Search found 489 matches

by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Aug 15, 2017 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: please help...am I overextended - first home
Replies: 78
Views: 10633

Re: please help...am I overextended - first home

Yes, you are overextended.
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Aug 15, 2017 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event
Replies: 17
Views: 3230

Re: Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event

retiredjg wrote: Sat Aug 12, 2017 7:38 am
2Birds1Stone wrote:401k has Vanguard Total Bond Index Institutional shares @ something like a .06% ER.
I'd probably be using that one.

I'm not opposed to putting bonds into Roth IRA, but all things equal....I'd rather have stocks in Roth IRA than all bonds in Roth IRA.
Makes sense. Thanks again!

:sharebeer
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri Aug 11, 2017 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event
Replies: 17
Views: 3230

Re: Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event

Duckie wrote:
2Birds1Stone wrote:Hello, is there a reason that 401k is better for Bonds VS a Roth?
It's not that a 401k is better for bonds than an IRA. It's that in general it's better to put assets with higher expected growth (stocks) in Roth accounts and assets with lower expected growth (bonds) in pre-tax accounts. That's because you've already the paid the taxes in the Roth accounts so future growth is tax-free. Your 401k plans are pre-tax, your IRAs are Roths. Depending on the expense ratios of the bond options in the 401k plans, all your bond AA would probably be better in the 401k plans.

Awesome, that makes a lot of sense.

401k has Vanguard Total Bond Index Institutional shares @ something like a .06% ER.
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri Aug 11, 2017 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feeling guilty about travel expenses
Replies: 25
Views: 4727

Re: Feeling guilty about travel expenses

A great article on the topic.

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/01/ ... etirement/

While I don't agree with everything MMM writes about, the math for small changes = huge results over time, is pretty eye opening.
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri Aug 11, 2017 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feeling guilty about travel expenses
Replies: 25
Views: 4727

Re: Feeling guilty about travel expenses

Hey all, I'm in this situation where I find myself really guilty about my travel expenses this year. In September I have my third trip this year and the sooner it comes the more guilty I feel, actually I regret it a bit. Let me explain. I have a yearly net income of 29k Euro With my last 2 trips I spend combined about 5k and the trip in September will cost me around 3k so that's 8k total. That is roughly 27.5% of my yearly net income, it's also more than my investment contributions, which are about 3k per year. I planned those trips for a long time before with my friends / brother so cancelling was not an option. It really seems like one of those 'first world problems' but after making this calculation I feel guilty and regret it. I think ...
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri Aug 11, 2017 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event
Replies: 17
Views: 3230

Re: Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event

2.I plan on getting to my goal allocation through new contributions. It will take at least 2-3 years to add enough bonds/equities to offset the heavy cash and precious metals position. There are not any tax issues with rebalancing within the retirement accounts so you should set it to your desired asset allocation ASAP. When looking at your asset allocation I would consider your emergency money as being seperate Her Debt: $4.5k student loan @ 6%, At 6% I would go on and pay it off right away. 3. In terms of marriage, other than tax planning MFJ vs. Single, are there any other implications/considerations from an investment standpoint? Once you are married with two incomes there may be less need for the large emergency fund since even if one...
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri Aug 11, 2017 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Opinions Needed - Are We Good?
Replies: 35
Views: 5109

Re: Opinions Needed - Are We Good?

Financially you are set.

As others have brought up, having something to retire to will be clutch.
by 2Birds1Stone
Thu Aug 10, 2017 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life at crossroads. What would you do ?
Replies: 198
Views: 25734

Re: Life at crossroads. What would you do ?

I work in tech as well.

Old tech is hot. Not because of the tech, but because the SME's are drying up.

Shit, some of the top paid guys I come across are mainframers with a decent knowledge of distributed software.

With your wife's income, $2M in portfolio......sure 3.25% WR if you make NO money at all. FInd something less stressful, maybe even part time. Even earning $50-100k/yr you have a WR % with 0 failure rate.
by 2Birds1Stone
Thu Aug 10, 2017 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I pay $6K in rent. Am I an idiot for not buying?
Replies: 76
Views: 16712

Re: I pay $6K in rent. Am I an idiot for not buying?

