2016 Financial Year in Review

On so many levels 2016 has been a pretty difficult year.  It seems like each time I log into social media or turn on the news, I am hearing about some sort of heartbreaking loss.  While I know that many of you are looking forward to seeing 2016 go (and I must say that I pretty much agree), I'd like to take a moment to reflect.  Along the path to financial freedom, there are obstacles, and at times it seems like you're not getting anywhere.  It feels like a ginormous treadmill to nowhere...  But that's not true.  The path is taking you SOMEwhere.  It is taking you to the destination you choose.  I am choosing the path to financial freedom, and while 2016's victories can feel like a splash in the bucket, I feel that it is important to recognize them for what they are, VICTORIES!

So, without further ado, here are my 2016 victories:

1. Started our Emergency Savings:  Remember, starting it doesn't mean it is complete!  This is still a work in process, but it is well under way!
2. Contributed to a Roth IRA:  This is one of the best retirement accounts to have!  If you aren't contributing yet, you should absolutely start doing so!
3. Picked up several "side gigs":  Side gigs are what help to keep us ahead!  It makes it easier to fund things with cash, paid debts faster, etc.
4. Went to the UK and paid for it in cash!  Gone are the days of using a credit card for vacation.  This was literally the best vacation of my life because the bill was paid in full.
5. Bought a new roof for our rental property and paid for it in cash!  A lot of folks finance an expense like this.  I saw it coming and arranged our finances to accommodate paying for it in cash.
6. Maintained a life that is free of credit card debt.  It is one thing to pay off a credit card.  It is something else entirely to keep it paid off!
7. Paid off 1 of 2 private student loans.  One down and one to go!  Hopefully before 2017 is over, I will have paid off the second one as well.

Now that I see what we've accomplished in 2016, I feel confident that my partner and I can do just as well in 2017.  It motivates me to set some goals for the year, and work toward meeting them.  For right now, I am going to take a moment and enjoy recognizing the work that we've done this year.

What have you accomplished this year?