Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
As of this week, my retirement accounts have $500,000! This is 3 years sooner than I had hoped to hit that mark. Thrilled about this but nothing will change as to how I am saving or investing.
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations! That is impressive.
Just keep saving and investing, and your account will grow nicely over time.
Retired life insurance company financial executive who sincerely believes that ”It’s a GREAT day to be alive!”
- ruralavalon
- Posts: 26351
- Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:29 am
- Location: Illinois
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations .
"Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein |
Wiki article link: Bogleheads® investment philosophy
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Only place in the world I can share this!
Only 4 years ago I was posting on bogleheads how to time the market as I was sitting on the sidelines for years with cash and wiser heads advised me to stop trying to outsmart the world. Thanks for all the help!
Happy to post this month that my wife (38) and I(37), living in London, collectively crossed £2m (roughly $2.8m) in household net worth
About 50% in home equity (living in HCOL city but happy with our home) and 50% in global equities (all in vanguard index funds) - only exception is a small (c.1%) in a China tech ETF (KWEB) and 2 small private investments (not counting this value anymore) which are moonshot hopefuls and made prior to discovering bogleheads, dont know the outcomes yet...
I am pleased with one particular aspect in the last decade - and this is slightly non-boglehead of me - Over the last 7 years we got our mortgage down from £630,000 to £70,000 now, and are very averse to debt (albeit this was a v cheap mortgage it was too big for us psychologically). We bought a house in a nice suburb and the house value has likely gone up due to covid, but we would have probably made quite a lot more money if we had invested more in the market vs overpaying mortgage. We will continue to do this till we are fully debt free (likely in 2 years as this is the max overpayment allowed)! Not having debt is a huge comforting factor for us - and to a certain extent we compensate for it by being 100% in equities and taking more risk elsewhere.
I found buying a home in London was a game changer in terms for asset/wealth creation journey for us - completely changed the P&L/balance sheet from high expenses (nearly £2,500-3000 rent per month) to high value asset creation (low interest so almost all mortgage payment to reduce principal). Since then it is a virtuous cycle as we have overpaid on mortgage, monthly mortgage payments have reduced and ability/flexibility to invest has increased with stable employment.
Also helps that we are both employed in full time, have very low maintenance lifestyle in terms of expenses due to humble upbringings (in India), have zero cost hobbies (reading, relaxing/cooking at home) and our daughter goes to a local state school which is well rated (saves about £20,000 per year vs private school in London!).
Thank you once again to this board! Bogleheads have educated me more than my CFA, engineering degree and MBA put together!
Only 4 years ago I was posting on bogleheads how to time the market as I was sitting on the sidelines for years with cash and wiser heads advised me to stop trying to outsmart the world. Thanks for all the help!
Happy to post this month that my wife (38) and I(37), living in London, collectively crossed £2m (roughly $2.8m) in household net worth
About 50% in home equity (living in HCOL city but happy with our home) and 50% in global equities (all in vanguard index funds) - only exception is a small (c.1%) in a China tech ETF (KWEB) and 2 small private investments (not counting this value anymore) which are moonshot hopefuls and made prior to discovering bogleheads, dont know the outcomes yet...
I am pleased with one particular aspect in the last decade - and this is slightly non-boglehead of me - Over the last 7 years we got our mortgage down from £630,000 to £70,000 now, and are very averse to debt (albeit this was a v cheap mortgage it was too big for us psychologically). We bought a house in a nice suburb and the house value has likely gone up due to covid, but we would have probably made quite a lot more money if we had invested more in the market vs overpaying mortgage. We will continue to do this till we are fully debt free (likely in 2 years as this is the max overpayment allowed)! Not having debt is a huge comforting factor for us - and to a certain extent we compensate for it by being 100% in equities and taking more risk elsewhere.
I found buying a home in London was a game changer in terms for asset/wealth creation journey for us - completely changed the P&L/balance sheet from high expenses (nearly £2,500-3000 rent per month) to high value asset creation (low interest so almost all mortgage payment to reduce principal). Since then it is a virtuous cycle as we have overpaid on mortgage, monthly mortgage payments have reduced and ability/flexibility to invest has increased with stable employment.
Also helps that we are both employed in full time, have very low maintenance lifestyle in terms of expenses due to humble upbringings (in India), have zero cost hobbies (reading, relaxing/cooking at home) and our daughter goes to a local state school which is well rated (saves about £20,000 per year vs private school in London!).
Thank you once again to this board! Bogleheads have educated me more than my CFA, engineering degree and MBA put together!
