Progress Report for week ended 10/26/08

Goals for October 2008:

1) Find a job for wife by month's end - SUCCESS - my wife found a job this week in childcare. I am much more relieved than I was over the last several weeks.

2) Finish editing of book - SUCCESS - I'm done. I've sent copies to a few friends for advice on editing. Now the plan is to sharpen up a query letter for book agents.

3) Decide on publisher - NO progress here so far

4) Blog more often - Still hoping to improve this goal before the end of the month.


So I have to say I feel a lot better now than I did at the beginning of the month. Hopefully the good news will continue.

Progress report for week ended - 10/12/08

Goals for October 2008:

1) Find a job for wife by month's end - I'm excited, tomorrow the wife has a interview at a very well known company. Now if I can only get her as excited as I am.

2) Finish editing of book - So far, I've edited chapters 1-3 again started on chapter 4 but it really needs to be re-written.

3) Decide on publisher - NO progress here.

4) Blog more often - Still working to improve upon this goal.

What can I say, I have been distracted by family matters as well as the markets going up and down and today - way up ...I have a feeling they may go back down tomorrow again.

Progress report for week ended - 9/21/08

So here are my goals for September:

1. Get computer fixed or get a new computer - SUCCESS - I just got back my computer today finally from the dork squad. It turns out that my apartment management doesn't contact you when they have packages unless you have not picked up the item in over a week. They received my DELL disks last Friday. I obviously made the mistaken assumption that they would call or drop a note by if they had something that had been sent overnight, I thought wrong.
2. Begin sharing funds for family budget - SUCCESS - has started but it's basically me creating a budget for myself because I'm doing the majority of the spending as my wife still remains unemployed.
   
3. Finish final editing for book (no really I mean it this time) - So now that I have the computer back I plan to devote a large chunk of my time to get this book editing done and over with. I think I had possibly a chapter or less left when the computer went down last time. I might run it by a couple good friends first and then off to the publishers I shall go.
   
4. Work on mutual savings goal with wife - This is a goal that will be post-poned in the short term while my wife looks for a job.

Although My wife returning to the world of the 'employed' is a priority, I have to say that getting this book out of the way just to say it is done is a major priority that I have in my sights right now. I'm saying my silent prayers but I also have faith that this can open up other doors and opportunities for me in the long run.

Progress report - for week ended 9/7/08

So here are my goals for September:

1. Get computer fixed or get a new computer - So currently I have my computer over at the 'dork-team' or something like that at a big box electronics store. I dropped it off there Wednesday and I called today for a check up. The 'dork' I talked to said that they are still having issues with it which might mean I need to clear out the hard drive and start from the ground up. I plan to decide tonight.
2. Begin sharing funds for family budget - SUCCESS - has already started with this week's groceries and bill paying.
3. Finish final editing for book (no really I mean it this time) - The computer problem is keeping this goal from being achieved for the time being.
4. Work on mutual savings goal with wife - working on this. My wife let me know today that she has every intention of getting a new job because she hates her boss at her new well-paying one. It looks like I might have to find a stable working environment for the wife before pursuing this will any major focus.

Slowly starting to get the hang of this being married thing but by no means am I (or do I see myself becoming) an expert. I might have to blow a bunch of money for a new CPU if the dork squad's nuclear option doesn't work. I hope that's not the case.

Progress Report - for week ended 7/27/08

Here are my goals for July 2008:

1. Break even or Increase Net Worth - Not sure on this one now. I might be able to pull it out due to an extra paycheck for the month.
   
2. Set up website for business - Met with my new webmaster, bought the website carteblanchmedia.com now I just need to switch it from an ad for GoDaddy.com to a decent site explaining what I'm doing. I plan to meet again with the webmaster tomorrow.
   
3. Set up checking account for business - With wedding issues coming up I haven't had much time to devote to this. If I get any free time in the next week or so. I'll be on the phone to the State to find out my Businesses' tax ID code.
   
4. Get business cards for business - I still haven't put together a decent thought on what my business cards should say. If there's any downtime this week - I may pursue this further.
   

So it is now T-minus less than 2 weeks before I get a ring put on my finger and I am no longer a single guy. Everything is pretty much paid for and accounted for but it is the minor stuff that keeps on jumping out of nowhere and scaring me.

Progress Report - for week ended 7/13/08

Here are my goals for July 2008:

1. Break even or Increase Net Worth - it will be a nail-biter till the end to see if this goal can be accomplished. After spending $300+ last week on my car this week I have no real pressing expenses other than the expense of setting up my website for my business which appears to be up and running now per the Ohio Secretary's website.
   
