2013 Financial Goal

Money is one of those odd things everyone wants to know about, but no one wants to talk about. In the hopes of encouraging others to save and spend wisely, I'm going to delve into my financial theories and goals for 2013.

We are not big earners, but we are not big spenders. I feel as though we are pretty average in the American world. Husband's income is public knowledge, as you can find it on the internet, and for the past 6 years, we've lived very comfortably and happily on just his income. We've traveled Europe, had two kids, owned a few cars, and kept a savings account with a comma in it. But now that we are more established in life, we'd like to have a bit more financial stability and prepare for the future.

We were very lucky to start our marriage with no debt. Husband had a car loan, which was away ahead of schedule and I had no debt, but some a few thousand in savings to our name. Our first year was tight, as it should be, and we got by just fine, keeping about $1,000 in savings at all times. Luckily for us, tax time is a good time, and with deployments, we always seem to get some back.

After three years in Europe and two kids, we had some financial and culture shock coming back to the states and settling in, very expensive, Maryland. Thanks to some creative financial planning, we made it through those two years and were able to start 2013 in a great place.

My goals for 2013 in the financial realm are as follows:

1. Pay off the Ford.
2. Get our emergency savings account up to $5,000.
3. Continue to save for our 10 year anniversary.
4. Increase 529 Contribution from $25 to $50 monthly.
5. Save for family vacation fund, have $2,500.
6. Keep our general savings at $1,000.

Can't wait to check these items off of my list as the year goes by.