2014

2014 was certainly a year of changes for me.  My job changed from a drudge to a delight, as I shifted from teaching junior high school to high school.  The GF and I visited Dubai, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and South Korea, all for the first time ever.  We made a major life decision to move back to the USA, and leave the teaching industry.  And, we started, and continue to, decompress our lives, only hanging onto things we really need.

In the midst of all of this I'm still marching towards FI.  The funny thing is, I don't really think about it much anymore.  Saving and investing are just natural reactions to me now.

Having said that, and now that the Kechi One's fiscal year (January 15-January 14) is over I can report that I saved 49% of my income from 2014!  This is shy of my goal which was at least 50%, and I'd have been happier with 55%, but again this was with taking trips, eating out, giving presents, etc.

My portfolio is now fluctuates around $80,000 and puts out over $2,000 a year in dividends.  I've got a ways to go, but I'd say I've made huge strides.  I started investing in 2012, and in three years I feel I've built a solid foundation to spring forward from.

I haven't invested in any new positions since November, as I'm saving my money for the move coming up in March/April.  Depending on the job situation, I'm not sure if I'll be able to initiate anything new till June or July.  I'm very excited for the future and can't wait to make more progress in 2015.

I hope you all had a great 2014, and best of luck in 2015!

2013 Goals

Not going to make this a long post.  My goals for 2013 are pretty simple.

1.  Savings rate of 55%

Last year I went for 60% and ended with below 50%.  I had some big expenditures last year which I don't see needing to pay this year.  I should also get a raise at work.  60% might still be a bit out of my reach but I'd rather shoot for the moon and crash land than not even bother leaving the house.

2.  Floss every night.

This might sound pedestrian but it's the little things that make all the difference.  Perhaps if I had taken better care of my teeth I wouldn't have had to pay so much in dental bills last year.  I have been flossing every night since December 28th last year with maybe one or two misses.  I believe it takes 66 days to form permanent habits so I'm well on my way.

3.  Do at least 5 pull-ups a day in January, 6 in February, 7 in March, etc.

Almost like the flossing you have to start out small and work your way up.  I need more upper body strength for biking plus I would like to work out both my upper and lower body.  Biking gives me legs quite the work out so I need another activity to keep things even.

4.  Dividends of $1000.00

I'd like to think I can hit this.  Last year I ended just shy of $400.00.  If I can reduce expenses to free up more capital for investing in dividend growth stocks I think I could hit this.  Again, shoot for the moon...

That's it.  Pretty simple.