2. Set up website for business - Just need to contact my webmaster and start the ball rolling. I plan to start with a minimum investment but I'd like to hold off until payday this week just in case anything comes up while I'm low on funds.
   
3. Set up checking account for business - At this point, mainly waiting on my next payday before I set this one up. Also need the paperwork back from the state for my TAX ID number.
   
4. Get business cards for business - really just need to nail down the logo design - hopefully this week - and I should be able to wrap this goal up.
   

My focus has been all over the place lately; 1) on the impending wedding, 2)on my impending business, 3) on a charity project I'm supposed to do for the church of my relative. I always tend to do this - start a bunch of different projects simultaneously and then end up having mediocre results on all - I really need to cut this habit out if I am to have any success in the future. Time to start living by that Zen focus - give all your energy & your time to one thing that is happening(or can happen) right now...everything else is meaningless in comparison.

For those of you reading - wish me luck! Thanks in advance.

Progress Report- for week ended 7/6/08

The last few days I've been having car trouble so my apologies for not updating earlier. That being said, here are my goals for July 2008:

1. Break even or Increase Net Worth - a few days ago I thought this goal was definitely within reach. Then over the weekend, I had some car trouble which made that goal all the more difficult to achieve - to be specific, in excess of $300 more difficult. It could be worst though.
   
2. Set up website for business - still have not done this. I am waiting for paperwork back from the state.
   
3. Set up checking account for business - still have not done this . I am waiting for paperwork from the state.
   
4. Get business cards for business - and to sound even more like a broken record 'still have not done this. waiting on bureaucratic state forms to be approved.
   

So not much progress I'll admit but it was a holiday weekend and I did have car trouble. This week I should have more time to focus.

Progress Report - for week ended 6/22/08

So, here a week before month end - are my goals for June 2008:

1. Publish Debt Freedom book (online or otherwise) - I'm done typing, I have some family members checking on legal and factual issues. This week I hope to get an LLC set up - which I think I'll need before I can publish the book without worrying too much about legal issues. I also might have some tweaking to do if I can fit it in. It's going to be close one for actually getting the book published by month end but, I think I'm definitely on the right path.
   
2. Join (or start) an entrepreneur's group - SUCCESS - I just went to great group last week and I plan to check out another one this coming week and a 3rd at the beginning of next month. I'm pumped. Hopefully the next two are as great as the one I went to on Thursday!
   
3. Post at least 25 blogs this month - As I look at my blogs for June it looks like I've published 15 so far and this will make for 'number sixteen' so obviously I need to 'kick it up a notch' for the final full week of June.
   
4. **Subscribe to Inc Magazine - SUCCESS -Done - yup I finished this simple goal way early. Maybe as a confidence booster for my other goals.

So this week I'll need to keep busy in order to accomplish goals #1 & #3. I think I'll make a list of the things I need to do this week here shortly just a double-check for myself.

Progress Report - for week ended 6/15/08

So here are my goals for June 2008:

1. Publish Debt Freedom book (online or otherwise) - I'm completely done with the typing of the book. Now I just need to make some last minute adjustments before I let some friends & family take a first look at it and give me some pointers. I talked to two family members yesterday about that and they seem willing to review it so we shall see. I think this week will be about adding additional info and having people review it. Might also need to get an LLC started while I'm at it.
   
2. Join (or start) an entrepreneur's group - Still haven't seen a bunch of groups posted or anything, I might have to make my own. The one at the end of June may not coincide with my schedule.
   
3. post at least 25 blogs this month - As I look at my blogs for June it looks like I've published 10 so far and this will make for 'number twelve' so at this pace I still have a good chance of reaching the goal - I just slacked a little last week because I was trying to finish up the book.
   
4. **Subscribe to Inc Magazine - SUCCESS -Done - yup I finished this simple goal way early. Maybe as a confidence booster for my other goals.
   

As I mentioned in goal #1 I think something I need to do in the next couple of weeks is get an LLC or 'Limited Liability Corporation' started before I venture off and start making money. That along with looking for entrepreneurship groups will be my mini-focus for this week.

Progress Report - For week ended 6/8/08

So here are my goals for June 2008:

1. Publish Debt Freedom book (online or otherwise) - I am doing the editing (Typing ) process right now. Just gone done with Chapter 3 and i plan to finish chapter 4 tonight as well - God willing. If I can get focused I can get all the typing done this week. Then I'd like to add a few extra sections and possibly some quotes but first I need to finish up typing - again hopefully by the end of next week.
   
2. Join (or start) an entrepreneur's group - I looked for one online last week but there first meeting isn't until the end of June - maybe if I look harder I'll find one for this week?
   
