Hi, everyone! My name is Gretchen Gatan Fragada. If you’re new here, I’m a writer and managing editor based in Metro Manila, Philippines. Welcome to Greta’s Junkyard where I like to document and write about my favorite things—mostly beauty, home, lifestyle, and my journey as a first-time mom. It’s been three years since my husband Cayo and I tied the knot.
Since then, we’ve achieved many of our dreams and goals together—from moving into our forever home, the #FraggyHome, to having our baby girl Cambria. But this 2023 was the first time we really sat down and reflected on the goals we want to achieve for ourselves and as partners. Read more about how our goal setting and alignment went!It all started when we saw this on Twitter and thought it to be a good idea. So we followed the same format for setting our goals.
My husband and I did an “annual planning” for the very first time, and it was a game changer for both of us.
— Mitra Raman (@ramannoodlez) December 31, 2022
We’re more aligned on our goals than ever + ready to attack the new year.
Here’s what to do: prepare a nice meal, grab a glass of wine + answer these questions:
One lesson I learned in 2022, especially as I was navigating motherhood for the first time, was to learn to accept help and choose my battles wisely. I’m also currently going through episodes of postpartum rage and anxiety, so I really hope to be able to leave my anger and resentment in 2022.
I’m lucky that Cayo is a good provider. He’s disciplined with his finances, and he balances me out. He knows how to manage me, particularly during my dark episodes. And he’s really committed to taking care of our whole family.
Goal Setting for 2023
I have a lot of little goals for myself such as decluttering clothes I no longer wear to make room in our walk-in closet. Also, I hope to be able to compete in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament again. Before I became a mom, I was a competitive athlete. And it would be nice to bring back that side of me to help me stay fit and healthy. Lastly, since Cambria entered the picture, Cayo and I haven’t gone on a romantic date yet. So this 2023, our goal is to go on dates at least once a month.
We have a lot of upcoming trips for our family—both local and international. And I’m really looking forward to those! Especially because I love seeing Cambria experience the world and discover more things around her.
Financially, I have some goals that I’m determined to accomplish. Apart from growing Cambria’s money through Tonik Bank’s time deposit, I want to build more Time Deposits and Stashes for myself.
Tips on How to Save and Grow Money
In saving up and growing my money, some of the things I started doing that have really helped me include:
- Making a list of all my monthly payables so I know how much to set aside
- Using my credit card wisely and responsibly
- Investing regularly in a mutual fund and a VUL
- Putting my money in time deposits
- Using an app to track my expenses
Additionally, I discovered a site called calculator.me that offers a ton of different free financial calculators. You can choose from Loan Amortization, Mortgage Calculators, Auto Calculators, Savings Calculators, Financial Planning, and more.
The website started in 2013 with the goal of offering consumers a collection of no-nonsense calculation tools through a clean user experience. There are no banner ads, pop-ups, and registration walls. No need to enter personal information either!
Free tools like these are so useful and can truly help anyone achieve the financial goals they’ve set for themselves.
Let’s Do This, 2023!
2022 was a huge period of adjustment for me. But this year, after setting goals with Cayo and for myself, I’m intent on attaining them as well as growing even more.
If you liked this article, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube at @gretchengatan to stay updated with all things beauty, home, lifestyle, and motherhood.