2017 Summary, Proud And Grateful

This was the year I did it.  As I sit here looking back on my 2017 and realize where I’m at now, I’m proud and grateful.

Proud because I finally started to fully reap the benefits of the smart financial living that I quietly practiced for so many years.  I pulled the trigger and went part time at my job.  A semi-FIRE.  It’s glorious, and sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s real.

And I’m grateful that I’ve been blessed enough to be able to do it.  I realize that many can’t because of their circumstances.  Of the many new projects that I want to throw time at, giving back is high on my list.

I want to thank my readers, all five of you, for supporting me (ok, it’s a few more than that and I might be wearing that joke out…).  

It’s a bit nerve-wracking doing this blogging thing and putting your thoughts and experiences out there for all to see and comment on, but it’s been very rewarding and fun.  I’m excited to see where it goes and what opportunities it might open up.

More importantly, I’ve been awed by the generosity and flat-out coolness of the other personal finance bloggers in the community.  Folks help each other, share posts, contribute ideas, and there’s funny gifs too. 

Just last night Amy from Life Zemplified took the time to drop me a note and tell me that my Twitter share button was not connected to my account.  She didn’t have to do that.  The community is amazing.

I don’t want all of these new contacts to stay virtual, and I was lucky to meet some great folks in person a little while back.  I hope to make that a far more common thing in 2018.

Lastly, I’m not big on resolutions but one of my 2018 goals is to perfect the famous “Peanuts dance”.

I know, ambitious right?  I see copious amounts of bourbon in my future….

Like many I’ll be taking next week off but will return on Jan 2nd.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!