3. post at least 25 blogs this month - As I look at my blogs for June it looks like I've published 6 so far and this will make for 'number seven' so at this pace I will achieve this goal on time but, It wouldn't hurt to achieve it way early either.
   
4. **Subscribe to Inc Magazine - SUCCESS -Ha ha! I beat up the procrastinator-side-of-me and locked him in a closet shortly after writing this goal so I could send in a handy dandy check for Inc . & Fast Company for the super-low price of $15. Now If I can just find a way to get that procrastinator-side-of-me from the closet over to a walk in industrial freezer somewhere - I think I might have a very productive rest of the year.
   

So the first week is going pretty good. It doesn't hurt that the sun is out and I become more enthusiastic when it's sunny and warm outside. If i can keep hype the whole summer I might accomplish something great. Or at least meet my New year's resolution...

Progress Report - for week ended 5/26/08

Still no home computer. I relaxed a little bit too much over the holiday weekend - nevertheless, here are my Goals for May:

1. Write a book about Debt - I've written just about 8 chapters thus far. two more to go. It should be done by the end of the month.
2. Increase budget on Wedding account to $7500 - Still holding off on contributing to the wedding fund. I don't think the fiancee has contributed anything so far this month anyway.
3. Put at least 3 items on E-bay to sell - still slacking - what can I say? having no Internet access at your house kind of defeats the 'sell it on E-bay' goal before you get started .

I'll try and keep this updated as much as I can while I try and figure out my plans for Internet. Having to rush through Internet sessions at the library does not help in the typo section I'm slowly learning so I need to fix this issue soon.

Progress Report for week ended 5/18/08

I'm having multiple technical difficulties with my computer recently so I am writing from the ole' library and I must be brief. here are my goals for May:

1. Write a book about Debt - I've written the 1st -5th chapters I plan to work on the 6th chapter tonight.
2. Increase budget on Wedding account to $7500 - I recently learned i will be financially responsible for making sure some of my guests are taken care of. Because of this, I am holding off on contributions to the wedding account and allowing my fiance to handle these.
3. Put at least 3 items on E-bay to sell - still slacking - maybe if my computer comes back off of life support I will dabble in this this weekend. Then again maybe not.

I did get that 'economic stimulus' check and I spent half about a quarter of celebrating - yours truly's birthday. I am also no longer a 20 something but, a 30-something now. Kind of funny - I thought I'd be richer, taller or better looking by now. Oh well...

Progress Report - for week ended 5/11/08

I've been doing some thinking recently and I may be changing my strategy in a specific area of my life. That being said - here are my goals for May:

1. Write a book about Debt - I've written the 1st and 2nd chapters have the 3rd half- written. I plan to finish that chapter up tonight actually time permitting.
   
2. Increase budget on Wedding account to $7500 - I need to re-arrange my banking receipts and take a second look at the budget to see exactly where we're at on this one. I know that about $400 has been added to the account in the last couple of weeks but some wedding expenses have been purchased as well.
   
3. Put at least 3 items on E-bay to sell - I have been slacking on this goal and have no good excuse. The main focus is the book and the wedding - due to lackluster results on craigslist and lack of knowledge (i.e., ignorance) about E-bay I have been procrastinating.
   

I've been talking to one of my good friends about starting an entrepreneurial interest but were just in the 'research' stage right now. I'll give more news on that as it progresses.

Progress Report for week ended -4/27/08

So again my goal for this month has been a singular one:

Add $3000 into Wedding Savings account.

So far it's been kind of rough going. Although my fiancee hasn't done that much to help this month I really have no one to blame but myself for my Thus far disappointing results. So far I believe we've put together about $700 for the account - at the same time the fiance did find a good deal on a caterer so that should save us about $1000 or so.

I think next month I'll switch back to either a multi-goal format or more specific goals because I think I may be a little over-optimistic to think I can raise $2,300 in the next 48 hrs.

Progress Report for the Week ended 4-20-08

Here is the goal for April:

Add $3000 into Wedding Savings account.

So far it looks like we may be falling short of this goal by a bit. We've currently added about $321 to this account at this point. We've been a little bit hampered by moving as well as moving expenses.

I personally am 80% moved in at this point. But I need to do things such as switch over Internet service (I'm at my new neighborhood library currently) and redo my address before I can completely regain focus.

Luckily a few weeks ago my fiance & my fiance's mother were able to lock down catering for just under a grand so that should save us at least $300 bucks. I also already reserved and paid for the honeymoon so that's another variable we can put to rest. Once everything's moved in - we should be able to re-focus.