If you are pulling in $80k/month or $960k a year......I have to laugh at the "if you don't buy now, you might not ever afford it" comments from IRL network.

I'm also wondering how/why someone making a cool million a year is even asking this question. You've clearly won the game. Rent, buy, lease, it really doesn't matter when you are spending such a tiny fraction of your income on housing. Hopefully you are banking the difference.
by 2Birds1Stone
Thu Aug 10, 2017 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event
Replies: 17
Views: 3230

Re: Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event

Thank you Asif, that makes sense from a simplification standpoint, but I can see retiredjg's point as well.

In terms of fund placement, I believe I am as tax efficient as possible. I am also not missing out on Admiral shares due to too many slices within an account.

I have a follow up question of sorts.

What do you folks recommend in terms of prenup?

I am bringing in ~4-5X NW and most likely around 1.5-2X earnings. While I understand that post marital assets are joint, premarital should be protected. That being said, how does one protect a retirement account when any 401k contributions after marriage are going to be commingled with premarital funds?
by 2Birds1Stone
Thu Aug 10, 2017 1:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What Percentage CASH are you?
Replies: 168
Views: 24830

Re: What Percentage CASH are you?

Personally in terms of overall net worth, 33% right now.

In terms of combined investable portfolio, ~10% between my SO and I.

Actually just put up a case study/portfolio review with detailed allocation and some questions if anyone wants to weigh in?

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=225423
by 2Birds1Stone
Thu Aug 10, 2017 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event
Replies: 17
Views: 3230

Portfolio Checkup - Major Life Event

Good Morning Fellow BH's Until this point in my life, I have always viewed my finances as my own. We are now committed to marriage within the next few years and as a result I want to start thinking about our investments as one portfolio moving forward. Emergency fund: 2.5 years (earning 1-1.5% interest) Her Debt: $4.5k student loan @ 6%, $1.5k car loan @ 0% His Debt: None Tax Filing Status: Single (for now) Her Tax Rate: 25% Federal, 6.45% State His Tax Rate: 28% Federal, 6.65% State State of Residence: NY Age: 30/26 Desired Asset allocation: 70% Stocks/ 20% Bonds/ 5% Precious Metals/ 5% Cash Desired International allocation: 30% of stocks Portfolio Size: $262k His Taxable (19.7%) 10.0% Total Stock 6.9% Total Int Stock 2.8% Fed Money Market...
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Aug 08, 2017 7:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: news yesterday that Buffett has $100,000,000,000 in cash now
Replies: 65
Views: 11989

Re: news yesterday that Buffett has 100,000,000,000 in cash now

One Ping wrote:
selftalk wrote:I read yesterday that Warren Buffett has now in cash $ 100,000,000,000.
Berkshire Hathaway has $100M in cash ... not Buffet. Not the same thing.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... on-in-cash
I hate to break it to everyone in this thread buy, $100M is not $100,000,000,000

:thumbsdown
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When to move money
Replies: 10
Views: 2199

Re: When to move money

If you need to use in 10 years I would pick a moderate stock/bond fund that aligns with your asset allocation desires.

50/50 fund should provide you with a healthy balance of gains and asset protection over a decade.
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much do you think we need?
Replies: 9
Views: 2146

Re: How much do you think we need?

This post ignores the most important question, how high do you project your expenses in retirement?

Between $50k/yr in pension, $3k/month in rental income, you already have enough to fund a $80k/yr lifestyle.

That's not taking into account any other SEPP, IRA, Roth, TSP, brokerage, savings, etc accounts.
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Aug 08, 2017 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: kids think lazy if retire?
Replies: 70
Views: 11109

Re: kids think lazy if retire?

First of all, the folks stating that 30X current expenses is light.......I question your sanity and risk tolerance.

WIth 30X current expenses @ 50, there is an extremely high probability that the OP will either receive health SS benefits or a pension at FRA. A 3.3-3.5% SWR has a 90-99% success rate depending on AA over a 40 year period.

