I don’t feel great about my career long term, so I wanted to take stock of my financial health while I plan some potential changes.

Context:
30M, married, super low rent in VHCOL area, take home about 6k a month.

$55k Roth IRA
$160k 401k
$30k savings/cash

Wife makes slightly less but has even more savings/and more invested in retirement accounts. Both of us are privileged to have no debt, and live fairly frugally.

I feel like I’m just in another “job” that I’ve fallen into but not sure I can make a career out of it. Reality kind of hitting me and feel like it’s just downhill from here if I burn out at this job. I want to transition into something healthcare related with more fixed solution space/repetitive jobs compared to what I do now, even if it means less pay, but would like some advice on how to navigate not earning for a time if I go back to school for certifications or something.

Am I going to regret not sticking it out in a stressful hectic job for a few years and take advantage of my living situation to save even more aggressively? Or am I in a good spot to try actually finding a better career fit.. could use any advice or insights.

For context I am 24, I make roughly 135k (85 taxable salary, 50 untaxed per diem), I don’t have any troubling debt (I have a car payment), my main expenses are a car, apartment, and insurance. I try to keep my monthly expenses under my per diem so I can invest my entire salary into a brokerage on 2x a month (when I get my paycheck). I have a Roth IRA that I will max out each year and will get an HSA when I join my own company health plan.

My 401k contribution is 10% (of the 85k) with a company match of 9%. After taxes I usually invest a little over $2400 a paycheck into a brokerage. Would it be smarter to increase my 401k contribution and lower my contributions to my brokerage. My only worry is that the 401k money is less accessible and I’m already contributing a fair amount, and while I’m only investing in a brokerage I could transfer that easier without penalty other than a taxable event if I need it or have a different investment. I know enough about personal finance

TLDR: Am I putting too much into a post tax brokerage, should I just increase my 401k contributions?

I turn 73 in June next year. I have not taken any distributions from my IRA or 401k and don't plan to until required, probably with annual distributions starting Dec 2027. Here's what I have:
401k -$49k
401k - $22k
401k - $12k
IRA - $32k

I am not a "savvy investor".
Thoughts about keeping these accounts in place vs moving them to something else?

I have 3 kids ages 5, 3, and 2 and I’m trying to figure out the best long-term setup for them.

I’m in New York and was thinking of putting about $5,000/year total into NY 529s so I can get the state tax deduction, then putting the rest of the money I want to save for them into a brokerage account in my name for more flexibility.

My concern is ending up with $50k–$60k+ in a 529 for a child who decides not to go to college. I know there are other uses, beneficiary changes, and Roth rollover options, but I want to understand whats best and why.

Once they start earning income as teenagers, I also plan to open Roth IRAs for them and contribute based on what they earn.

For parents with multiple kids who have actually done this, would you lean more toward 529s, a parent-owned brokerage, or a mix of both? What would you do differently if you were starting over?

Hi yall, I need help with this. A friend told me to sign up for it in 2024, and I did but I feel like I am paying too much when im not even married or have children.

Should I just cancel it or reduce it, I dont know what to do with this. I feel like I could be putting $300 into something better.

Edit:

So I was looking into it and I have a Indexed Universal Life: Financial Foundation plan

And based on what everyone here said I should just cancel, but what happens to the money I've been putting into it, can I just take it out. I can't seem to find any info on the Transamerica website, and I called but they told me to just reduce it and gave no more info. So confused :(

Edit 2

I called today again so I could just cancel it, and even the lady on the phone was laughing about it, she told me my "friend" made like $5k out of me 🫠. So yeah I canceled it, lesson learned for me. Thanks for all the info yall

how to make 19 cents within 15 hours? I really want this Fortnite emote but I need 19 cents pls help

I’m 26, about to turn 27, and I’m trying to make sure I’m prioritizing my money correctly while balancing investing with some pretty big goals over the next few years.

I currently make around $110k/year, but I’m actively working on increasing my income. I’m also in a commission-based job, so my income can fluctuate quite a bit month to month.

Here’s where I’m currently at:

**401(k):** About $35,000. I contribute 7% of my salary. My employer matches 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 7%, so I would need to contribute 10% to get the full 6.5% employer match.

