Almost two years ago, I wrote about the different types of financial wealth calculations and which one a person should focus on depending how far along he or she is on their financial journey. My thesis is that one should focus on the lowest numbered calculation and determine an appropriate goal before moving on to the next calculation. The progression I proposed was:

"The longer I put off starting my own firm, the longer it can remain a dream and not something I screwed up at." – Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother

Until Jan. 15, Suze Orman's book 2009 Action Plan is available for free as a PDF e-book from Oprah's website. I've skimmed through it and have provided some thoughts below.

Each new year, a lot of people make a big deal. There are new year's celebrations across the world, complete with crowds, fireworks, expensive food, drinking and, if you're lucky, a kiss or two at the end of the night (or start of the day, depending how you look at it). Many people make new year's resolutions, the vast majority of which are broken in the first few days and weeks.

Okay, I'm going to admit something that is a little embarrassing. It probably even will seem a bit dangerous – and stupid – to many people, especially to any fellow personal finance bloggers out there.

I don't have an emergency fund.

Okay, I like money. I also like liberty. That's why I started this site – it mashes together two things that I am deeply interested in.

I also like blogging. I've wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. I write for my "real" job on topics chosen for me, and I enjoy writing on topics of my own choosing, at my leisure.

But apparently liking something is not enough to actually do it frequently, and to do it well.

Last weekend, I updated the spreadsheet where I track my net worth, and I noticed something amazing: I have positive net liquid assets!

As I've mentioned before, I calculate net liquid assets as follows:

Total liquid money (deposit accounts, cash)
– total immediate debt (credit cards, home equity, student loans and other debt [but not car])

Back at the beginning of February, I set a goal for myself to earn $2,000 this year in deal and "found" money – through promotional offers, incentive checks (such as signing up for Chase Payment Protector or various Trilegiant programs), and general arbitrage plays. Basically, to reach my goal that means "finding" about $167 per month.

How am I doing so far? Here's the run down:

I was just browsing through the posts of the 102nd Carnival of Debt Reduction and came across Paid Twice's post about his debt reduction goals from now through 2009. I'm not quite as ambitious: I'll settle for a goals through 2008. Likewise, my goals are not nearly as ambitious as well.