January Review

January was a busy month, and it flew by quickly. I began the month training at my new job, and then starting back at school for Spring Semester.

My January financial accomplishments include:
- Signed apartment lease for next year at school
- Paid off the credit card bill which was quite hefty, as it included Christmas, a trip to New York, and other expenditures.
- Finished training and have been working a full schedule as a tax preparer
- Filed 2008 taxes - due a refund of about $250
- Made a contribution to IRA (only $60, but it counts - was also paid nearly $60 in year-end dividends)
- Checked credit report through one of the bureaus
- Paid deposit on August cruise

Now, I had hoped to make more contributions to my IRA, put some money towards savings bonds, and begin saving cash for my August vacation - but the cost of heading back to school (read expensive books) and a credit card bill that was much higher than normal, I wasn't able to completely meet all of my goals. That said, when summed up, January was a solid month for meeting my financial goals.

February's goals will include: $100 to IRA, $50 Savings Bonds, pay off this month's CC, begin building up cash reserves for travel and to meet savings goals for graduation next May.