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
I’ll pile on here and say awesome job! We had a couple small ones that we were sending a few hundred bucks each month for several years. We did a relo after several years overseas and realized we really should just write the check and be done. I don’t even remember the interest rate or amount, but I remember it feeling good to not have to deal with it.canidothat wrote: ↑Thu Jul 01, 2021 11:19 am I'm not sure if this is super noteworthy, but I'm finally free from my college student debt at 28!!! Super happy to start earning for myself now
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
We hit a second comma in our taxable equity account (100% VTSAX). The acceleration caused by not having a mortgage payment has been crazy to look at over the last few years. Of course, I will never take the yearly bonus checks that we sent to mortgage company and calculate what we would have if they had gone to Vanguard instead… sometimes it is great mentally to have a short memory. Sort of like a golfer, learn from the bad shots, but don’t dwell on them.
This big taxable is going to really be helpful as we 'need' to do a lot of Roth conversions starting in about seven years. Having funds to live off and pay taxes will be helpful (duh).
This big taxable is going to really be helpful as we 'need' to do a lot of Roth conversions starting in about seven years. Having funds to live off and pay taxes will be helpful (duh).
- ruralavalon
- Posts: 26351
- Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:29 am
- Location: Illinois
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulationsrohitiiml wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 5:50 am Only place in the world I can share this!
Only 4 years ago I was posting on bogleheads how to time the market as I was sitting on the sidelines for years with cash and wiser heads advised me to stop trying to outsmart the world. Thanks for all the help!
Happy to post this month that my wife (38) and I(37), living in London, collectively crossed £2m (roughly $2.8m) in household net worth
. . . . .
Also helps that we are both employed in full time, have very low maintenance lifestyle in terms of expenses due to humble upbringings (in India), have zero cost hobbies (reading, relaxing/cooking at home) and our daughter goes to a local state school which is well rated (saves about £20,000 per year vs private school in London!).
Thank you once again to this board! Bogleheads have educated me more than my CFA, engineering degree and MBA put together!
"Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein |
Wiki article link: Bogleheads® investment philosophy
- CommitmentDevice
- Posts: 274
- Joined: Tue Apr 02, 2019 3:25 am
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
My household's net worth grow from $30K to $200K over the past two years.
The biggest driver has been the appreciation of home and portfolio, followed by increasing our savings rate. Switching industries from nonprofit to tech was pivotal.
I'm grateful for what I've learned in this community.
Our next financial goals:
The biggest driver has been the appreciation of home and portfolio, followed by increasing our savings rate. Switching industries from nonprofit to tech was pivotal.
I'm grateful for what I've learned in this community.
Our next financial goals:
- Max contributions to retirement accounts
- Pay off remaining student debt ($75K)
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
That’s excellent!CommitmentDevice wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 5:47 pm My household's net worth grow from $30K to $200K over the past two years.
The biggest driver has been the appreciation of home and portfolio, followed by increasing our savings rate. Switching industries from nonprofit to tech was pivotal.
I'm grateful for what I've learned in this community.
Our next financial goals:
- Max contributions to retirement accounts
- Pay off remaining student debt ($75K)
You’ll feel like a huge burden is lifted from you when those student loans go away. Post back when they’re paid off.
Congratulations!
Retired life insurance company financial executive who sincerely believes that ”It’s a GREAT day to be alive!”
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
My net worth reached 1 million today just a few months shy of my 50th birthday
Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would be possible. Until I made a plan. Now I am targeting 2 million by the time I retire (early).
I am single and can't share reaching this milestone with anyone, so I am excited to post it here with the people who have helped me (thank you everyone on this board!!) and can appreciate this accomplishment
A little bit about my bumpy journey:
- started out late, not investing for retirement until my early 30s (being new to this country I had no clue about 401ks, Roths and IRAs, and my income was low, <30k)
- realized I needed to get my act together as I will have no pension and won't have any family or inheritance to support me in old age
- my income has more than quintupled and I have been plowing 65k into retirement accounts in the last 4 years, maxing out RothIRA, 403b, and 457b, and putting money into a VG brokerage account.
- bought a modest home in a MCOL. some would say it's a starter home, but I am making it my forever home
Next goal: Having 1 million in retirement accounts. Current net worth of 1 million includes 290k in home equity.
I splurged on an excellent bottle of wine tonight to celebrate the day
Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would be possible. Until I made a plan. Now I am targeting 2 million by the time I retire (early).
I am single and can't share reaching this milestone with anyone, so I am excited to post it here with the people who have helped me (thank you everyone on this board!!) and can appreciate this accomplishment
A little bit about my bumpy journey:
- started out late, not investing for retirement until my early 30s (being new to this country I had no clue about 401ks, Roths and IRAs, and my income was low, <30k)
- realized I needed to get my act together as I will have no pension and won't have any family or inheritance to support me in old age
- my income has more than quintupled and I have been plowing 65k into retirement accounts in the last 4 years, maxing out RothIRA, 403b, and 457b, and putting money into a VG brokerage account.
