Goal Six: Finish Reading Books I Own

This goal will be a hard one to accomplish. In addition to finishing the books, I will be trying very hard not to buy new ones, and I would like to sell or donate the books once I'm done with them. They are contributing to clutter, and I rarely read books twice. Also, I discovered the university library has a great selection of best sellers, even some that I've bought! I wish I had gone there sooner. On my to-read list at the moment :

Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea - Chelsea Handler
BONK! (Checked out from the library!) - Mary Roach
The 4-Hour Work Week - Tim Ferriss(In my quest to improve my financial situation)

I am a fairly quick reader, but with work, and school, and everything else going on, it is increasingly difficult to finish and absorb a book like I used to. I also subscribe to and read (every month) :
Cosmopolitan
Marie Claire
Glamour
Budget Travel
Nylon
Men's Health (my boyfriend's)
Details (free subscription)
Martha Stewart Living (free subscription)

I can't help it. I feel the compelling need to consume information. Though this time could be better used studying and improving my academic situation.

Goal Four: Lose Weight

In alot of pf blogs, I've noticed that the discussion has come up that weight and health often seem to be linked to financial state. I definitely agree with that. As I have gained debt, I have also gained weight. There is alot of stress associated with owing money, especially to family members, and I think this has led to stress-eating and weight gain. I am glad that my mom does not need the money back right away, but for personal reasons, I would like to pay it back as soon as possible. My boyfriend and I both gained weight since we started dating, but he has spent his summer getting back into shape and is looking fantastic, while I spent my summer in class and not doing much else. I am only 5ft tall and have ballooned to 150lbs! I am curvy, but that is a very unhealthy weight. In high school, I weighed 95-100lbs.! My ideal weight for my height would be 110lbs. I love to eat, and am also quite a good cook. There is a community gym available to me, as well as a gym available at school. Additionally, there is a gym I could join that has personal trainer service, but I don't know if I should spend the money to join just for that when there are 2 other venues available to me. It is so hard to get motivated! I even bought a bike at the begining of summer, but only rode it a few times. My goal is going to be to formulate a food and exercise plan, stick to it, and actually make it to 110lbs. (or close) by my birthday in February.

Goal 2: Create an Emergency Fund

I realized much of my initial credit card debt would not have been incurred had I planned properly and had an emergency fund in place. I have recently opened up an account on ING Direct to save for travel, and think I will start my emergency fund through them as well. Since the money is not easily accessible, it will be out of sight and out of mind. I think an initial goal of $1000 dollars for my emergency fund will be a good starting point. It is enough to fly me home on short notice, to pay the car insurance deductible, to make a mortgage payment on my bf's townhouse, to get an apartment if needed, and to pay the medical insurance deductible in case anything major happens to me. Ideally, I would like to have more saved, but would prefer to get my debt paid off first.