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Ashley’s 2025 Goals – Pulse Check

We’re officially halfway through 2025, so I thought it was a good time to check in on my goals for the year. This is a great opportunity to reflect on what’s going well – and where I still have some work to do.

Goal #1: Travel Less.

Grade: C+

I traveled so much in 2024 that I’d hoped to scale back this year. I’ve pre-written and scheduled this post, but as this is published I will just be wrapping up a week long trip in Hawaii! While I originally thought this would be my only trip of the year, that has not turned out to be the case.

So far, 2025 has included quite a few mini-trips:

January – Trip to Austin with the kids after my Dad was put on hospice
February – Weekend road-trip with the kids to visit family in El Paso (so glad we went because…)
April – Family trip back to El Paso for my husband’s grandfather’s funeral (we were able to see grandpa before his health suddenly declined!)
May – Trip with my sister to spread my Dad’s ashes in Utah
June – Work trip to DC
June – Family vacation in Hawaii

Honestly, I would’ve given myself a lower rating (traveling every single month feels like an “F” when the goal was to travel less). But I will never regret traveling to see family when their health is ailing (like our January and February trips), or traveling for family funeral and memorial-related visits (like our April and May trips). These trips were rooted in love and family, and I’d make them again in a heartbeat.

That said, I’m hoping things calm down a bit and we can stick closer to home for the remainder of the year. Fingers crossed!

Goal #2: Investments.

Grade: A+

We’re going strong with our investments! We have a diverse mix of accounts – from high-yield savings and CDs to mutual funds, retirement, and single stocks. We’ve started tracking our net worth with the intention of working toward our goal of purchasing a rental property in the next 12 months. I feel really good about our progress here.

Goal #3: Open an LLC.

Grade: A+

Just last month, I officially opened an LLC! I’m so excited to use it as a foundation to expand our business portfolio. We plan to use the LLC when we purchase our rental property. And although I haven’t mentioned this here before, I’ve been working behind-the-scenes on a book proposal with a goal to finish it by the end of summer. If (when!) it sells, I’ll do that through the LLC, too.

Another benefit? I hope to eventually employ the girls as they grow – helping with clerical tasks, social media content, and more. I’m eager to get them started with Roth IRAs once they’re able to contribute to the business.

Goal #4: Interview (& hire?) a financial planner/wealth manager.

Grade: A+

At the beginning of the year, we started the process of interviewing several financial planners. I likened the experience to dating. We had “first dates” with 5 different companies, and went on “second dates” (where we provided all our financial details and received sample plans) with 2 different companies.

In the end, we didn’t hire anyone. One company we liked more in terms of personality fit, but their returns averaged only 5% – which I can get from a high-yield savings account! The other seemed stronger on the financial side, but I didn’t love the advisor’s personality and there were some glaring holes in the plan (no allowance for new-to-us cars, college savings, etc.). Sure, these things can easily be updated and changed, but it just felt like he was maybe a little bit flustered and over his head – not a great fit.

Even though we didn’t end up hiring anyone, I still give myself an A+ for having gone through the full process and making an informed decision (even though the decision was not to enter into an agreement with anyone at this time).

Goal #5: Invest in what matters.

Grade: B

I’d already started buying more high-quality meats and produce, but I have not made a huge amount of progress on switching to other “clean” products like sunscreen, makeup/moisturizer, etc. I’m a little embarrassed to admit this now, given that we’ve been on a beach vacation slathered in chemical sunscreen. Probably should’ve thought that through.

Still, it’s not a failing grade. I have switched to aluminum-free deodorant, and replaced our old toxic (i.e., non-stick with scratches) bakeware for higher quality ceramic-based products. This will continue to be a work in progress

Overall Thoughts

I’m happy with where we’re at overall. For the remainder of 2025, I hope to travel less (for real, this time!), continue our saving and investing, and make more thoughtful purchases when it comes to what we put in and on our bodies.

How are you doing with your 2025 goals? Are there any changes you want to make in the second half of the year?

Ashley

Hi, I’m Ashley! Arizonan on paper, Texan at heart. Lover of running, blogging, and all things cheeeeese. Early 40s, married mother of two, working in academia. Trying to finally (finally!) pay off that ridiculous 6-digit student loan debt!

How to Shrink Your Monthly Energy Bills

by Semify

Rising energy costs can put a strain on your budget, but there are steps you can take to reduce your monthly expenses. By making a few changes in how you use and maintain your home’s energy systems, you can see significant savings. This article will guide you through practical steps that can help lower your energy bills while improving the overall comfort of your home.

Upgrade Your HVAC System

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is likely one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. According to Energy Star, it’s recommended to replace your HVAC system every 10 to 15 years to maintain its efficiency. Older systems can lose their ability to operate effectively, meaning they work harder and use more energy to heat or cool your home. Investing in a new, energy-efficient system can drastically reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills.

Even if your HVAC system isn’t quite due for replacement, ensuring it’s running efficiently is essential. Simple maintenance tasks, such as cleaning or replacing filters regularly and scheduling annual professional inspections, can help extend its lifespan and keep it working as efficiently as possible.

Maintain Your Existing HVAC System

If your HVAC system is relatively new, proper maintenance is key to ensuring it performs optimally for years to come. According to This Old House, an HVAC system can last between 15 to 20 years if it is properly maintained. Regular maintenance involves tasks like changing air filters, checking the refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and ensuring that all moving parts are lubricated. A well-maintained system uses less energy to perform the same tasks, which can save you money in the long run.

Additionally, ensure that your home’s ducts are sealed and insulated. Leaky ducts can lead to significant energy loss, making your HVAC system work harder and raising your bills.

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

One of the simplest ways to reduce your energy costs is by switching to energy-efficient appliances. Look for appliances that have an Energy Star rating, which indicates that they meet or exceed the energy efficiency standards set by the government. These appliances use less electricity and help reduce your overall consumption.

If you need to replace major appliances such as your refrigerator, washing machine, or dryer, consider investing in high-efficiency models. Although these products may come with a higher upfront cost, their long-term savings on energy bills will quickly offset that initial investment.

Seal Gaps and Insulate Your Home

A well-insulated home is key to maintaining comfortable temperatures and reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling. Ensure that your home is properly insulated in key areas, such as the attic, walls, and floors. In addition, seal any gaps around windows, doors, and vents where air could escape or enter.

According to Onedesk, the average family spends about $2,000 every year on energy bills, with half of that amount going toward keeping the house warm in the winter or cool in the summer. By sealing gaps and improving insulation, you can maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, which reduces the need for constant adjustments to your HVAC system.

Invest in Solar Panels

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to reduce your energy bills, consider installing solar panels. Solar energy systems can significantly reduce your reliance on electricity from the grid, and depending on your location, they can even allow you to sell excess energy back to your utility company.

Although the initial cost of solar panels can be high, many governments offer tax incentives or rebates that can help reduce the installation costs. Over time, the savings on your energy bills will outweigh the upfront investment, making solar panels a smart financial choice for many homeowners.

By making a few simple yet impactful changes to your home, you can significantly lower your monthly energy bills. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system, improving insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and optimizing thermostat settings are just a few strategies that can help you achieve these savings. According to Onedesk, the average family spends about $2,000 annually on energy bills, with a significant portion going toward heating and cooling. Taking steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency will not only save you money but also create a more comfortable living environment year-round. Start implementing these changes today, and watch your energy costs drop.