Re~defining our goals

[Jamauk]

As you guys know, we've had a lot of changes to our plans recently. One thing its made us do is sit down and refocus on our goals and figure out our priorities. We came to several realizations:

We were working on too many goals at one time. Building our log home has been a goal of ours since we met. We are so excited about it, but we got a little ahead of ourselves here. One reason we chose the style of log home that we did is because it can be built very inexpensively and help us on our quest to a debt free life. We recently found Dave Ramsey and decided to get gazelle and get everything paid off in record time.

Working on a log home and paying off debt don't work out so well when you are trying to to do both things at the same time.

The property we bought really didn't work out for what we had planned. There were little compromises here, another one there, a few over here....before we realized what had happened we were so far away from our original goal, we didn't even recognize it anymore.

So, now we are focused and driven. Here is our new game plan:

Put Dave's plan in action and go gazelle like you've never seen. Get all of our debt paid off and have a nice sized EF by the end of 2009. At this point, start looking at properties again. Keeping in mind our original goal of acreage, a couple of out buildings, livestock, gardening, etc....

Purchase property with (hopefully) about 50% down and begin building a small guest home and paying cash as we go. Move into the guest home and then start building our "dream home" on the same property ~ again paying cash as we go.

Get property paid off and allow Angrypuppy to follow his dreams and take a fun flying job instead of being a slave to the airlines.

I'm going to completely redo my signature and list our debts/goals to keep me accountable (and focused) and I'll continue to post here as we go along.

[Moor]

good for you!
dh and i really need to sit down and get our goals in order.
i hope that you get things going like you want!

[Samigirl]

Sounds like a great plan Jessica. I wish you and Angrypuppy much success!

[Cricketlegs]

Sometimes plans change. I think a budget and debt payoff goals need to be evaluated every so often.

Life changes everyday so why shouldn't the budget goals?

The important thing is to stay on track with whatever your plan is and work it!

I wish you the very best.

[MTS04]

Wow, you really seem focused now. Good for you for making that change and staying focused on the ultimate goal. Go Team Jamauk!

[dianne9106]

I think you guys can do it according to your time line. It's tough, but do-able. Sometimes we do get sucked up in our "dreams" and we loose site of what we really need to do for ourselves in order to stay grounded. I am glad that you two decided to take this route instead of the one you intended awhile back. The gratification of it will be so much sweeter! Best Wishes!!

[Greebo]

There's nothing quite like focused intensity! Good plan - we're rooting for you!

[Parksfamily5]

Good for you. I hope that we get as focused as you. It seems that you have a great plan. Good Luck!

[knotme]

sounds like a good plan. good luck.

[Mrsokdee]

I've been feeling the need to redefine out goals as well. When I think of all the things our money needs to do I can get overwhelmed! I think you've given me just the push I need. Good luck with your new goals.

[Jamauk]

I've been feeling the need to redefine out goals as well. When I think of all the things our money needs to do I can get overwhelmed! I think you've given me just the push I need. Good luck with your new goals.

Deedra,
I know, when we think of everything we want our money to do, it does get very overwhelming. Making a list of everything and then prioritizing it really helped us see that everything will eventually get done. We just need to take it one step at a time. Instead of juggling it all at once

[frugalfriend]

Good for you! Sounds like a great plan. You won't regret taking this time and getting intense to pay off the debt first, and then go forward with your dreams!