She Strengthens

Embracing a New Chapter: Setting Goals for a Fresh Start

As I stepped into a new year, I found myself reflecting on my life and goals. While I’m not one for drastic transformations, a significant change had recently occurred – I had moved in with my boyfriend. This new chapter marked a fresh beginning, and I took the opportunity to reassess and adjust my goals to align with my new lifestyle.

Cooking Up a Storm

One area I wanted to focus on was reducing unnecessary expenses. My boyfriend, Drew, often buys lunch at work due to his busy schedule. I, on the other hand, had developed a habit of grabbing food on-the-go while on campus. Now that we’re living together, we’ve embarked on a daily cooking adventure, which will help us save money and eat healthier. Our goal is to cut back on food expenses and allocate that money towards more important things.

Dining In, Not Out

Another goal we set was to limit our restaurant outings. While we didn’t want to completely eliminate the pleasure of dining out, we recognized the need to curb our spending in this area. We’ve adjusted our approach to “not going out as much,” allowing us to still enjoy the occasional nice meal while being mindful of our budget.

Financial Independence

As I look to the future, I’m eager to achieve financial independence. Currently, Drew and I split our rent proportionally to our income, but I hope to increase my earnings after graduation and eventually split the rent evenly. This is not only important for my personal growth but also for feeling secure in my ability to afford my own life.

A Home Sweet Home

Our current living situation is cozy, but we’re dreaming of a bigger space where we can have a dog and a washer/dryer. We’re hoping to make this a reality soon after my graduation in May. Fingers crossed!

Building an Emergency Fund

I’ve always had a savings account, but I’ve never had a dedicated emergency fund. This year, I aim to intentionally set aside money for unexpected expenses, keeping it separate from my general savings account. This will provide me with peace of mind and financial security.

Finding Balance

Lastly, I want to focus on being more mindful of my spending habits. While I enjoy hobbies like fashion, I recognize the need to take a step back and prioritize saving. As I navigate this new chapter in my life, I’m committed to finding a balance between indulging in activities that bring me joy and being responsible with my finances.