Progress Report - for week ended 12/30/07

So here's my delayed progress for the month of December - got post-poned at the last minute:

1. Send novel manuscript to 10 book agents and/or publishers - SUCCESS* - I've taken the first step at least, I sent 'query letters' to 10 agents. From what, I understand most book agents like to see a query letter before ever agreeing to look at the manuscript. I got mostly 'no thank you' responses back but two asked for additional details.
   
2. Apply to 20 jobs (part-time or full-time) - I've applied to18 thus far, with any luck I'll get the last 2 applications knocked out before it's time for the ball to drop.
   
3. Raise net worth to $8,500 or better - This goal is on track, as long as I don't spend too much tonight.
   

Hope everyone's 2008 is as good if not better than 2007! Happy New Year!

2007...what have I accomplished

So I've been mulling about posting about my New year's resolutions and what I've accomplished.

I keep a 'Goal journal' of sorts and I have been keeping this journal in one form or another since my graduation from college.

I just looked up goals dated 1/3/07 - the last one I set yearly goals for around the beginning of the year.

Among my goals - financial goals anyway - on that list were:

• Pay off shiny 'silver' card -SUCCESS
  
• Find a new Job within company - 1 week till FAILURE
  
• Establish business on the web - *I'm not sure if this blog - and the few dollars I've made with it - would count as a 'business' or not.
  

Some things I didn't set goals for that I accomplished anyway would be:

1. Got out of debt (then back in) then back out (then back in again)
   
2. Saved approximately $2500-3000 in 401k
   
3. Started a personal finance book club at work
   
4. Paid for a family members birthday part in cash
   
5. Paid for all Xmas gifts with cash
   

I'm still debating what my final year-end goals will be for 2008 but here are some preliminary ideas:

• Get out of debt and stay out of debt...again; the 1st part is easy, the 2nd part not so much
  
• Pay for wedding expenses with cash rather than credit
• Find a new, better paying, less stressful job
  
• Double current yearly income
  
• Help fiance learn the benefits of being frugal
  
• Become a millionaire (OK, it's not likely but you never know)
  

like I said - these are preliminary I'll probably finalize them over the weekend.