might bring.
But once I moved on, I realized that I had nothing to fear and because of that I am now more willing to take risks when it comes to career changes. One of the things that was on my bucket list was trying to work in another country. I don’t know exactly when that will happen, just that I’m keeping my options open and am willing to embrace the possibility.
