#10YEARCHALLENGE
2009? I don’t even remember what I had for dinner last night much less remember what was happening in 2009. I was 33, not 43 and living in Atlanta with my dog, Riley, and working for the most incredible mentor who “raised me” in business. Back then it was all about working hard and having fun. I did anything I wanted and could afford…and sometimes couldn’t afford – went to every Auburn game with full tailgate, traveled, ate dinner out with friends 4-5 times a week and jumped out of a perfectly good airplane. I bought my first house at 29 because I thought that was what I was supposed to do and 3 ½ years later it was worth about $50,000 less than what I paid for it…and it wasn’t like I went crazy – I paid $154,900.
 | I had to go way back in the Facebook files to find a photo from 2009 and this was the only one. So, you get a little story. This is me at my first NASCAR race (I told you I used to be fun) at Atlanta Motor Speedway. I was crazy about NASCAR. I had just done the Richard Petty Experience with work – the one where you drive the stockcar around the track 8 times and follow a pace car. I stalled out 5 times in pit row and then completed the 8 laps with a top speed of 143mph. I beat everyone that day…until some man asked to go a second time so he could beat me. He REALLY requested to go around again because he had been beaten by a girl. You get an asterisk, bro. |
2019
It’s hard to think of all the things that have happened in the last 10 years. Highs – moved cities, changed industries, got married, bought another house, buying a business, became an aunt. Lows – lost my grandmother, lost some friendships, miss dear friends in Atlanta, don’t have as much fun as I used to. Have the last 10 years be fulfilling? Absolutely! The running theme through all these years is that I get to help people have better lives.
Looking at the next decade, it’s crazy to think what is on the horizon. There is no telling what will happen. I’m not a write-it-down sort of person but I do live with intention. Bailey and I are going to sit down and look at our short-term and long-term goals. Buying the business is a huge constant in our financial planning but we do plan to save, do things to the house and enjoy along the way. There are other things like getting a will and other documents together, long-term care and disability insurance that is going to have to happen – being an adult is fun!
I have to ask - What are you thinking about for the next 10 years? What have you been avoiding doing that you know you need to get done? Could it be one of the following:
- Saving to your 401(k)
- Saving more to your 401(k)
- Saving for an emergency fund
- Saving $1000 - $100 - anything
- Life insurance
- Save for a house
- Learning about finances
- Getting a financial plan together
- Will - Health Directive – Power of Attorney
- Look for a better job
- Professional Development
It’s nagging at you isn’t it? Me, too.
Being responsible with your finances is the ultimate Self-Care. Think about it, you can’t do anything without money. You work hard to make it – don’t let it all slip away. You don’t have to give up all the fun, but you do have to be mindful about what you spend. Don’t let the next 10 years get by without taking care of yourself.
Cheers and see you in 2020!
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The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
