Is it just me, or does it seem like 2023 passed by in the blink of an eye?

I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions, but I have started outlining my investing plan for 2024.

Here’s the kicker: it doesn’t involve numbers or stocks.

Now that my financial habits are in check, I’m choosing to invest in three key areas that I think could use some work.

So in 2024, I’m investing in myself.

Here’s how.

Investing in health

"A healthy person has a thousand wishes, a sick person only one."

Investing for early retirement doesn’t just mean having a big stash tucked away.

There’s no point in racing towards early retirement if your current lifestyle leaves you with chronic back pain and high blood pressure.

When I reach the “finish line”, I don’t want to have any regrets about not taking care of my health, both physical and mental.

For that reason, I’m going to start treating my body like a retirement account.

That means making contributions in the form of:

1. Getting better sleep
2. Exercising consistently
3. Eating right
4. Quitting social media

Like traditional investing, do it early and often. Reap the benefits later.

No more excuses.

Investing in personal growth

Life outside of work essentially boils down to two categories: chores and hobbies.

I discovered the 5 types of hobbies everyone should have to live a balanced life.

This gave me a better idea of how I’d want to fill my time outside of work.

Here are some examples of each that I plan to take on:

1. Hobbies that make you money

• Selling a digital product
• Freelance writing for blogs

2. Hobbies that keep you creative

• Learning to DJ
• Joining a pottery class

3. Hobbies that keep you in shape

• Mastering calisthenics workouts
• Hiking a new trail every month

4. Hobbies that build your knowledge

• DIY remodeling around the house
• Completing an online course

5. Hobbies to help you socialize

• Hosting a games night with friends
• Playing in an intramural volleyball league

Jobs don’t have to bring self-fulfillment if life outside of work is fulfilling enough.

Focus less on career and money chasing, and more on building a life outside of work.

Investing in experiences

People often ask if it’s okay to spend money on experiences or travel while pursuing FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early).

What’s my take?

As long as your finances are in good shape and it won’t put you in debt, then say YES to:

• Travel
• Music festivals
• Eating out
• Skydiving
• Having fun

In 2024, I’m saying yes to all of the above (except skydiving; I’m afraid of heights).

FIRE isn’t about sacrificing all of life’s happiness to squeeze every penny into savings.

Life is uncertain, but death is not so invest in the experiences that will make your life more enjoyable.

Action of the day

I’ll leave you with a simple goal.

If you’re on the FIRE journey like me, try to shift your focus from crunching numbers to using them to live the life you want.

After accounting for basic necessities, money should be used as a means to support your goals and ambitions.

Take a minute and ask yourself:

• What really matters to me?
• What are my goals for 2024?
• In what areas do I want to grow and improve?
• What’s standing in my way?

Write out your plan to keep yourself on track.

Your plan might change, and that’s perfectly okay.

Choose to invest in yourself today and the results will pay you dividends in the future.