Happy One Year Blogiversary To Me!!!

I can’t believe that I started Million Dollar Ninja 365 days ago. Time does go by fast when you are having fun!

I started this blog as a way of keeping track of my progress towards reaching financial independence and as a reference for my friends and family to do the same.  I knew it was going to be challenging coming up with topics to write about, but I had no idea it was going to be this much fun.

I also did not know that I was going to be virtually meeting so many cool, like-minded people in the personal finance blogosphere.  But the thing that still surprises me is the thought that thousands of people – not friends of mine – have stopped by this website to check out what I have to say.

To everyone that have taken some time out of their busy schedule to pay Million Dollar Ninja a visit:  Thank You.

A Look Back at MDN’s First Year

I guess since the reason I started MDN was to keep track of my progress, the least I can do is tell you about my progress.

This past year has been very exciting for me.  I took a page out of Budgets Are Sexy and have been challenging all my expenses. We cut the cord, switched to a less expensive cellphone plan, and joined a CSA.

I contributed enough to my 401k to get the company match, so with the match I’m saving 10.5% of my salary in the 401k.  I also maxed out my Roth-IRA contributions for 2014.  In total, I’m saving a bit over 18% of my annual salary for my retirement.

I have only been able to save two months of expenses for my emergency fund, but that’s because I had been tackling my debt aggressively.  Because of my aggressive debt-payment plan, I now can say that I am completely debt free.

The great part about all this – aside from being debt free – is that I did all of it while still having fun.

This past year we went on a lot of different trips, some were weekend trips – Boston, Philadelphia, and Vermont – and others were 7-10 day vacations – Idaho/Yellowstone and Italy.

It goes to show that even though you probably have to sacrifice some things in order to get out of debt, you don’t have to sacrifice it all.  Make sure you include “money for fun” in your budget and debt payment plan.

The Plan Moving Forward

My main goal last year was to get rid of as much debt as possible. My financial goal for this year was to pay off all my debt, which I accomplished.  My next financial goal is to build my emergency fund and to start investing in taxable accounts.

I guess I could also take this opportunity to give an update on my other non-financial goals for this year.

Exercise at least three times per week – This has been a fail.  I workout every week at least once and often times twice, but I have only worked out three times a week a handful of times.  I don’t know why I dislike working out so much.  I’ll continue working out every week and I’ll try to make it three times, but I won’t promise anything.

Climb at least one level/grade higher – I’m still working on this one.  It has been hard, but I feel like I’ve seen some progress.  I still haven’t been able to do it, but I have 8 months to accomplish it.  I just have to keep at it.

Read at least 12 books this year – I’m way ahead of pace for this one.  It has only been three full months and I’m already on my ninth book.  This has been the easiest of my goals because I like to read.  I also set some daily reading goals, which helps me read on a daily basis.  My daily goal is only 30 pages and it usually takes me 30 minutes or so.  I don’t always sit and read for 30 minutes straight, but I make sure to read a total of 30 pages throughout the day.  Many times I get into the book and read more than 30 pages, but as long as I meet my daily goal I’m happy.

Happy Blogiversary!!!

Even though I sometimes have felt too lazy to write posts, I am extremely excited about the future of Million Dollar Ninja. Hopefully MDN will continue to grow and keep helping people make the right choices – or at least some choices – about their financial future.

So please keep coming back, tell your friends and family, and spread the word because there’s still a lot more to come.

I hope your year was also great and let’s tackle this next year together… it will be fun!!!

Now, where’s my cake?