Why trade your most finite resource, time....for one you can easily manipulate in the future based on circumstances?
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Aug 08, 2017 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When does renting make sense
Replies: 112
Views: 14923

Re: When does renting make sense

My situation comes to mind.

DINK couple in HCOL area.

Median Home Price - $450k
Median Annual Taxes - $15k

Meanwhile, we are able to rent a 1 bedroom apartment that meets 90% of our needs for $1,100/month.....which would not even be enough to cover taxes on a home.

This is not an apples to apples comparison, but generally renters will rent less house than someone who is purchasing.
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon Aug 07, 2017 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do kids cost in a high COLA?
Replies: 60
Views: 7012

Re: How much do kids cost in a high COLA?

daveydoo wrote:Our kids were free but the maintenance has been prohibitive. We should've done the BH thing and just gone with ten year-old Japanese kids.
I hear that as long as you keep up with oil changes, they last forever.
by 2Birds1Stone
Sun Aug 06, 2017 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you count vehicle equity in net worth?
Replies: 203
Views: 22941

Re: Do you count vehicle equity in net worth?

I do count it, and I have depreciation as a line item in my monthly expense tracking.

A big part of my FI plans is actually selling my vehicle and slow traveling for a few years.
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri Aug 04, 2017 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Burned out at 28. Do I have enough?
Replies: 62
Views: 16091

Re: Burned out at 28. Do I have enough?

You remind me of myself, albeit my work situation is a bit better in terms of hours and travel. I believe you are in a great spot to take some time off to decompress, downshift into something less stressful and time intensive. You may be surprised that you are able to find something north of $50k but maybe not what you currently make. As others have pointed out, if you do nothing to your portfolio till retirement age you should be able to retire fairly comfortably. I would just make sure you get at least 40 social security credits. (just incase anything exists when our generation gets to 65+) I'm 2 years your senior with a very similar net worth ($310k) and have the itch to downshift from my $120-150k/yr gig and do something along the lines...
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri Aug 04, 2017 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much money do you want to retire?
Replies: 1367
Views: 208812

Re: A poll: How much money do you want to retire?

$1M to downshift into sporadic/part time/seasonal work.
$2M to never work again.

I am 30 and my SO is 26. We will reach the first mark in 2022, and the second by 2032.....that's assuming lower than average market returns and no increases in income.
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon Jul 31, 2017 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should we increase our retirement savings rate?
Replies: 35
Views: 3805

Re: Should we increase our retirement savings rate?

Sounds like you and your spouse have healthy incomes. At the very least max out 401k/backdoor Roth IRA.
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Jul 25, 2017 12:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Changes in your risk profile
Replies: 13
Views: 1358

Re: Changes in your risk profile

That would be considered market timing.

If the strong market performance resulted in rebalancing bands being triggered, then that is a different story. But in that case I would just buy more bonds with new money and continue investing as usual otherwise.
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Jul 25, 2017 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay yourself first.
Replies: 43
Views: 6151

Re: Pay yourself first.

Every month I contribute

$1,500 to 401k
$540 to HSA
$458 to Roth IRA

Anything over $100k in my high yield savings account gets spent into a taxable brokerage account once per quarter.
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon Jul 24, 2017 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's your personal savings rate?
Replies: 135
Views: 18386

Re: What's your personal savings rate?

2010 - 5%
2011 - 10%
2012 - 15%
2013 - 15%
2014 - 20%
2015 - 50% (career change)
2016 - 60%
2017 - 50% (estimated)

I've managed to keep my half of our combined annual expenses in the $24-25k/yr range while my gross income has climbed from $25k/yr in 2010 to $170k/yr in 2016.
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon Jul 24, 2017 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone else extremely frugal?
Replies: 100
Views: 12579

Re: Anyone else extremely frugal?

Frugal to an extent.

When my SO and I moved in together 6 years ago we were grossing ~$56k combined in a HCOL area.

To this day we live on ~$45-50k/yr (net) but our income has more than tripled. We will be financially independent in less than a decade.

