2019 Goals
Happy (almost) New Year, HENRYs! 2018 was an incredible year for us- both for our travels + for our money. In case you missed our highlights on Instagram, in 2018, we traveled to Amsterdam, Paris, Iceland, Belgium, Ireland, London, Greece, Hawaii, Austin, San Francisco, Arizona, Las Vegas, Napa, Scottsdale, Vancouver, Los Angeles + Portland. Whew! 2018 was a GREAT year for us + we cannot wait to see what 2019 brings. We are so grateful to each + every one of you for your support, love + encouragement this year. We’ve rebranded + expanded this year + have had the best time working together + getting to share a little bit of our lives with you - whether you’re a weekly reader or an occasional reader. We are all about goal setting + truly believe that writing down what we want to achieve + sharing it with others is the key to making your dreams a reality. Today, we’re sharing our travel, finance + personal goals with you for 2019!
travel goals
Kelda - As a school teacher, I typically set goals for my new year which starts in September. My goal was to visit 1 new place during the school year, but I’ve already checked that one off - Aloha, Kauai! We aren’t even halfway through the school year, so I’m happy to set some more goals with all of you! My travel goal for 2019 is to travel somewhere every month. Somewhere doesn’t have to be far - there are so many beautiful hidden gems in the Pacific Northwest that I have yet to see + would love to in 2019!
Lauren - For the last two years, I have succeeded in traveling somewhere every month of the year, much like Kelda’s goal for this year. With every trip, I have appreciated how much every city + country has to offer, but have also realized that my constant desire to travel somewhere new sometimes prevents me from appreciating home. Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest in general, have so much to offer. Just as much as I push myself to explore new places, I am committing to explore my home too- whether that be trying out a new restaurant with girlfriends once a month or booking a staycation in a neighborhood or nearby town that I rarely venture to.
financial goals
Kelda - My goal for 2019 is to reevaluate my budget based on my monthly needs. In 2018, I finished my first year as a full-time teacher - my first year earning a salary. I had a budget + (for the most part…) did a great job sticking to it! However, now that I’ve lived 1+ years on my salary, I’ve realized that my lifestyle changes from month to month + my budget needs to flex to these changes. For example, in December I generally spend more buying gifts + attending more social gatherings. On the other hand, in the summer months, I usually have a little extra cash, in addition to my standard paycheck, because I tutor during the summer break. My financial situation + needs are very different at different points in the year + my goal for 2019 is to budget for these more appropriately.
Lauren - My goal for 2019 is to max out my contributions to my IRA (Individual Retirement Account), while continuing to contribute to my 401(k) - at least enough to meet my employer match! In case you missed it, we shared a post earlier in the year about why you should have both an IRA and a 401(k) to maximize your investments + set future you up for success!
personal goals
Kelda - My personal goal for 2019 is to finish my Master’s Degree in Curriculum + Instruction. Lauren + I were both first generation college students + always valued + appreciated our privilege to be able to attend school. I’m now very grateful to my employer for helping me continue my education in graduate school + cannot wait to use my continued education to continue bettering myself as a teacher!
Lauren - My personal goal for 2019 is to devote more time + energy to my intellectual passions. I have been successful in budgeting time to my social life, health + fitness and mental/emotional needs, but I think my intellectual growth has been on the back burner over the last year. While our formal schooling may end, I don’t think any of us should ever stop learning! To accomplish this goal, I plan to enroll in French classes at a local community college - rekindling an old love of mine - as well as challenge myself to read 12 new books over the course of the year!
We want to hear your goals for the year and if any are travel or finance related, we hope that we can help you achieve them! If you set specific, measurable + attainable goals, write them down + share with your support system, we truly believe there is nothing out of reach to achieve! Wishing you all a wonderful New Year spent celebrating with friends + family. Stay safe, have fun + count all of your blessings from 2018!
All our love, L + K.
