I’ve been thinking about it for a while.  I get very large dreams.  I want to become more than just a hobbyist for Aviation Photography, as in I want to do it as a side business.  On top of that I want to get my Private Pilot’s License.  I’ve also wanted to get my Masters in Business Administration with a focus on Finance or International Business.  Lately, I’ve wanted to build myself a new PC, and someday I want to build one with all the top end parts.  With all this, we are still working on getting the debt paid off, will build an emergency fund, and save for a house.

This leads me to prioritization.  How do I prioritize all of this?  First, let me say I am a BIG dreamer.  I dream HUGE, and it takes me a while to come back down to Earth.  I also can get obsessed with something.  Usually, if I want something, I go after it.  This is one reason I got into debt.  So, I need to dream big, come down to Earth, and prioritize what I am going to do.

First, I look at what is best for my family and me.  Even if you are single, getting out of debt and saving a 3-6 month emergency fund should be priority.  So, my first priority is to get out of debt.  If I can wiggle my computer upgrade in the middle of saving for my emergency fund, then I will.  It depends on the budget.  Since the computer will be around $2000, I may just wait until our emergency fund is built.

Second, I will figure out how much a house will cost and a down payment.  I will figure out how many months or years it will take.  I will then calculate what things like getting a Private Pilot’s License will cost me in regards to a down payment.  I have to think of my family first, and put my wants second.

Third, I estimate what kind of residual income I will receive.  I do think getting a PPL will help with my photography.  My goal currently is to network with those in the aviation community.  I would love to make money eventually, but that’s not my priority today.  I also don’t want to give the expectation that building friendships is only about the money.  It’s not.  People are way more important than money.

What about this MBA?  Well, I’ve looked at what it will cost me, $20,000 on the low end, and any ways I can fund the MBA.  I have nothing telling me that I will make more money by getting an MBA.  So, I’ve decided to wait.  If it’s God’s will for me to get an MBA, it will be funded.

Prioritization isn’t just about the money.  It’s about how much you have dreamed of doing it, what’s right for your family, and what benefit you will get.  You also need to prioritize the budget to achieve your dreams.  This thing is called a budget.

Don’t give up on your dreams!  Prioritize them!  Dream big!  Dream huge!  Figure a way to make them work, and don’t fall for false promises.  You can do it!