Doesn't feel too bad to be frugal. :sharebeer :moneybag
by 2Birds1Stone
Thu Jul 20, 2017 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Investing well for Retirement can be frustrating
Replies: 52
Views: 5184

Re: Investing well for Retirement can be frustrating

I am in this situation a lot at my company.

I am happy for my coworkers who buy the house and the car. But I will be financially free decades before my peers.
by 2Birds1Stone
Wed Jun 28, 2017 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can you share some of your financial goals?
Replies: 68
Views: 12005

Re: Can you share some of your financial goals?

Probably in a fairly small camp here within the Boglehead community but I am saving toward very early retirement/semi retirement. 2010 - 10% net savings rate Entered Megacorp World @ age 23 2011 - 25% net savings rate 2012 - 20% net savings rate 2013 - 25% net savings rate 2014 - 25% net savings rate 2015 - 75% net savings rate (income more doubled thanks to career change) 2016 - 80% net savings rate 2017 - 70% net savings rate (estimated) While lifestyle inflation has definitely happened since 2014, my income has outpaced my increased spending. At this rate, I will be able to pull the plug on a traditional 9-5 career in 2022 and as long as I can figure out the health care elephant in the room, work will be part time, seasonal, and largely ...
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Jun 20, 2017 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Commissioned Salesperson Opportunity
Replies: 8
Views: 1955

Re: Commissioned Salesperson Opportunity

I would expect a modest base salary + 5-10% commission on gross revenue you bring in.

I would make sure, as others have stated, that you have a detailed plan that does not exclude you from earning commission based on factors outside of your control once a deal is done and revenue recognized.

It really is feast or famine, I've gone months barely making an income after paying taxes/insurance/401k.....and I've had commission checks that netted a year of my expenses.
by 2Birds1Stone
Thu Jun 15, 2017 1:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poll: 401K Match
Replies: 99
Views: 23468

Re: Poll: 401K Match

50% match of the first 5% I contribute.
by 2Birds1Stone
Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906946

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

8.16% as of today.
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue May 30, 2017 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I deserve it? [A new car]
Replies: 69
Views: 9752

Re: Do I deserve it?

Do you deserve it? No

Do you need it? No

Do you want it? Maybe?

There is a whole lot of room in between keeping an old Taurus and blowing $35k+ on a "new" car.
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon May 15, 2017 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Was there a $$$ number after which things got easier?
Replies: 72
Views: 14750

Re: Was there a $$$ number after which things got easier?

I crossed an interesting threshold with today's paycheck.

Net Worth crossed 12X annual expenses.

YoY portfolio growth cracked +$100k over the past 12 months.

I guess this can be helpful if the market continues to go up, or psychologically crushing if the market enters bear territory and my contributions over the coming years are offset by market losses.
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon May 15, 2017 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping at All Inclusive Resort?
Replies: 67
Views: 13060

Re: Tipping at All Inclusive Resort?

calliecake47 wrote:My husband and I just came back from vacation in DR at an AI resort. We always bring money to tip everyone, but we noticed that a lot of people do not tip. For example, this is what we would typically leave for tips:
Drinks - $1/drink
Buffet Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner - $3-$5
Sit down dinner - $10

Just curious what other people do?

That is right in line with what my SO and I tip at a resort.
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri May 05, 2017 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pension vs 401k
Replies: 38
Views: 6682

Re: Pension vs 401k

I would go 401k. Max it out.
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri May 05, 2017 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401(k) Roll-In
Replies: 14
Views: 2118

Re: 401(k) Roll-In

Here is what I provided, please delete if violating forum rules. To Whom It May Concern, As per Fidelity IRA Specialist Derek Williams' (800-887-4015 EXT 22843) direction I am writing this letter to explain my request and provide the necessary documentation. 2birds1Stone Last 4 of SS # - XXXX I want to complete a roll in transfer of the taxable funds from my Vanguard Rollover IRA into my existing employer sponsored 401k (Plan #XXXX). Vanguard is unable to provide a “qualification letter” I was told to submit this information in lui. The funds originally came from Fidelity 401k Plan #XXXX which was from my previous employer. Check Issued by Fidelity Febuary 2015, and rolled into the same Rollover IRA from which this distribution is coming fr...
by 2Birds1Stone
Fri May 05, 2017 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401(k) Roll-In
Replies: 14
Views: 2118

Re: 401(k) Roll-In

I had the exact situation come up earlier last year.