- bought a modest home in a MCOL. some would say it's a starter home, but I am making it my forever home
Next goal: Having 1 million in retirement accounts. Current net worth of 1 million includes 290k in home equity.
I splurged on an excellent bottle of wine tonight to celebrate the day
-
- Posts: 352
- Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2015 9:09 pm
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations! That is some awesome savings work.JS-Elcano wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:54 pm My net worth reached 1 million today just a few months shy of my 50th birthday
Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would be possible. Until I made a plan. Now I am targeting 2 million by the time I retire (early).
I am single and can't share reaching this milestone with anyone, so I am excited to post it here with the people who have helped me (thank you everyone on this board!!) and can appreciate this accomplishment
A little bit about my bumpy journey:
- started out late, not investing for retirement until my early 30s (being new to this country I had no clue about 401ks, Roths and IRAs, and my income was low, <30k)
- realized I needed to get my act together as I will have no pension and won't have any family or inheritance to support me in old age
- my income has more than quintupled and I have been plowing 65k into retirement accounts in the last 4 years, maxing out RothIRA, 403b, and 457b, and putting money into a VG brokerage account.
- bought a modest home in a MCOL. some would say it's a starter home, but I am making it my forever home
Next goal: Having 1 million in retirement accounts. Current net worth of 1 million includes 290k in home equity.
I splurged on an excellent bottle of wine tonight to celebrate the day
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations!JS-Elcano wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:54 pm My net worth reached 1 million today just a few months shy of my 50th birthday
Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would be possible. Until I made a plan. Now I am targeting 2 million by the time I retire (early).
I am single and can't share reaching this milestone with anyone, so I am excited to post it here with the people who have helped me (thank you everyone on this board!!) and can appreciate this accomplishment
A little bit about my bumpy journey:
- started out late, not investing for retirement until my early 30s (being new to this country I had no clue about 401ks, Roths and IRAs, and my income was low, <30k)
- realized I needed to get my act together as I will have no pension and won't have any family or inheritance to support me in old age
- my income has more than quintupled and I have been plowing 65k into retirement accounts in the last 4 years, maxing out RothIRA, 403b, and 457b, and putting money into a VG brokerage account.
- bought a modest home in a MCOL. some would say it's a starter home, but I am making it my forever home
Next goal: Having 1 million in retirement accounts. Current net worth of 1 million includes 290k in home equity.
I splurged on an excellent bottle of wine tonight to celebrate the day
- Darth Xanadu
- Posts: 1108
- Joined: Sat Jan 27, 2018 12:47 am
- Location: MA
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
That's some really great progress, and an awesome accomplishment! Hope you enjoyed the wine, you deserve it.JS-Elcano wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:54 pm My net worth reached 1 million today just a few months shy of my 50th birthday
Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would be possible. Until I made a plan. Now I am targeting 2 million by the time I retire (early).
I am single and can't share reaching this milestone with anyone, so I am excited to post it here with the people who have helped me (thank you everyone on this board!!) and can appreciate this accomplishment
A little bit about my bumpy journey:
- started out late, not investing for retirement until my early 30s (being new to this country I had no clue about 401ks, Roths and IRAs, and my income was low, <30k)
- realized I needed to get my act together as I will have no pension and won't have any family or inheritance to support me in old age
- my income has more than quintupled and I have been plowing 65k into retirement accounts in the last 4 years, maxing out RothIRA, 403b, and 457b, and putting money into a VG brokerage account.
- bought a modest home in a MCOL. some would say it's a starter home, but I am making it my forever home
Next goal: Having 1 million in retirement accounts. Current net worth of 1 million includes 290k in home equity.
I splurged on an excellent bottle of wine tonight to celebrate the day
- ruralavalon
- Posts: 26351
- Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:29 am
- Location: Illinois
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations, that's outstanding .
"Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein |
Wiki article link: Bogleheads® investment philosophy
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Thank you! I view the 1 million as more of a psychological "milestone" rather than a financial one since 1 million (especially when it includes equity of a home that I have no intention of selling) does not really change my financial situation. But it is a signal that I am on the right path and that allows me to SWAN (which is not to underestimated once one approaches 50 )gonefishing01 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 10:02 pmCongratulations! That is some awesome savings work.JS-Elcano wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:54 pm My net worth reached 1 million today just a few months shy of my 50th birthday
Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would be possible. Until I made a plan. Now I am targeting 2 million by the time I retire (early).
I am single and can't share reaching this milestone with anyone, so I am excited to post it here with the people who have helped me (thank you everyone on this board!!) and can appreciate this accomplishment
A little bit about my bumpy journey:
- started out late, not investing for retirement until my early 30s (being new to this country I had no clue about 401ks, Roths and IRAs, and my income was low, <30k)
- realized I needed to get my act together as I will have no pension and won't have any family or inheritance to support me in old age
- my income has more than quintupled and I have been plowing 65k into retirement accounts in the last 4 years, maxing out RothIRA, 403b, and 457b, and putting money into a VG brokerage account.
