Made it through my first two official teaching observations, and two BTSA observations. Definitely improving with each observation (at least, according to the feedback? i think? hopefully? =P). We’ll see how the third official one goes. It’s definitely crunch time with only 3 weeks left before break.
I finally signed up for a 403b plan. For those not into non-profits, it’s the same as you’re 401k plans. Unfortunately, no matching from the district, because it is a non-profit organization. Boo. I decided to go for a fixed annuity with about 3% rate of return - yeah super low, I know. But I haven’t had time to look over the more aggressive variable funds yet, and I don’t think I will have the time till summer anyways. $500/month into the 403b pre-tax from January till June will give me $3000 in 403b contributions. Then next year, I’ll see about changing to variable rate (assuming I’m still teaching….?). The key was not so much getting a high rate of return, but to lower my taxable income.
My other financial goal is to save up at least $10,000 in liquid cash to live off of from July through September. If I can find some sort of part-time job or earn some cash on the side during the summer, that will be more I can save up. =) That 10k is supposed to exclude any Japan/Taiwan trip expenditures for the summer, meaning I will actually have to save up more than 10k to pay for the Asia trip for Jonathan’s wedding. Sigh. Tough, but very doable I think.
Last goal (one of the ones I’m looking forward to the most) is to finish paying off my student loans by the end of June. If I keep paying it back at my current rate of $1000/month, then I should be done by then, which would be a huge load off my mind.
Maybe by 2009 I can afford a new car. ^_^ Maybe. My old ‘98 Accord is still holding up really well and I haven’t even hit 90k miles yet.
Physical goal: I need to lose weight and get more healthy. But I am also very unmotivated when it comes to actually doing it. And it’s getting cold out, so it’s harder to convince my self to even step outside to go to a gym, much less actually run or play tennis outside. Would losing 5 pounds a month be reasonable? With a total of 35 pounds lost by the end of June (in time to feast in Asia! :D)? I will try it. Please remind me not to eat so much. I say this as I’m starving because I forgot to bring my lunch to work….and will most likely go home and eat before dinner…but yeah, oh well.