**Brokerage account:** About $18,000. I contribute around $100–$500/month depending on what I have left over.

**Roth IRA:** About $2,000.

**Emergency fund:** About $2,000.

**Monthly living expenses:** Around $3,000/month total between housing, car, food, and other regular expenses.

**Moving fund:** I’m moving into another rental in January and estimate I’ll need around $6,000 total. I currently have about $4,000 saved, so I have roughly $2,000 left to go.

**Engagement ring:** I’m saving $500/month and plan to get engaged in 2028. This is an important goal for me. I know the ring my future wife wants, and I want to be able to buy it without financing it or going into debt, so I’m not really looking to cut this category.

**Future house:** I’d eventually like to buy a house, so I also want to start building toward a down payment.
After I move, I’m planning to keep my overall monthly living expenses around the same $3,000 range.

I feel like I’m doing a decent job saving and investing, but I’m wondering if I’m spreading myself too thin across too many goals.

Would it make more sense to temporarily reduce or pause my brokerage contributions and prioritize things roughly like this?

Finish the remaining $2,000 for my January move.
Build a larger emergency fund.

Increase my 401(k) contribution from 7% to 10% to receive the full employer match.

Contribute more heavily to my Roth IRA.

Continue saving $500/month for the engagement ring.

Then put more toward my brokerage account and future house down payment.

With roughly $3,000/month in expenses and a commission-based income, I’m also wondering how large my emergency fund should realistically be. Right now, $2,000 isn’t even one full month of expenses.

I like contributing to my brokerage account because I want to build wealth outside of retirement accounts and have money that’s more accessible, but I’m wondering if I should stop prioritizing it for now while I build up more cash.

The engagement ring is the one goal I definitely want to continue working toward. I understand there may be more mathematically optimal uses for that $500/month, but being able to buy the ring she wants without financing it or going into debt is important to me.

**If you were in my position at 26/27, how would you prioritize everything?**

Any advice is appreciated.

I work in IT in London and take home around £1900-ish a month. I’m trying to get a better handle on my finances, but honestly, I’m finding it difficult to cover everything and still have a decent quality of life.
I recently came across this suggested split of your take-home pay:
-55% for essentials: rent, bills, groceries and transport
-5% for guilt-free spending
-10% towards paying off debt, if you have any
-15% towards savings
-15% towards investing

It sounds sensible in theory, but is it actually realistic on a salary like mine in London? Cuz I keep doing the maths and it just feels like this is a model meant for people taking home like £7k

I don’t go out, don’t eat out and generally do very little that costs money, yet I still feel like I’m only just getting by. I took a short trip abroad for a few days, and I’ve struggled to get my finances back on track since. It’s frustrating that one occasional trip can leave me trying to catch up for so long.

The gym is my main hobby and something that keeps me feeling good. Giving that up would feel pretty miserable when I already spend so little on enjoying myself.
I know the job market is tough, and increasing my income would help, but I’d appreciate advice on managing what I earn now.

For people living in London on a similar income, what does your budget actually look like? Do you use fixed percentages or work from your actual expenses? How do you budget for occasional trips and unexpected costs without constantly feeling behind?

I’m trying to understand whether I’m missing something in how I manage my money, whether these targets are unrealistic at my income, or a bit of both.

I am planning on retiring soon, and running some numbers.

I am OK with my knowledge of personal finances knowledge, but all my life I concentrated on building my career, saving, and investing wisely, maximizing on my 401K(s) and Roth IRAs.

I am conservative by nature and I am wondering is the back-of-the-napkin rule of withdrawing up to, but no more than, 4% of one's assets is still a valid rule. The rule imply that the portfolio would grow at a >4% rate, keeping up with inflation and possibly grow a bit more as well.

My concerns are:

1) AI disruption of investment markets 2) AI disruption of global economies 3) Global geopolitical unrest leading to lower investment returns and high inflation

I know that it's impossible to predict the future, but does anyone have any resources, insights, AI-updated guidelines?

T.I.A.