- bought a modest home in a MCOL. some would say it's a starter home, but I am making it my forever home
Next goal: Having 1 million in retirement accounts. Current net worth of 1 million includes 290k in home equity.
I splurged on an excellent bottle of wine tonight to celebrate the day
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Thank youmtmingus wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 7:38 amCongratulations!JS-Elcano wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:54 pm My net worth reached 1 million today just a few months shy of my 50th birthday
Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would be possible. Until I made a plan. Now I am targeting 2 million by the time I retire (early).
I am single and can't share reaching this milestone with anyone, so I am excited to post it here with the people who have helped me (thank you everyone on this board!!) and can appreciate this accomplishment
A little bit about my bumpy journey:
- started out late, not investing for retirement until my early 30s (being new to this country I had no clue about 401ks, Roths and IRAs, and my income was low, <30k)
- realized I needed to get my act together as I will have no pension and won't have any family or inheritance to support me in old age
- my income has more than quintupled and I have been plowing 65k into retirement accounts in the last 4 years, maxing out RothIRA, 403b, and 457b, and putting money into a VG brokerage account.
- bought a modest home in a MCOL. some would say it's a starter home, but I am making it my forever home
Next goal: Having 1 million in retirement accounts. Current net worth of 1 million includes 290k in home equity.
I splurged on an excellent bottle of wine tonight to celebrate the day
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Oh, yes, the wine was excellent - old world, an homage to my roots on the other side of the Atlantic, where I learned the balance between being frugal (minimalist) and living life to its fullest.Darth Xanadu wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:05 amThat's some really great progress, and an awesome accomplishment! Hope you enjoyed the wine, you deserve it.JS-Elcano wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:54 pm My net worth reached 1 million today just a few months shy of my 50th birthday
Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think this would be possible. Until I made a plan. Now I am targeting 2 million by the time I retire (early).
I am single and can't share reaching this milestone with anyone, so I am excited to post it here with the people who have helped me (thank you everyone on this board!!) and can appreciate this accomplishment
A little bit about my bumpy journey:
- started out late, not investing for retirement until my early 30s (being new to this country I had no clue about 401ks, Roths and IRAs, and my income was low, <30k)
- realized I needed to get my act together as I will have no pension and won't have any family or inheritance to support me in old age
- my income has more than quintupled and I have been plowing 65k into retirement accounts in the last 4 years, maxing out RothIRA, 403b, and 457b, and putting money into a VG brokerage account.
- bought a modest home in a MCOL. some would say it's a starter home, but I am making it my forever home
Next goal: Having 1 million in retirement accounts. Current net worth of 1 million includes 290k in home equity.
I splurged on an excellent bottle of wine tonight to celebrate the day
This board has taken the guess work, insecurity and anxiety out of my investing decisions. Simply knowing how to calculate a best guess for what I need when and for how long made my financial journey possible. Before I found this board I just saved, not knowing toward what end and never knew how I was doing. The knowledge I gained here has made me much more relaxed about my financial future since I know what work needs to be done.
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Same here. This board is a gift.JS-Elcano wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 12:03 pm Oh, yes, the wine was excellent - old world, an homage to my roots on the other side of the Atlantic, where I learned the balance between being frugal (minimalist) and living life to its fullest.
This board has taken the guess work, insecurity and anxiety out of my investing decisions. Simply knowing how to calculate a best guess for what I need when and for how long made my financial journey possible. Before I found this board I just saved, not knowing toward what end and never knew how I was doing. The knowledge I gained here has made me much more relaxed about my financial future since I know what work needs to be done.
67/12/21 US stock/international stock/bonds. Bonds capped at 10x annual spending. Semi-retired as of 2022.
-
- Posts: 186
- Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2012 8:35 am
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Is 1.25 Million NW a milestone?
We just crossed this amount so why not post about it right?
Up 225k since Jan 1st 2021.
Approaching 1.1 million invested.
We just crossed this amount so why not post about it right?
Up 225k since Jan 1st 2021.
Approaching 1.1 million invested.
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Heck yes it’s a milestone! Congratulations!PhillyPhan wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:06 pm Is 1.25 Million NW a milestone?
We just crossed this amount so why not post about it right?
Up 225k since Jan 1st 2021.
Approaching 1.1 million invested.
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Yes, I think that definitely qualifies as an important milestone.PhillyPhan wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:06 pm Is 1.25 Million NW a milestone?
We just crossed this amount so why not post about it right?
Up 225k since Jan 1st 2021.
Approaching 1.1 million invested.
