Yup, it's another 2018 resolutions post. I usually don't do resolutions but decided this year would be different. Last year I set a few goals and nailed everyone of them except weight loss, so my first resolution of 2018 is weight loss. 

![](https://openclipart.org/image/2400px/svg_to_png/292736/happynewyearbaby.png)

<h2> # 1 Weight Loss</h2> 
The Dood's packed on some weight over the last couple years. I quit smoking and packed on a lot of weight, and sitting behind a computer trading crypto currency hasn't helped the problem any. My biggest and most important goal to me for 2018 is to start working out regularly, get myself in good physical shape for the cross country motorcycle ride I'm planning, and lose this extra weight I've packed on. 

<h2>#2 Dream Vacation / Motorcycle Trip</h2> 
As many of you know I've been planning a dream vacation / cross country motorcycle ride. I'm really trying to figure out a way to swing this. It appears the tax man (booo hisss) may be snatching this dream away from me. When bitcoin was around $3000 - $5000 dollars in the middle of the year I wasn't overly concerned about taxes, but talking briefly with my accountant before the first of the year I discovered at current prices this is something I really need to get on top of.  So priority one is taking care of any tax obligations I have, then hopefully there's still enough left over for operation "Dood Rides Again". I've got my fingers crossed, did a little financial juggling, and I'm really going to try and fulfill this resolution. Worst case scenario, instead of riding cross country, I ride along the great lakes or up the east coast. I'm going to try and make this work though. 

<h2>#3 Taxes</h2> 
So The Dood always pays his taxes. As far as crypto taxes are concerned my first couple years trading I literally made pennies as I learned the ropes and made small low risk investments in the space. 2016 was the first year I really started getting my feet wet and didn't really make anything worth worrying about, or that would draw the attention of the tax man. At current bitcoin prices however that's no longer an option, and 2018 I plan on documenting and taking all accounting practices relating to trading crypto extremely serious. Up until recently the handling of crypto taxes was a bit of a gray area, and with the passing of the recent tax bill the handling of crypto assets is spelled out pretty clearly. Uncle Sam will get his share in 2018, and my goal is to be absolutely 100% certain I'm in complete compliance with a certified CPA by end of tax 2018. The good news is this is turning into a business, and I'm really enjoying what I'm doing for the first time in my life. 

<h2>#4 Financial Planning.</h2> 
So The Dood spent his life living from paycheck to paycheck for the most part. I've had good years, and bad. I've lived like a king at times, and other times like a pauper. For the most part though I've enjoyed life to fullest no matter where I've found myself financially. At the end of this year I turn 50 and have decided to be a little more proactive with my financial planning. I can already check half this resolution off, because today I opened an online brokerage account with a stock trading website. I plan on taking at least 10% of my cryptocurrency gains each month and hedge them in a stock portfolio for long term. Brokerage account opened, now I just need to add 10% or more of crypto profits each month to it and build a portfolio. Made my first deposit today. 

  Nobody really knows for certain where all this cryptocurrency business will lead in the future. We could all become tomorrows billionaires, or this whole thing could come crashing down and we will all be broke again tomorrow. I plan on being a little more proactive to insure the later doesn't happen to me again. It never hurts to diversify and hedge your bets. 

<h2>In Summary</h2> 
For the tweeted version, The Dood's 2018 resolution is to lose weight & get in shape, take dream vacation, pay taxes, & begin planning financial future! 

 Thanks for reading everyone & happy new year. Now if you'll excuse me I have a hot date with a treadmill tonight ! Wishing you all a prosperous and successful 2018! 

New year image courtesy of OpenClipArt Project https://openclipart.org/detail/292736/happy-new-year