Progress report for Week ended - 3/23/08

So here's the status of my goals so far for the month. Lot's of progress on goal #2 :

Goals by the end of March 2008 -

1. Decide on a part-time business to focus on for at least 2 months. - I believe once the 2nd job ends at the end of the upcoming week, I will try and re-focus on maintaining this blog and increasing readership.
   
2. Save $2750 or more into Wedding savings account. - SUCCESS - As of today, the wedding account is at approximately $3777 - the balance will increase even more on Monday after I deposit some extra money I got this weekend.
   
3. Do local and regional taxes - I have a million excuses for not getting to this as of yet. none of them that good - I think I'll have to set a specific date or else I won't meet this goal.
   

I'm really pumped now that the wedding account is actually starting to build up some cash. Shortly - we might have to switch to a different bank though because earlier this month I learned interest accrues quarterly - rather than monthly. Our interests earnings thus far since opening the account = $0.09, I think we can do better it's just a matter of finding a bank that is both me and my fiance's town.

Progress report - for week ended 3/16/08

So here's the status of my goals so far for the month:

Goals by the end of March 2008 -

1. Decide on a part-time business to focus on for at least 2 months. - I keep changing my mind on what I want to do. I guess right now I have quite a few distractions going on so it's kind of throwing me off. Maybe i should just focus on publishing my book...we'll see.
   
2. Save $2750 or more into Wedding savings account. - As of today, the wedding account is at approximately $2464 - and with a a few deposits this coming week we should outstretch that goal. Both me and my fiance got our federal tax returns back so we got a nice boost.
   
3. Do local and regional taxes - OK today I looked at the forms but got bogged down with cleaning, watching movies and Procrastinating. Next weekend - definitely.

I've had a lot of distractions the past week or so starting a new job and all and then having extra tax return money in my pocket. Hopefully this coming week everything will settle down a tad so I can focus on meetings these goals by the end of this week which is very doable.

Progress report - for the week ended 2/24/08

I haven't been slacking - I swear but working two jobs while your looking for a new full time job can be tiring.


Goals by the end of February 2008 -

1. Apply to 10 full time jobs that have a starting salary at at least 90% of current income - I think I'm still at the 7 range but by the time the day is over I might have reached the goal of applying to 10 jobs.
   
2. Go to 1 or more job fairs - SUCCESS - I did go to a job fair two weeks ago to mixed results. There were only about 10-15 booths there with only one employer I would consider working for, Another that i already work for.
   
3. Interview for at least 3 jobs at current company or similar-sized company* - I'm still at 2 interviews for the month. I keep getting feedback that their may be a position within my current employer but, weeks later - no one has told me anything definite about the position I'm asking about.
   

This week I think I'm going to take breather from stressing - or at least try to because I think my anxiousness to find a new job very well may have scared off a potential future employer when I called (and called again) to follow-up. I guess finding a new job is liking finding a girlfriend or boyfriend - you'll get nowhere if you look like you're too desperate - this very well may have been my mistake this past week.

Progress Report for week ended 2/17/08

I had some computer issues yesterday so I wasn't able to update until now. Here's my progress so far.

Goals by the end of February 2008 -

1. Apply to 10 full time jobs that have a starting salary at at least 90% of current income - So far this month I've applied to 6-7 jobs that meet this description.
   
2. Go to 1 or more job fairs - I did go to a job fair last week, unfortunately there were not that many positions I would be interested in there. The one location I was interested in wouldn't take any resumes. They said "apply online" -which, in my opinion defeats the whole purpose of making the effort to go out to a job fair.
   
3. Interview for at least 3 jobs at current company or similar-sized company* - I've had about 2 job interviews within my current company so far this month. One of those positions unfortunately has already verified they picked another candidate.
   

I have been in communication with a hiring manager for a company job that I believe I have a good chance of getting however, I was under the false impression that an offer would have been made last week. Another co-worker who lost her job as well, DID receive an offer from this same hiring manager last week. I was bugging him all last week and hopefully my impatience did not ruin my chances - but, maybe it did.

Progress report - for week ended 2/10/08

So, I am ready to begin the job search again tomorrow. Here's my progress so far.

Goals by the end of February 2008 -

1. Apply to 10 full time jobs that have a starting salary at at least 90% of current income - This past week I applied to about3-5 jobs that meet this description.
   
2. Go to 1 or more job fairs - There is a fairly large job fair this week I plan to attend.
   
3. Interview for at least 3 jobs at current company or similar-sized company* - I had a job shadow/informal interview on Friday at my company. I also have an internal interview set up tomorrow so hopefully it will all be for the best.
   

*on a side note, a e-mail conversation I had last week leads me to believe I may be in the running for an internal job I already applied for. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and plan to do some follow up tomorrow - hopefully I hear some good news soon though!