How are we already in June? This year is flying by, and I can barely keep up with everything going on in my life!

I have not been posting half as much as I’d like – I promise I’ll rectify that! But, I thought a good first step was to update you on where I’m at financially, career-wise and my main goals.

This post will cover:

1. Personal life and goals
2. Work update
3. Freelance update
4. Financial goals

Personal life and goals

Life is incredibly busy. But – despite a lot of uncertainty and worries ahead – I’m enjoying it!

I am getting into a position to start looking at properties to buy. This is something I’ve been thinking about for some time and am excited to start viewing places properly.

However, it’s also scary. Given the cost of living rises, I’m concerned about how this may impact my budget and therefore my ability to buy and then run a household alone once I have bought.

This is something I need to turn to the spreadsheets and budget to work out. But, without a crystal ball, it’s impossible to know what will happen and therefore plan ahead!

Outside of work, I have enjoyed socialising with friends, walking the pup (who recently celebrated his second birthday!), and running. I even finally managed to achieve one of my longest standing goals – a sub 20 minute 5k. I ran 19.59, so really cut it fine, but every second counts…

Work update

Most people I speak to seem to be working incredibly hard. I don’t know if hybrid working is contributing to this or if the current economic situation is putting an added strain on companies which is being transferred onto employees.

Either way, I am no exception. I am taking on extra responsibilities – which I’m really excited about – but it feels as if my working hours are gradually lengthening and my free time is becoming encroached on more and more.

I’m in two minds about this.

In one sense, I’m developing my career, building a great network and gaining experience. As a result, I am hopefully going to be promoted in the next couple of months. This can only be a positive moving forward – both professionally and financially!

However, if the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that there is more to life than work. While I plan to keep working hard, I want to set boundaries by which I still give myself free time and can take time off.

I still haven’t had a week off work yet this year!

Freelance update

As you’ve probably gathered, I’ve been very busy recently. My freelance output has reduced as a result, but I am keen to increase this again.

Despite this, I’ve kept things ticking over and even managed to secure my first Instagram collaboration! You can find me at @Katie20Percent on Instagram if you’re interested in seeing more of my content.

I have one new project starting very soon I am particularly excited about. I am going to be joining the amazing Ola and the All Things Money team as a blog contributor. Ola and I share many of the same goals and views – and both want to educate and equip young people with the tools to manage their money more effectively!

Financial goals

As I’ve already mentioned, one of my main aims is to buy a house in the next 6 to 12 months. This obviously comes at a significant cost and will be a large financial commitment.

I was lucky enough to receive an inheritance from my grandmother when she passed away about 18 months ago. This means buying a house is now an actual possibility. I am aware this is a huge privilege and do have mixed emotions about it.

On one hand, I know my grandmother would be pleased I am using the money responsibly and it will set myself up – and any future family – well. This hopefully means I will be in a position to help others more going forward and can create some good from this dose of good fortune.

On the other hand, I feel very uncomfortable about having this privilege and security at a time when so many are struggling so much.

I don’t know the answer to this. But, I know I want to make a positive difference to the world and society.

Given the cost of living crisis, I have recently got involved in a local project designed to tackle food scarcity and financial insecurity. We’re in the very early stages – only one meeting in – so I don’t quite know what shape this will take, but I look forward to finding out and hopefully making a real difference to my local area.

Don’t forget to follow me on social media @Katie20Percent to keep up to date with all my latest posts.

Did you know I offer freelance writing services and personal finance workshops and talks for schools, workplaces and organisations? I also regularly feature in the media. Get in touch via kroyalsfreelance@gmail.com or reach out on Twitter @Katie20Percent if you’d like to find out more.

If you found this post about my money and life update, please share it with your friends and on social media. How is your year going? Are you on track to reach your 2022 goals? Comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!