Congratulations, and keep saving and investing!
Retired life insurance company financial executive who sincerely believes that ”It’s a GREAT day to be alive!”
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Absolutely it is. Congratulations!PhillyPhan wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:06 pm Is 1.25 Million NW a milestone?
We just crossed this amount so why not post about it right?
Up 225k since Jan 1st 2021.
Approaching 1.1 million invested.
-
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu May 05, 2016 8:48 pm
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Hello everyone,
First time post. 41 with two pretty awesome kids and an amazing spouse. Grew up financially insecure, including lacking housing and food security at times. Best two things I read were the Bogleheads guide to saving and the Bogleheads wiki w/r/t financial planning. And I have read a lot of books.
I was doing some semi-annual financial planning and realized I hit over $2,150,000 in invested assets. I told my spouse but that's pretty much it. To give a flavor of how heated this market is, my initial future value planning from 2017 showed an expected value about 1.9m by the end of this year.
I basically follow a three fund portfolio, with 70 percent equity (split again 70 pc US, 30 pc ex US) and 30 intermediate bond or similar (like some Bogleheads for a period of time I had access to the ever amazing G fund at the government). I tilt to US over foreign because I believe in a premium to the US for strong rule of law for equity owners that you just don't get outside the US (putting politics aside, really).
No inherited money; finished college at a state school in 3 years, then went to the best grad school that gave me the most money. Paid my own way and started the end of Freshmen year with a negative net worth.
I have always lived below my means. I live in a VHCOL area, and drive a 10 year old 5 passenger SUV with over a 100,000. Our second car mostly sits in the driveway and is somewhat newer. Only 'windfall' was when I purchased a great apartment when everyone was full of fear in 2009. We rented it out for a while and then just sold it for my best return ever because our kids were young and cash flow was a bit tight. I don't regret the decision but it would have been a cool city pad when I was retired. We split the proceeds between investing and mortgage pay down, choosing basically not to make a choice (yes I would have made more money investing all). On paper lost lots of money in COVID and didn't sell a dime/bought under my investment plan.
Planning a splurge on a fancy electric vehicle (maybe) within the next 3-24 months. One trick will be how much to open up the purse strings. Don't get me wrong, we live plenty fancy and are willing to spend on experiences within reason.
Thank you all for your collective wisdom - the rebalancing spreadsheet makes my financial thinking take up about 20 minutes a year, when I rebalance at year end. Sometimes I get itchy at mid year end and check, which led to me recognizing this milestone.
First time post. 41 with two pretty awesome kids and an amazing spouse. Grew up financially insecure, including lacking housing and food security at times. Best two things I read were the Bogleheads guide to saving and the Bogleheads wiki w/r/t financial planning. And I have read a lot of books.
I was doing some semi-annual financial planning and realized I hit over $2,150,000 in invested assets. I told my spouse but that's pretty much it. To give a flavor of how heated this market is, my initial future value planning from 2017 showed an expected value about 1.9m by the end of this year.
I basically follow a three fund portfolio, with 70 percent equity (split again 70 pc US, 30 pc ex US) and 30 intermediate bond or similar (like some Bogleheads for a period of time I had access to the ever amazing G fund at the government). I tilt to US over foreign because I believe in a premium to the US for strong rule of law for equity owners that you just don't get outside the US (putting politics aside, really).
No inherited money; finished college at a state school in 3 years, then went to the best grad school that gave me the most money. Paid my own way and started the end of Freshmen year with a negative net worth.
I have always lived below my means. I live in a VHCOL area, and drive a 10 year old 5 passenger SUV with over a 100,000. Our second car mostly sits in the driveway and is somewhat newer. Only 'windfall' was when I purchased a great apartment when everyone was full of fear in 2009. We rented it out for a while and then just sold it for my best return ever because our kids were young and cash flow was a bit tight. I don't regret the decision but it would have been a cool city pad when I was retired. We split the proceeds between investing and mortgage pay down, choosing basically not to make a choice (yes I would have made more money investing all). On paper lost lots of money in COVID and didn't sell a dime/bought under my investment plan.
Planning a splurge on a fancy electric vehicle (maybe) within the next 3-24 months. One trick will be how much to open up the purse strings. Don't get me wrong, we live plenty fancy and are willing to spend on experiences within reason.
Thank you all for your collective wisdom - the rebalancing spreadsheet makes my financial thinking take up about 20 minutes a year, when I rebalance at year end. Sometimes I get itchy at mid year end and check, which led to me recognizing this milestone.
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Welcome to the Forum!BogleRocksDB wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 7:37 am Hello everyone,
First time post. 41 with two pretty awesome kids and an amazing spouse. Grew up financially insecure, including lacking housing and food security at times. Best two things I read were the Bogleheads guide to saving and the Bogleheads wiki w/r/t financial planning. And I have read a lot of books.
