We’re in the second half of 2021 and look where we are now?! Still. In. The. Freaking. Pandemic. I blame the government this time. I don’t feel appropriate even to share my life so openly during this time as I see people are struggling to make ends meet. It’s a depressing situation for the country.
MAIN HIGHLIGHT
So ya my main highlight of June is the same as everyone else in Malaysia – another ‘full lockdown’ aka Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) though I always misread the F as something else.
This time, it’s a bit special because I live totally alone all by myself. It’s a quiet month, literally. But very exciting – personally – as I learn doing all the domestic work by myself, like cooking. Oh ya, I can cook now.
SPENDING HIGHLIGHTS
I have no spending to highlight because I didn’t spend unnecessarily in June! I’m super proud.
My grocery and household expenses did shoot up though but still acceptable considering that I cooked more than tapau via delivery.
- RM386 – Groceries including household products
- RM168 – Food delivery
Unfortunately, there’s RM160 unaccounted for because I could not track back where it went. But I guess it must’ve gone to groceries/food as well as I didn’t buy anything unnecessary.
MID-YEAR REVIEW
Time to review how I did so far in terms of my Financial Goal of 2021.
1. Savings
Goal #1: To save RM20k by 31st December 2021 (start savings afresh, not on top of the RM10k from 2020).
Mid-Year Progress: 35%
Uh-oh not good, considering that I managed to save RM5k in 5 months last year (having no-buy year). I honestly don’t think I would reach this RM20k goal this year considering that I have no side income and I will have major life spending later this year. Guess what?
2. Side hustle
Goal #2: To have income from multiple sources.
Mid-Year Progress: 0%
This goal is not a SMART one (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-based). I did have plans but unfortunately, I lack the willpower in executing them. Ish.
3. Work
Goal #3: To get at least 15% raise from my main job.
Mid-Year Progress: 101%
Guys, I achieved this one! Yours truly got promoted this year! And the promotion came with a 17% raise.
4. Blogging
Goal #4: To consistently blog once a week. By the end of next year, we will see at least 52 extra posts ok. Join me and let’s see where this will take us.
Mid-Year Progress: 80%
At this point, I should’ve posted at least 26 posts and I managed 21 posts. Not bad. Those times that I missed, it’s due to work.
5. Stocks trading
Goal #5: Get positive return in stocks trading.
Mid-Year Progress: 0%
Still not making a positive return, I don’t trade often. I will continue learning and will invest with robo-advisors this year.
Read more: My First Stock Trading Experience as A Total Beginner in Malaysia.
ALL IN ALL
Slow progress. But I’m not going to be hard on myself about this because 2 of the goals this year are unchartered territory for me – side hustle and stock trading. Plus, it’s not easy to do new things when everything around you is gloomy.
Anyway, it’s still a good year as I manage to stick with the good financial habits that I’ve built up from last year, and I got my spending under control!
If you’re interested, here’s my monthly spending review thus far this year:
- My January Highlight: I Spent RM430 on Covid-19 Tests, Twice!
- My February Highlight: Work is Crazy
- My March Highlight: Here’s How I Spent My Tax Refund
- My April Highlight: I’m Having a Spending Relapse
- My May Update: Getting Back on Track
Let’s continue figuringgitout!