Sunday, January 16, 2011

It's that time of year...

When most people plan resolutions and fall off the wagon quickly. A few years ago, Brandon and I decided that we really aren't resolution kind of folks. We decided that each year in December and January we'd reminisce, dream and then make (or update) long term goals.

We also project the budget out another year on our spreadsheet so that we stay 2 years ahead. Of course things change, but we like to see when our projected finances meet with our future goals.

For example, with another addition we'll max out our vehicle, so we have a goal to save for our next vehicle so that we are able to pay for it in cash.

We are also getting around to thinking about buying a house so a house down payment of 20% plus closing costs is a long term goal too.

It's been interesting to watch our spreadsheets and goals change. We've had to majorly edit a few things.... like our family-growing plans. We were actively trying to add to our family in 2007 and 2008, but that didn't happen via adoption or birth. I never had on any list to move to Virginia. In 2009, we were matched with Xander much more quickly than we ever dreamed. And right as we were gearing up to adopt again.. Solomon made his presence known via morning sickness.

I chuckle when I think of how things have worked out. Sure, I thought I had it all planned out in such an ideal way, but when I look around me and then look at my lists... God has planned our lives far better than we ever hoped or dreamed. I still continue to hope and plan, but in a much more relaxed way than I once did.

If only I could go back and tell that Stephanie that things were going to work out and that things would be far greater than she ever imagined...

1 comment:

Tracy said...

Great strategy, Stephanie. :)

It's amazing how the Lord uses our finances to show Himself to us. It makes sense. After all, most of us pay very close attention to our money. If we look carefully, we will see Him at work every step of the way.

Nice to read an update from you. :)