To write, I’m glad that 2022 is over is quite an understatement. I’ve detailed almost everything that happened to me last year here.
Here’s what I wanted to do at the beginning of 2022:
- Have more f***k you money: I’ve always saved money for potential emergencies. I also realized I needed to have more money stashed to be able to get out of any bad/unfavorable situation, without worrying about the financial consequences. This was accomplished. It seems like almost preternatural that I wrote this back then given how 2022 unfolded.
- Resume traveling: I’m a lifelong traveler. I’m hoping to visit a few countries next year, depending on the Covid situation and associated restrictions. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen. I only was able to go to France to visit my family and that was it. I had other travel plans I wasn’t able to act on, due to financial constraints.
Other 2022 Findings
Now that December is over, I was able to review and analyze my finances for the entire 2022 year. Surprisingly, I spent slightly less in 2022 than in both 2021 and 2020, despite a galloping inflation of 7% in Canada.
In 2022, I spent $ 767 less in 2021, and $ 3 480 less than in 2020. The bulk of the difference is on groceries and my car. I was pleasantly surprised about my grocery bill. In 2022, food prices saw a 15% hike. We’re not done just yet with inflation, unfortunately. I’m glad I was able to keep my personal inflation under control.
The other main finding is that I need a change in my life in general. Actually, I need several changes.
My 2023 Goals
My main goal is to have a meaningful year, in line with my values and my needs. This is actually easier said than done. Case in point with my 2022 that was anything but. 2023 is the year to get back on track and get unstuck.
- Rebuild my social life: the pandemic has been extremely hard for me, socially. I lost a few friends and realized I didn’t have as many friends as I initially thought. Being single and with no family here, having a social life is very important. I need those in-person connections, and I need more of them. I would also like to spend the next Christmas with my family in France. The last time I spent Christmas with my family was in 2018.
- Resume traveling: same wish as in 2022.
- Switch careers: as previously mentioned, Accounting isn’t appealing to me anymore. I found out what I wanted to do instead and want to do a practice-run sometime this quarter, and then go from there. Changing career could have a cascading effect and more ramifications. I’ll discuss these in due time.
I’m not including any financial goals or blogging goals. I’m choosing to focus on what’s most important to me.
What about you? How was your 2022? What do you hope to accomplish in 2023?
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