2016 New Year's Resolutions

John and I are big goal-setters. We set goals all throughout the year, but still love the idea of a fresh start on New Year’s Day.

This year, we have a few individual goals and some that we’re working on together. Since it’s still technically the holiday’s and I’m finishing up my new book, let’s dive straight in.

2016 New Year’s Resolutions

Lose weight

Ok, this is probably everyone’s resolution. I know, I know. But John and I have actually already started with this goal! We are doing a modified Whole30 healthy eating program and we started on Sunday. It’s “modified” because we are allowing cream or milk in our coffee (dairy is a no-no on this plan) and diet coke every once in a while (also a no-no). We also aren’t doing it for a full 30 days. Instead, we will eat according to this plan until we’re at our goal weights. For me, I’d like to lose about 8 lbs. John would like to lose about 20. Once we’re both at our goals, we’ll continue to eat healthy but we’ll incorporate carbs and sugars slowly back into our diets on a limited basis (because, let’s be real, there is no way I could live without sugar. Life is too short!!).

Purchase a rental property

(!!!!) This is the goal I am most excited about! However, we’re really going to have to push in order to make this goal happen. To buy a rental property, most lenders require a down payment of 20 percent. Since we just bought our own home a few months ago, our savings accounts are not as padded as we would like. If we buckle down, though, I really think we can do this.

Save more

I know this isn’t specific, but our income varies (sometimes drastically) from month to month. I’m not going to set a specific goal because I still want to enjoy life, and for me, that involves spending money every now and then! We can definitely cut back on spending, though. With moving, purchasing furniture, and the holidays, we haven’t been saving as much as we could be. I’m sure many of you are in this same boat – so let’s all try to spend a little less this year and save a little more, while still having fun!

Rest

You guys, I will be the first to admit that I have been so busy these last few months. Between working full-time, freelancing and blogging, not to mention my goal to make $10K by October 2016, I’ve really been pushing myself. So, this New Year, I am making some changes. Don’t worry, I’m not backing out of my $10K goal, but I do need to be more strategic. So far, I’ve quit two lower-paying freelance jobs. From here on out, I’m only taking on work that is truly worth my time. I work full-time, so while extra money is always nice, we don’t “need” it. I also really plan on ramping up my blog. Better content, longer posts, prettier images, and more. I am even starting a new blog, but shhh. It’s a secret! More on that to come…

And, for those of you who want to start your own blog, Bluehost is offering a New Year’s special for just $3.49 per month!! The sale starts on Friday, January 1 and runs through Saturday, January 9. If you’ve been on the fence about starting a blog, perhaps now is the time!! AND, don’t forget, for those that sign up with Bluehost through my link, you will receive my new book – The Beginner’s Guide to Blogging – FOR FREE!!

Travel more

John and I have found our “happy place” here in Charlotte, NC. And while it’s amazing and has so much to offer, we want to see more. There are so many small mountain towns in the area, not to mention breathtaking beaches just three hours away. Our girls are finally at the point where they can more easily stay in hotel rooms and be out and about without naps, and I want to take advantage of this. John booked me a trip to a mountain town this Christmas, and I’m so excited to go! Our loose goal is to plan one adventure every six weeks. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be an overnight adventure – but will sometimes be a “get in the car and go!” adventure!

And that, my friends, wraps up my goals. They are all small and doable, and I am honestly so excited for what this year will bring! We’ve had some wild and crazy years, and I’m looking forward to a year of rest!

What are some of your New Year’s Resolutions?!

0 Shares

Comments

Jayleen says
at
I like your style, Sarah! They all sound good to me! Especially the rest part;0) One of my resolutions is to have my amalgams removed. Quite exciting, right? Lol! We will also be working on debt and looking for fun, free things to do as a family!
- Sarah Brooks says
  at
  Oh yikes, what is that??! Is it painful??
  We also plan on doing a lot of fun activities as a family! I am so looking forward to really enjoying this year with my people 🙂 Hustling is great, but there is a time and a season! I’m realizing that while my girls are so young, now is NOT the time to be taking on as much work as I possibly can. I still want to hit that $10K goal, but I have a few ideas so that most of it will come through blogging. Hopefully, haha 🙂
Heather @ Simply Save says
at
I like that you included rest…I feel like it’s so necessary, yet so often overlooked as we hustle, hustle, hustle!
- Sarah Brooks says
  at
  Oh yes! Last year I was all about hustling, but this year I want to focus on enjoying my life, to be honest. I’m naturally a worker bee so I know I’ll still bring in money each month (and am still going to try really hard to reach my $10K per month goal, but now I’m wanting to focus that more on blogging). But rest is SO important!!
Jef says
at
Great to reflect, post and set some goals here Sarah! How have you been going with it all anyway? I’m not sure if I should comment on the goals however what are your thoughts on setting specific ones i.e. travelling 4 times in the year, reducing work by 5 hours per week etc.. I find that the more specific, you could even get more specific, the more likely you are to achieve them..
Hope you’re having a relaxing time with friends and family though 🙂
- Sarah Brooks says
  at
  Hi Jef!! How are you?! I am doing well 🙂 Did you start a new blog, moneyglee?! I love the name and can’t wait to check it out!! Yes, I totally think I should be setting more specific goals. I know for traveling we are planning on one trip every 6ish weeks – some of those will be day trips, but that still counts 🙂 And I love the idea of reducing work by a certain number of hours! Fantastic tip!!! Everything going well with you?!
  - Jef says
    at
    Great to hear you’re well! 🙂 I have still been following each of your posts and you’ve made so much progress, it’s epic and congrats
    Yes, it has been started, there’s a few blog posts up and thought it was about time to get back into the community to build a brand / business..
    I mention the specific thing cause it’s something I struggle with too haha 😉
    Yes, going great, looking forward to a few changes in 2016 and finalising what that’ll look like from a work, investing and lifestyle perspective.. Also have 4 weeks booked in Europe for July next year.. I’ve liked your Facebook as well, feel free to hit me up there if you can find me haha!
Sylvia @Professional Girl on the Go says
at
I love your Rest goal! Sometimes we get so caught up with work and life we forget to take some time for ourselves. I was working full time and studying full time in 2015, and rarely took time for myself. But in 2016, I will definitely make sure I schedule more rest time.
Shirria @GDTH says
at
My main goal is to never stop self improving. However, financially, I’d like to fully fund our home improvement out of pocket, build my emergency fund, and stop using and pay off all credit cards.
DC @ Young Adult Money says
at
All great goals! I have about 8 goals that I would like to accomplish in 2016 and I’m sharing them in a post on Wednesday. I like your goal of purchasing a rental property. Sounds like it’s a “stretch” goal for you and those are always good to pursue.
Leigha says
at
Just came across your blog. I also live in Charlotte. You are totally right that there are so many places to visit within a few hours drive. Definitely check out Boone and Blowing Rock, especially in the fall. It offers such a gorgeous fall foliage!
- Sarah Brooks says
  at
  Hi Leigha!! We are actually doing a day trip to Boone and Blowing Rock this month sometime!! I cannot wait! And I meant to go there over the fall but time got the best of me. Glad to know you recommend it! How long have you been in Charlotte for?!