I was doing some semi-annual financial planning and realized I hit over $2,150,000 in invested assets. I told my spouse but that's pretty much it. To give a flavor of how heated this market is, my initial future value planning from 2017 showed an expected value about 1.9m by the end of this year.
I basically follow a three fund portfolio, with 70 percent equity (split again 70 pc US, 30 pc ex US) and 30 intermediate bond or similar (like some Bogleheads for a period of time I had access to the ever amazing G fund at the government). I tilt to US over foreign because I believe in a premium to the US for strong rule of law for equity owners that you just don't get outside the US (putting politics aside, really).
No inherited money; finished college at a state school in 3 years, then went to the best grad school that gave me the most money. Paid my own way and started the end of Freshmen year with a negative net worth.
I have always lived below my means. I live in a VHCOL area, and drive a 10 year old 5 passenger SUV with over a 100,000. Our second car mostly sits in the driveway and is somewhat newer. Only 'windfall' was when I purchased a great apartment when everyone was full of fear in 2009. We rented it out for a while and then just sold it for my best return ever because our kids were young and cash flow was a bit tight. I don't regret the decision but it would have been a cool city pad when I was retired. We split the proceeds between investing and mortgage pay down, choosing basically not to make a choice (yes I would have made more money investing all). On paper lost lots of money in COVID and didn't sell a dime/bought under my investment plan.
Planning a splurge on a fancy electric vehicle (maybe) within the next 3-24 months. One trick will be how much to open up the purse strings. Don't get me wrong, we live plenty fancy and are willing to spend on experiences within reason.
Thank you all for your collective wisdom - the rebalancing spreadsheet makes my financial thinking take up about 20 minutes a year, when I rebalance at year end. Sometimes I get itchy at mid year end and check, which led to me recognizing this milestone.
What an awesome first post! You’re doing everything right. You’ve figured out that the road to financial success is living below your means, and then having an investment plan and sticking to it.
Congratulations! You’re doing great.
Retired life insurance company financial executive who sincerely believes that ”It’s a GREAT day to be alive!”
- ruralavalon
- Posts: 26351
- Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:29 am
- Location: Illinois
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Welcome to the forum .
Congratulations. That's quite an accomplishment.BogleRocksDB wrote: ↑Tue Jul 20, 2021 7:37 am Hello everyone,
First time post. 41 with two pretty awesome kids and an amazing spouse. Grew up financially insecure, including lacking housing and food security at times. Best two things I read were the Bogleheads guide to saving and the Bogleheads wiki w/r/t financial planning. And I have read a lot of books.
I was doing some semi-annual financial planning and realized I hit over $2,150,000 in invested assets. . . .
. . . . . .
No inherited money; finished college at a state school in 3 years, then went to the best grad school that gave me the most money. Paid my own way and started the end of Freshmen year with a negative net worth.
I have always lived below my means. I live in a VHCOL area, and drive a 10 year old 5 passenger SUV with over a 100,000. Our second car mostly sits in the driveway and is somewhat newer. . . .
. . . . .
"Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein |
Wiki article link: Bogleheads® investment philosophy
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Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
My Wife and I just crossed the $700,000 mark today. I’m 44 years old.
Three years ago (2018) my savings looked like this:
110,000 in my 401K
30,000 in my vanguard Taxable Brokerage
5,500 in my Roth IRA
5,500 in my Wife’s Roth IRA
Two things happened. First, I started a new career in software sales. Second, I found Bogleheads and became obsessed with investing.
Today my savings look like this:
296,000 in my 401K
333,000 in my taxable brokerage
34,500 in my Roth IRA
35,000 in my Wife’s Roth IRA.
15,000 in crypto (shows some of my stupidity)
My house payment is now under $1000 a month, And my basement isn’t finished though I could afford it. I’m very well aware that the last 3 years were likely an earning bonanza that will likely come to an end by the end of this year. I kind of regret saving as much money as I have. I hope it’s worth it, because crossing the threshold is bitter sweet for me. Sweet for meeting a goal, but bitter that I still don’t have the corvette I always wanted, or finished my basement and become such a miser/money hoarder.
Oh well.
Cheers to the Bogleheads, how I’ve tried my best to become one of you. I failed in many Boglehead ways and succeeded in others. I hope to hit 1 million before I turn 46. I think it’s very doable. On to this next goal!
Three years ago (2018) my savings looked like this:
110,000 in my 401K
30,000 in my vanguard Taxable Brokerage
5,500 in my Roth IRA
5,500 in my Wife’s Roth IRA
Two things happened. First, I started a new career in software sales. Second, I found Bogleheads and became obsessed with investing.
