Just to add something - This is a deadline for the goal of having reached some stability in finances, according to a writer for a major newspaper in budgeting. By this time in my finances, she stated(comparing myself to a widow who never managed her finances), I could cut myself some slack.
So I think I'm about where I planned to be - the defnition of success
Another interesting discussion. I would like to point out though that sometimes it is ok to be cautious with finances; especially in this economy. Some risk taking with money can actually be quite damaging, gambling for example.
What makes this topic important to you? What made you want to discuss this today?
I've never been able to take the risks others took in similar situations because of fear. As a result, I've seen colleagues and friends do really well financially. Meetings with bankers or any advisor, even for entitled government things still rattle me. This morning I had trouble with a government official who was irritated with my questions, since I want to help a parent, and I felt her priviledged job shouldn't allow her, or anybody to provide rudeness around customer service. Sometimes I ask questions for support instead of information, but it shouldn't come back to me as dismissive.
As I get better, I see that the panic cycle does stop, so this helps me to start to understand that financial cycles average out too. We need to trust ourselves in the long run, just as they say about those scary "stocks & bonds" which are scary.
I wonder if others have suffered financially because of fear