I was also told I need a letter stating that the IRA funds are indeed 100% pretax contributions from an Old 401k plan.

Vanguard was unable to provide such a letter. I spoke with Fidelity and they had me write a letter of intent, stating that the funds I was rolling into their 401k were indeed pretax and from an old 401k.

I am not sure you can just roll in tIRA funds that were not from a previous 401k.
by 2Birds1Stone
Thu May 04, 2017 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a luxury car (how dumb would it be to do this?)
Replies: 236
Views: 36748

Re: Buying a luxury car (how dumb would it be to do this?)

I'm a big car guy. As in, I really like driving.

I've always dreamed of a nice sports luxury car since it's first iteration came out during my HS years. At the time it was the Infiniti G35 Sport coupe.

I was actually shopping for Mini Cooper S last year, when I came across a 2008 G37 Sport coupe, with only 21k miles. 6 speed manual, RWD, fully loaded.....for $16.9k

Now the person I purchased the car from, paid $46k with tax, title, reg....+ a few $k more in interest. They put 21k miles on the car in 8 years. The depreciation alone cost them $1.50/mile.

After a year, the car has been nothing short of amazing, and I got to enjoy it for pennies on the dollar.
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking For Advice - Move NY -> Tampa?
Replies: 53
Views: 7149

Re: Looking For Advice - Move NY -> Tampa?

Can't go wrong with moving to the south. Congratulations! A bit early for congratulations. Still in the preliminary stages of interview process. But a preemptive thank you, if it works out :sharebeer Do you folks think that this would be a wash in terms of quality of life/spending? Florida has no state income tax. I know of many who've done this and I don't get it -- apart from the tax consideration, which admittedly is substantial. I wouldn't be interested until retirement; we're really not a spend-the-day-at-the-beach family and I hate running from air-conditioned car to air-conditioned mall to air-conditioned home, etc. I can't address the job side of things. Don't buy an expensive home there if you plan to stay (http://www.wtsp.com/new...
by 2Birds1Stone
Sat Apr 22, 2017 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking For Advice - Move NY -> Tampa?
Replies: 53
Views: 7149

Looking For Advice - Move NY -> Tampa?

Good Afternoon Bogleheads, I've received wise advice here in the past, so I was hoping to use you as a sounding board on a potential job transfer opportunity I am interviewing for. Current Role - Direct Sales (software) $57k base/$65k Incentive compensation at quota for a $122k OTE. Working on a team that is in limbo right now due to internal reorg. Job itself is pretty safe as I would get repurposed rather than laid off in a worst case. Current Life Situation - Working in NYC suburbs (40 miles away). Renting apartment month to month with my partner. She is employed but also looking for a new job right now. Happy and willing to move. We have some family here but nothing to permanently tie us to the area. Potential New Role - Channel Sales S...
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon Apr 10, 2017 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HSBC Bank- Easy (???) $350 bonus
Replies: 51
Views: 18627

Re: HSBC Bank- Easy (???) $350 bonus

I did this and it took ~120 days for bonus to post
by 2Birds1Stone
Sat Apr 08, 2017 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Volatility and Income
Replies: 26
Views: 2296

Re: Volatility and Income

My main income source is volatile. High one year, low the next. It averages out to better than a normal unskilled labor job, so I stay in it. But the daily stresses are high. I spend 12k/year and save 95% of my income. I have adapted to this pattern through the need to survive the volatile nature of my work. I'm seeking ways to lower volatility. My main goal is financial independence. Initially I kept everything in cash, but have learned to put it into stocks. At 35, I've allocated 20% bonds in my portfolio to reduce volatility. If I had a reliable income of just 1k/mo it would cover my basic expenses and allow me to breathe easy. Much of boglehead theory is geared toward long-term returns. I wonder what options exist for reducing volatili...
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon Apr 03, 2017 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Low-earners- What is your profession?
Replies: 371
Views: 62541

Re: Low-earners- What is your profession?