Today my savings look like this:
296,000 in my 401K
333,000 in my taxable brokerage
34,500 in my Roth IRA
35,000 in my Wife’s Roth IRA.
15,000 in crypto (shows some of my stupidity)
My house payment is now under $1000 a month, And my basement isn’t finished though I could afford it. I’m very well aware that the last 3 years were likely an earning bonanza that will likely come to an end by the end of this year. I kind of regret saving as much money as I have. I hope it’s worth it, because crossing the threshold is bitter sweet for me. Sweet for meeting a goal, but bitter that I still don’t have the corvette I always wanted, or finished my basement and become such a miser/money hoarder.
Oh well.
Cheers to the Bogleheads, how I’ve tried my best to become one of you. I failed in many Boglehead ways and succeeded in others. I hope to hit 1 million before I turn 46. I think it’s very doable. On to this next goal!
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations! You are financially successful by any measure.DestroyingAngel wrote: ↑Thu Jul 22, 2021 8:26 pm My Wife and I just crossed the $700,000 mark today. I’m 44 years old.
Three years ago (2018) my savings looked like this:
110,000 in my 401K
30,000 in my vanguard Taxable Brokerage
5,500 in my Roth IRA
5,500 in my Wife’s Roth IRA
Two things happened. First, I started a new career in software sales. Second, I found Bogleheads and became obsessed with investing.
Today my savings look like this:
296,000 in my 401K
333,000 in my taxable brokerage
34,500 in my Roth IRA
35,000 in my Wife’s Roth IRA.
15,000 in crypto (shows some of my stupidity)
My house payment is now under $1000 a month, And my basement isn’t finished though I could afford it. I’m very well aware that the last 3 years were likely an earning bonanza that will likely come to an end by the end of this year. I kind of regret saving as much money as I have. I hope it’s worth it, because crossing the threshold is bitter sweet for me. Sweet for meeting a goal, but bitter that I still don’t have the corvette I always wanted, or finished my basement and become such a miser/money hoarder.
Oh well.
Cheers to the Bogleheads, how I’ve tried my best to become one of you. I failed in many Boglehead ways and succeeded in others. I hope to hit 1 million before I turn 46. I think it’s very doable. On to this next goal!
67/12/21 US stock/international stock/bonds. Bonds capped at 10x annual spending. Semi-retired as of 2022.
- ruralavalon
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Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations on the change .DestroyingAngel wrote: ↑Thu Jul 22, 2021 8:26 pm My Wife and I just crossed the $700,000 mark today. I’m 44 years old.
. . . . .
"Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein |
Wiki article link: Bogleheads® investment philosophy
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- Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2020 2:03 pm
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
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Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations!fatcoffeedrinker wrote: ↑Fri Jul 23, 2021 12:22 pm We just hit $7M net worth today (including paid-off home). Our low on 3/23/20 (COVID bottom) was $4.4M. Scary times for many, but we held on, didn't sell and even rebalanced a little.
Thank you all BHers for all of the great info and advice (and thank you HEDGEFUNDIE for HFEA, which definitely helped in achieving this new milestone!).
That’s a pretty awesome number.
Retired life insurance company financial executive who sincerely believes that ”It’s a GREAT day to be alive!”
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Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
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Last edited by fatcoffeedrinker on Wed Mar 02, 2022 10:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congrats, so ready to retire soon?fatcoffeedrinker wrote: ↑Fri Jul 23, 2021 12:22 pm We just hit $7M net worth today (including paid-off home). Our low on 3/23/20 (COVID bottom) was $4.4M. Scary times for many, but we held on, didn't sell and even rebalanced a little.
Thank you all BHers for all of the great info and advice (and thank you HEDGEFUNDIE for HFEA, which definitely helped in achieving this new milestone!).
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- Posts: 445
- Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2020 2:03 pm
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Deleted
Last edited by fatcoffeedrinker on Wed Mar 02, 2022 10:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
$3.7m in financial assets, $4m net worth. Divorce recovery is going fine, retirement tentatively planned for end of 2023.
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- Location: NYC
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Hit 2.6 million today a new milestone, yay!retire2022 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 08, 2021 8:11 pmThanks more confusion to my existing friends here, a good thought though, I had 2022 because I figured at 62 was earliest I was expecting to retire.
I never thought I was going to exit at 60.
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Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations!retire2022 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 12:07 amHit 2.6 million today a new milestone, yay!retire2022 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 08, 2021 8:11 pmThanks more confusion to my existing friends here, a good thought though, I had 2022 because I figured at 62 was earliest I was expecting to retire.
I never thought I was going to exit at 60.
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- Location: New York
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations!retire2022 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 06, 2021 12:07 amHit 2.6 million today a new milestone, yay!retire2022 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 08, 2021 8:11 pmThanks more confusion to my existing friends here, a good thought though, I had 2022 because I figured at 62 was earliest I was expecting to retire.
