The year 2015 is ending and we are soon welcoming 2016. I came across this interesting post (The 2015 Cheerfulegg Annual Review) and decided to do one similar. It is a quick and simple way of reflecting how I spent the year 2015. The original idea came from Chris Guillebeau on his blog post (How to Conduct Your Own Annual Review).
- What went well
- What did not go well
- Planning for next year
What went well
A Job Promotion
Yes! I got promoted in my job this year. More responsibilities for me ahead.
Took an Investment Course
I was aggressively learning about stock investing this year. I paid and signed up for a 1 day investment course that teaches me all about investing for consistent and sustainable dividend. Many methodologies out there but oh yeah, I feel that this suits me.
Birth of My Sweet Retirement.com
It has always been my dream to start my own website but I did not what to write about. After reading The Bf Gf Money Blog, I hesitated no more and purchased my web hosting and domain the day after. I decided to join the league of Financial Bloggers.
Four Vacations in 2015
Not so bad! In 2015 alone, I visited Bangkok, China, Hong Kong and recently had a staycation at Sentosa.
What did not go well
Failed Business Venture
Ended my joint venture with wife that sells children clothes. Many tried but failed and we are one of them. We did break even our initial investments within 6 months but it is all about the sustainability. Too much of our own labour is required to do stock ordering, stock taking and hunting for quality suppliers. Just felt it was not worth the effort spent. We have bigger dreams.
End of the Bull Run
With the China Yuan devaluation, falling oil prices and Fed rate hike, the year 2015 is a year of turbulence. My stock portfolio suffered but not too bad. There is a mixture of gains and losses. I have sold off stocks I bought due to speculation and stick decision to buy or sell after doing my personal analysis. No more buying or selling based on emotions, gut feel or broker’s tips.
Hospitalization
I failed to take care of my health resulting myself being hospitalized in June this year. The total bill came to be a hefty amount more than 10 thousand dollars. Luckily, I have bought the rider on top of the basic medishield plan which covers most of the costs.
Planning for next year
Achieve 10K of Passive Income
Gradually move from a value investor into an income investor. I will be less focus on value stocks and more aggressive into dividend stocks.
New Business Venture
Many ideas in my head but executed none of them. I have been reading lot of books about entrepreneurship. Yes, reading helps. Love this book How 25 Good Ideas Became Great Companies.
Travel
At least 4 vacations. Taipei trip booked! Hmm, considering Tokyo, Bangkok and another stay cation.
Better Health
To start exercising again by running at least 2 times a week. I stopped exercising for 6 months since my hospitalization. Health is Wealth!
Last but not least, I wish all readers and fellow financial bloggers a Happy New Year in 2016!
Hi My Sweet Retirement
Wow, so many similar points I have with you.
First, I also had a promotion in 2015 just like you (not necesarily the best thing in the world, urghh)
I also set up a joint business venture with my wife this year selling apparels and clothing. It was very very tough as you mentioned with regard to selecting stocks, packing, logistics, customer queries but it was a success and we managed to expand it really fast this year. We also broke even with our capital upon 3 months of opening.
On Taipei trip, I’m also thinking of booking a trip there in Feb after the CNY period. Maybe there could be some coincidence there!!!
All the best there 🙂