December 2019 – Physician In Numbers

2019 In Review

This is the time of year when people make resolutions for the next year. Usually there is talk of losing weight, saving more, getting ahead.

Before I consider resolutions (or plans) for 2020, I would like to look back at 2019, and think about accomplishments I can point to with pride. I find it is healthier for me to concentrate periodically on things that have gone well, rather than always pointing out what needs to improve.

Fitness Log #62

Just because I am a doctor, and encourage patients every day to exercise, doesn’t mean that I don’t have my own issues with getting sufficient exercise. Long hours, tiring days, family obligations, illness: they are all stumbling blocks, no matter what your occupation.

I have been recording my exercise weekly, mostly to keep myself accountable for reaching my goal (sometimes this works, sometimes I miss). If anyone reads this, I hope they will take this as encouragement to keep going, acknowledgement that it isn’t always easy.

Christmas 2019

This is the first Christmas I haven’t worked in quite a few years. I plan to enjoy myself. My plans are pretty decadent: sleep in, putter around the house, finish off my charitable giving for the year (my check book will be getting a work out).

I hope your day is as much fun as mine should be, whether it’s a slow day to catch up on things, or a busy day seeing family, or celebrating the day religiously.

Here is some art to brighten your day, in case you need it.

The Wild Swans (The Twelve Brothers Turned Into Swans), 1928 Arthur Joseph Gaskin. Courtesy of the Birmingham Museums Trust, via Unsplash.

Blogging 2019 In Review

I suspect I may drag out the end of the year with a few reviews. But today I wanted to reflect on my blogging here at Physician in Numbers.

I passed my 1 year anniversary in the fall, but 2019 is the first year I blogged the whole calendar year. I have a few accomplishments to celebrate, and some reflections.

Fitness Log #61

An End Of Year Financial To Do List

There are just over 2 weeks before the end of 2019, and I’m feeling the pressure to finish off time sensitive tasks. Last month I went through the list I was worried about. I think it’s time to review what’s been done and what is left to do.

Fitness Log #60

What Do You Want?

This is a question I have been asking a lot lately.

For the holidays, I ask my loved ones (or their parents): what do you want? Toys? Shirts? Books? A DVD? (For the record, a scarf or two and some lovely Smartwool socks–Margarita, knee-high–would be great for me.)

I have also been asking that question of myself during this season.

Fitness Log #59

On Giving, Part 2

Giving Tuesday has come and gone, but that doesn’t have to mean the end of giving to charity. In fact, I hope it doesn’t. Many charities don’t push Giving Tuesday, or set up different fund raising drives. There are many opportunities and ways to give.

I have read a number of posts in the past several years about the benefits of the donor advised fund, and I think they sound pretty nifty. However, I have not yet set up one myself.

But I have set up charitable giving a different way. One that I don’t see written about much in personal finance blogs, but which I think may be a good option for employed physicians. Or anyone who works for a large organization.