I never thought I was going to exit at 60.
"One should invest based on their need, ability and willingness to take risk - Larry Swedroe" Asking Portfolio Questions
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Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Decided to run the numbers today and realized I joined the two comma club! Can’t really celebrate with others about it… but it is what it is. It’s bitter sweet, a lot of sacrifice went into this journey but I’m ready for the next leg, going to go to dinner with the SO and have something nice! This forum has been invaluable to and I appreciate everyone here!
Searching Through The FiRE
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Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Decided to run the numbers today and realized I joined the two comma club! Can’t really celebrate with others about it… but it is what it is. It’s bitter sweet, a lot of sacrifice went into this journey but I’m ready for the next leg, going to go to dinner with the SO and have something nice! This forum has been invaluable to and I appreciate everyone here!
Searching Through The FiRE
- ruralavalon
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- Location: Illinois
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Congratulations on joining the two comma club . Enjoy your dinner and night out.Green Street wrote: ↑Mon Aug 09, 2021 11:11 am Decided to run the numbers today and realized I joined the two comma club! Can’t really celebrate with others about it… but it is what it is. It’s bitter sweet, a lot of sacrifice went into this journey but I’m ready for the next leg, going to go to dinner with the SO and have something nice! This forum has been invaluable to and I appreciate everyone here!
"Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein |
Wiki article link: Bogleheads® investment philosophy
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Very impressive. Congratulations!Green Street wrote: ↑Mon Aug 09, 2021 11:11 am Decided to run the numbers today and realized I joined the two comma club! Can’t really celebrate with others about it… but it is what it is. It’s bitter sweet, a lot of sacrifice went into this journey but I’m ready for the next leg, going to go to dinner with the SO and have something nice! This forum has been invaluable to and I appreciate everyone here!
Have a nice dinner, and maybe a bottle of wine, to celebrate.
Retired life insurance company financial executive who sincerely believes that ”It’s a GREAT day to be alive!”
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Re: Crossed $250,000 for first time
I tallied up our current assets and noticed that we’ve quietly crossed over into the two-comma club. Some of it is home equity, but much less than a third of the total. Investments and savings have been on a tear. We couldn’t have done it without this forum.
Next goal: be able to work because I want to, not because I have to, in at most 14 years from now.
Next goal: be able to work because I want to, not because I have to, in at most 14 years from now.
Krischi wrote: ↑Tue May 08, 2018 11:23 am We just crossed $250,000 in investments for the first time yesterday.
The contribution of this forum has been invaluable. When I joined in December 2014, we had just $42k in invested assets to our name, and a wife who wasn’t fully on board re the need for retirement planning. Now she is all in, we have made big strides, and we are on a good path. A big thank you to everyone here!
Re: Crossed $250,000 for first time
Awesome! That is great progress in the last few years. Keep it up.Krischi wrote: ↑Fri Aug 13, 2021 6:38 pm I tallied up our current assets and noticed that we’ve quietly crossed over into the two-comma club. Some of it is home equity, but much less than a third of the total. Investments and savings have been on a tear. We couldn’t have done it without this forum.
Next goal: be able to work because I want to, not because I have to, in at most 14 years from now.
Krischi wrote: ↑Tue May 08, 2018 11:23 am We just crossed $250,000 in investments for the first time yesterday.
The contribution of this forum has been invaluable. When I joined in December 2014, we had just $42k in invested assets to our name, and a wife who wasn’t fully on board re the need for retirement planning. Now she is all in, we have made big strides, and we are on a good path. A big thank you to everyone here!
Re: Crossed $250,000 for first time
That was a nice jump, congratsKrischi wrote: ↑Fri Aug 13, 2021 6:38 pm I tallied up our current assets and noticed that we’ve quietly crossed over into the two-comma club. Some of it is home equity, but much less than a third of the total. Investments and savings have been on a tear. We couldn’t have done it without this forum.
Next goal: be able to work because I want to, not because I have to, in at most 14 years from now.
Krischi wrote: ↑Tue May 08, 2018 11:23 am We just crossed $250,000 in investments for the first time yesterday.
The contribution of this forum has been invaluable. When I joined in December 2014, we had just $42k in invested assets to our name, and a wife who wasn’t fully on board re the need for retirement planning. Now she is all in, we have made big strides, and we are on a good path. A big thank you to everyone here!
1 fund
- familythriftmd
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- Location: Wisconsin
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Back to broke! (assets minus medical school debt)
Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
I assume you were negative before?
If so, your move back to "broke" is a positive! Congratulations. And best of luck in paying down your medical school debt (quickly, I hope).
Retired life insurance company financial executive who sincerely believes that ”It’s a GREAT day to be alive!”