This 20% Project has led me to explore several topics regarding my finances. Although this is to be about my own learning, it is still an assignment and thus I have particular requirements. This post is dedicated to reflecting on my learning and the process involved.
One aspect of this project was to document my resources. Unfortunately, this part was not as smooth as probably preferred. I originally used the blog as my way of keeping track of where I found my information and resources that were helpful. It was commented that I should use a third party to document these resources. Thus, I started using Diigo. At first it was very tricky to use and considered changing my project to mastering the site. I decided that my interest in Diigo was not worth 20% of my time. I used the site for a couple of weeks, but then realized I preferred my original method. It fit better with my researching and writing method. One day this could possibly change, but for now, this is what works best.
The second part of the project was community. Community is a vital part of learning. This community was probably one of my favorite parts of this project. I worked closely with three retired “old timers.” These men had so much insight to the financial world. What was most helpful, is that they were able to present their knowledge in a way that made sense to me. When I went into Scottrade and when I visited other sites, I was not yet financially literate enough to follow along. Luckily, the members in my community learned about investing for retirement on their own and have become pretty darn good at it. Although we do not collaborate online, during our informal meetings (about once or twice a week) these guys have provided me access to their progress and are so excited to share what they know.
I loved this project. It was so nice to be given time to focus on learning what I want to learn about. Although this assignment has officially ended, my learning has not. I am looking forward to discovering more about the financial world to best prepare for my financial future. Keep on the look-out for future updates!
One aspect of this project was to document my resources. Unfortunately, this part was not as smooth as probably preferred. I originally used the blog as my way of keeping track of where I found my information and resources that were helpful. It was commented that I should use a third party to document these resources. Thus, I started using Diigo. At first it was very tricky to use and considered changing my project to mastering the site. I decided that my interest in Diigo was not worth 20% of my time. I used the site for a couple of weeks, but then realized I preferred my original method. It fit better with my researching and writing method. One day this could possibly change, but for now, this is what works best.
The second part of the project was community. Community is a vital part of learning. This community was probably one of my favorite parts of this project. I worked closely with three retired “old timers.” These men had so much insight to the financial world. What was most helpful, is that they were able to present their knowledge in a way that made sense to me. When I went into Scottrade and when I visited other sites, I was not yet financially literate enough to follow along. Luckily, the members in my community learned about investing for retirement on their own and have become pretty darn good at it. Although we do not collaborate online, during our informal meetings (about once or twice a week) these guys have provided me access to their progress and are so excited to share what they know.
I loved this project. It was so nice to be given time to focus on learning what I want to learn about. Although this assignment has officially ended, my learning has not. I am looking forward to discovering more about the financial world to best prepare for my financial future. Keep on the look-out for future updates!