I just want to give OP some appreciation for making an insightful as well as refreshing thread. Some posters in this thread stated that they can retire at an early age (less than 50 yrs. old) even though they are categorized as low-income earners. How is this achievable? Is it simply living in the most frugal way possible (bulk cooking, beat-to-death vehicles, lower-end housing etc...), and then saving excess into tax efficient retirement accounts with the residuals into taxable accounts? Maybe explain on a high level, how low income families can retire before 50 years old. The time it takes to reach financial independence is a direct result of your savings rate. Without getting TOO much into details. Assuming that you get a 5% real return...
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon Apr 03, 2017 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Low-earners- What is your profession?
Replies: 371
Views: 62541

Re: Low-earners- What is your profession?

My household just topped $100k gross combined last year, which puts us in the top quintile in the US but on BH qualifies us as low earners. 30/29. I work with business software systems at $80k, started below $40k 5 years ago. GF is doing lab work with dangerous pathogens at $40k incl overtime. I think the fact that I'm paid more when no one dies if I mess up is bizarre. Of gross, we save 30%, 15% to taxes, another 20% to housing. We'll have a paid off home in 8 years, and hopefully on track for FI by 50. :D Personally I think Bogleheads have way more to learn from households earning below median who make it work, including in HCOL areas. Similarly those are the folks who have the most to gain from BH knowledge of low-cost simple investing....
by 2Birds1Stone
Mon Apr 03, 2017 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Low-earners- What is your profession?
Replies: 371
Views: 62541

Re: Low-earners- What is your profession?

It's funny that on the BH forum even those who define themselves as "low-earners" still averaging what seems like 200% of median US household income, thereby putting them just barely into "upper income class" as defined by 70-200% of median income. I'll play. My (30yo) salary - $57k/yr SO's (26yo) salary - $30k/yr We are both lucky enough to work in commissioned sales so there is a variable component that adds to those figures. My SO also chooses to work 1 day a week at a store she worked at in college. They allow her to defer 75% of her earnings into 401k and she accrues paid time off. I choose to do some side work as well. I do nutritional consulting and coaching, which was my forte before getting into my current indus...
by 2Birds1Stone
Wed Mar 29, 2017 10:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Personal experience over time? [How far from retirement, time spent investing]
Replies: 31
Views: 4691

Re: Personal experience over time? [How far from retirement, time spent investing]

I am just around 5 years away from financial independence, I don't plan on permanently retiring at that point though.

I have been paring down my portfolio to a basic 3 fund set it and forget it over the past two years.
by 2Birds1Stone
Tue Mar 28, 2017 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone taken a mid-career sabbatical?
Replies: 51
Views: 10971

Re: Anyone taken a mid-career sabbatical?

I have not yet taken one, but am currently in the planning phase. Plan on taking my first sabbatical on April 1st 2020. That will be my 10 year anniversary with a Megacorp job, right before my 33rd birthday. Plan on taking 6-9 months off. If I am with my current employer, I am pretty sure I will get it approved. If I am somewhere else, will quit and find something else when I am ready. My career is flexible, I am in commissioned B2B Enterprise software sales. Financially I will be in a good spot with ~15X living expense portfolio size. After the sabbatical I can either work a steady 10-15 years and retire, or work 2-4 years at a time taking subsequent time off in between gigs till early 50's. The power of LBYM is incredible, and I didn't ar...
by 2Birds1Stone
Sun Mar 26, 2017 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 10 days in Berlin and Krakow
Replies: 9
Views: 1141

Re: 10 days in Berlin and Krakow

Definitely the salt mine.

I also recommend sitting down for a "hot chocolate" at the outdoor patio of wawel store in the town square of Krakow