2012 Goals

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And here we are on the cusp of the end of yet another year.  As I illustrated yesterday, 2011 was a fabulous year.  I am bound and determined to make 2012 just as wonderful.  I'm not one for making resolutions, but I do have some goals/items of focus for 2012...

1.  Pass Level II of the CFA.  I started studying on Monday, so am already working towards this goal.  I'll be talking more about that next week.  Level II has the same pass rate as Level I did (around 40%) and is harder than Level I so I have my work cut out for me!

2.  Run a sub-4:10 marathon.  Yep, I am back to marathoning, even though I swore I'd never do another one after Portland.  According to a pace calculator, I could run a 4:02 marathon, but I think 4:10 is a good goal.  That would shave 12 minutes off my last marathon.  I haven't decided on a race yet, but am leaning towards the DC Marine Corp marathon in the fall.  But I am open to suggestions - so if there is a fall race (preferably late October/early November) in your neck of the woods (wherever that may be), I'm all ears!

3.  Save, save, save.  I did a whole lot of traveling last year - and I do not regret a single trip, but this year needs to be a focused on saving.  I've got a sickening amount of student loan debt from my MBA program and a mortgage on a condo that I'd like to continue to chip away at so that eventually I can sell it and not have to bring a huge check to the closing table. I have set an aggressive student loan pay down goal - it's doable, but will definitely require me to adjust some spending habits.

4.  Abstain from buying books.  This pains me, but is one way I will focus on saving instead of spending.  I have 4 shelves of unread books.  I can borrow books from the library - either the physical version or I can download them on my nook.  There really isn't a great, justifiable reason for me to buy any books this year.  If I do get any B&N gift cards for my birthday, I will make an exception.  I have never gone a year without buying a single book, so this will be a challenge for me, to say the least. 

So those are some of my goals for 2012.  I feel that, with hard work, they are achievable!

This is my last post of 2011!  I hope that everyone has a safe and happy New Year!

What are some of your goals or resolutions for 2012?  How will you spend NYE?  I'll bring in the new year with my family - 4 of us 5 kids will be together with my parents so it should be a blast!