Five financial goals for 2008

Yes, it is nearly three complete months into 2008 but this blog just started.  That is why I think it is important to post my financial goals for 2008 and get them written in a public place.  If not, I may actually not be held accountable.

• Donate more money to charities
  One big area that I really would like to improve on in 2008 is donating money to worthy charities.  So far, I will be honest and say that my wife and I really have not done a whole lot in terms of this just yet.  But there are still nine months left in the year so that is great news and I am looking forward to it.  Considering we donated $600 last year, this is an area we really need to improve on.
• Grad student loan paid off in full - Done
  With my wife finishing up grad school during the summer, the student loans finally came calling.  With a 6.75% interest and a company that posted her social security number on each bill (You would think they could learn by 2008), we felt it was important to get this done as soon as possible.  We basically took our emergency fund money and paid this off to get it out of our lives.  Now we are trying to build that nest egg back up but are pretty limited financially at this point.  It does however limit out monthly expenses by $100.
• Make $20,000 from web design/programmning
  I was able to make $9,803.85 last year using my Computer Science degree and doing web work.  One of the things that I normally do with things like this is make really big goals.  So far, I am probably behind schedule but I still have a plate that is starting to clear up for next year.  Once I get everything lined up, I will start perusing more web work.   This is actually something I have yet to do at this point.
• Improve passive income
  One of the recent topics that have become extremely controversial is passive income.  Regardless of what people have said in the articles I have read, I would likely to greatly increase the amount of passive income that I am earning.  In 2007, I earned $1,699.21 from interest on banks and monthly web hosting charges.  Considering that the interest rates have taken a huge hit and I have spent a good chunk of my savings, it may be hard to keep that up.  The goal is $5,000 but that may be a bit crazy.  I guess we shall see.
• Turn sites into money makers
  Over the last year or so, I have started two independent sites that I feel could help benefit people in two very different areas.  While the other is up to around $200 of total income made, this one has just started.  My goal is to start actually making money with both of these sites in 2008 and beyond.  Now that I feel I have the time, I think I can make these happen.