With the new year approaching its only right that I get my finances in order. With that said I'll get right into it.
Background
I'm 26 years old and I live in the Midwest. I've been working in Communications at a retail company for a little over a year making a little under $50K a year. I graduated from college in 2013 with a degree in Advertising (minors in Graphic Design and Marketing if you were curious) and approximately $35K in debt. My favorite passtimes are going out (bars particularly), new restaurants and my newest addition makeup. All which are big downfalls when it comes to reaching financial independence. I always thought I was great at managing my finances and always had a true interest for it but the more I read up on it I feel behind and not as knowledgeable as I thought I was. Background aside and on to the numbers.
Finances
Monthly Income: $2822 (might go down as I've added health insurance and a buy in to my companies vacation program or up as I'm do for a raise)
Monthly Expenses $1431
Rent: $660
Credit Card: $54
Student Loans: $172
Food: $300
Gas: $90
Cable/Internet: $105
Miscellaneous: $50
Yearly Expenses $1483
License Renewal (Feb): $100
Oil Changes (Quarterly): $115
Tires: $400
Car Insurance: $868
TOTAL (Average) MONTHLY EXPENSES:$1554
Projected Monthly Savings: $1268 or about 45% of my monthly income
Assets: $11465.81
401K A: $4937.69 (I contribute 5% of my income or $200/mo. to my 401K with a 5% company match)
401K B: $489.84
Investment Account A: $2657.61
Investment Account B: $1084.53
Bonds: $971.14
2002 Saturn: $1325
2015 Yearly Dividends: $14.52
Liabilities: $36639
Student Loan 1: $18089.56 (6.8% Interest)
Student Loan 2: $7302.16 (6.8% Interest)
Student Loan 3: $ 3261.28 (6.0% Interest)
Loan from Parents: $5275
Credit Card: $2714
NET WORTH: -$25173.19
Financial Independence and Early Retirement
My early retirement amount is $466,200 and a dividend portfolio. I haven't dived into this number and I'm not even sure how to obtain a accurate number.
I did Monthly Expenses ($1554) x Year (12)/ 4% Withdrawal Rate (.04).
GOAL: -$25173.19/$466200 (-.05%)
Goals
This year I really want to put into place some lifestyle as well financial goals. I know without changing my lifestyle I won't be able to sustain a life of financial independence.
Goal 1: Pay off Student Loan 1 or $19000 of debt
This would be a huge win for me. Not only would it slash my debt in half but would also free up $100 per month that is devoted to this student loan payment. Based on my Projected Monthly Savings value, I should be able to pay $15216 on my debt but with a potential raise, eligibility for company bonus this year, possible tax returns and skinning up my budget I think it might be tough but attainable.
Goal 2: Follow Through and be More Accountable
Generally, I let things slip through the cracks for one reason or another but this journal, as well as other things in my life, I want to start seeing them to the end. I want to work on not giving up so easily when I make a mistake or being so overwhelmed because I cannot achieve perfection so I pass on challenges and as a result, opportunities
Goal 3: Complete the 100 Thing Challenge
I started reading the 100 Thing Challenge Book by Dave Bruno and I didn't even give it a chance. As part of making a lifestyle change it would be a good idea to pull away from consumerism and focus on minimalism and simple living. I'll try to remember to post my list of my 100 items
Goal 4: Propel My Career and Invest in Myself
After graduating I was just happy to have a job but now that I have been working with the same company for a little over a year and I have already been promoted in that time I want to focus on accomplishing more in the workplace and investing in my self professionally. This means truly figuring out what I want to do. Of course I want to retire early but that doesn't mean I have to give up things I enjoy and if I'm lucky maybe while I'm retired I can spend time doing more things that I love and even make a buck doing it. Wouldn't that be something. I want to focus on trying new avenues this year meeting more people.
Goal 4: Cook at Home. Eat Out Less.
Last but definitely not least start cooking at home! Eating at restaurants is by far my most expensive habit. Its just something about going to a restaurant, particularly out of town, and ordering a new meal that I've never had before that just does something for me. I'm truly hooked on the experience and the plethora of options and the fact that I don't quite love my own cooking. Setting this goal will help me save money, hone in on a minimalist living (especially since restaurants generally give huge unnecessary portions) and actually learn to cook meals I enjoy.
. Just know it won't happen again. 
. Also, I'm taking a leisure trip to Virginia which was planned before I started my ERE journey. The flight I believe is $195 so I plan to spend no more than $100 while there on a 3 day trip (Wish me luck!). I also have to pay my license renewal fee this month and purchase my yearly prescription of contacts. Last year I only owed $52 out of pocket so I over budgeted a bit this year just in case. Plan is to have $389 remaining and I will put that toward my emergency savings.