October Goals: My Review

So much has changed since the beginning of the month. I never thought I’d be in this situation, but things like this happen to people all the time. If this had happened to me last year, I don’t know what I would have done. I was talking to a friend about this last night, and in one year, I’ve taken myself from a -$20k net worth to a +$20k net worth. That’s a difference of $40k, which I’m really proud of.

I’m in a much more stable financial situation than I was a year ago, and while I’m still very apprehensive about facing unemployment, I’m not scared … and that to me, is one step in the right direction towards financial independence. If I happen to be unemployed for a few weeks, or even a few months, I’ll be able to support myself.

October Goals (end of month review):

• $1,700 towards RRSP loan (original October goal: $2,000). I put down $2,550 towards my loan, but only because I cashed in $2,000 worth of non-registered RRSPs. I would have been able to put down more towards this loan if I didn’t have that $850 bill for my scooter upgrade.
• $300 towards Travel Fund. Done, but only because it’s on auto-debit. I had a moment of weakness a few days ago where I really wanted just to cash in the $600 and fly down to Michigan to visit a good friend. Just to get away and stop stressing out. But then I realized if I took that money out, I wouldn’t have enough for my vacation next summer. Plus, I don’t have a valid passport since I let mine expire. Whoops!
• $300 towards Emergency Fund (original October goal: $400). I really tried to beef up my contributions this month, and saved up $900.
• $500 towards Condo Down Payment Fund (original October goal: $700). Nope, didn’t save up a single cent. It all went towards my EF instead, which I think is the smartest thing to do at this point.
• $60 dining out budget. Will have to get back to you about this one, as I’m at work and will need to get into Quicken at home to figure out how much I spent. Plus, the month isn’t over yet. :(