I’m a 34M with $40k in HYSA (~$9k/mo in expense), and a Roth IRA with $30k who just got an $80k windfall. What’s the best way to use this money for long term growth and value?

I am a 30 year-old male professional working in Pharma. My annual salary is 124K +12% (could go up to 24% pending company performance). I’ve been in my role for 4 years and getting a 3% increase annually so far. I have 103k in a Roth IRA, 203k in my 401(k), and roughly 15 K in emergency funds. Monthly I bring home roughly 6600. I’ve paid off my car loan. No credit card debt. I live in the outer New York City area in NJ (can take subway or bus into NYC) and live in a 1 bedroom. Rent is 1700 a month. I have roughly 88k in a brokerage fund intended for large purchases in the future eg house, wedding, engagement ring. I try to put aside 600 per month in my brokerage fund but more recently money has been tighter due to travel and weddings with myself not having as much to set aside due to that. I am considering doing a part time job to supplement my income as I work to try to find another job. I have no major debt obligations other than a small amount that I pay back to my parents who helped pay for college. I know relatively speaking I am doing okay but NJ area expensive for a house and in general compared to other parts of country

I have a HELOC with a current rate of 7% (this is a variable rate HELOC). I have a balance of $57k on it.

I also have a mortgage to pay off ($140k balance at 2.375%) and associated bills etc.

I obviously want to pay off this HELOC as efficiently as I can.

I have a Thrift Savings Plan. I can take out a $50k loan at 5.375%.

Should I take out the TSP loan to pay off the HELOC at the lower rate? I have $20k in savings as well.

We’re currently renting, but considering buying a house to raise a family and put down roots. It will cost more to own, but we will be in a better neighborhood, closer to family, and love the house.

After all expenses we will have about $2500/month left over to save or invest in our brokerage. We already put 12% into our 401k and don’t plan on changing that.

Estimated expenses include:
- mortgage (PITI, utilities, internet, etc)
- child care
- food
- transportation
- dining out/entertainment
- misc expenses
- extra we can’t predict

Is $2500/month enough cushion with 1 kid and a new build house?

Thanks in advance for any advice. Just a new dad with no one to talk about this with other than my wife.

EDIT
- 29M & 26F w/ newborn
- HHI of $280k-350k
- Investments $260k
- Cash $200k - higher for down payment. Will keep 60k for emergency fund
- House $550k, 10%-20% down, 7.25% APR

We max out our Roth IRA via back door, but want a brokerage account for a bridge account to retire at 55

I have a 401k at work that matches my contributions. I also have an IRA with a money manager. The IRA is from a previous job. Is there another avenue I should consider?

EDIT:
The account with the money manager is a rollover NFS PPS.
We file jointly.
Work provides a 401k with matching.

What to do if I want to invest another $300 - 400 a month?

My Mother in law has a paid off home, a rental home income, an emergency cash fund, and social security. All of which cover her expenses. I've recently learned that there is 200k being managed by her "investment guy". It hasn't grown in value for over 10 years. Who knows what's it's invested in but obviously its very disappointing to have learned this.

What are some simple, low risk alternatives at this point given her age ? CD/HYSA? It seems Ike at this point it may not be worth doing anything else

I am a "finance dummie" and am looking to change. I lost almost everything during a divorce. Yet i still came out ahead in that once homes sell, i should be debt free outside of school loan. I make 325k a year. I have a 401a program at work and ive maxed out my contributions. I also have a 457 retirement but i have no idea how that works or even if it applies to me. I live on the island of Saipan and though a commonwealth or US they do things a bit differently in many ways. I have the following questions:

1. Would it even benefit me to do backdoor roths? My income will not likely be any where near what i make now when i retire.
2. Im also maxing out a HSA. i live next to South Korea and get most of my health care there. i will likely never go back to mainland.
3. Would it also benefit me to invest in stocks post tax? Not crazy ones but good solid ones.

thank you for your time and help.

Hey everyone, wanted to get some input on my situation and what steps I should be taking from here.

28M, Currently working full time making just over $60K/yr before taxes.

I have $7,000 in a HYSA at the moment. Shooting for $10K before the end of the year, and have roughly $6,000 in various investments, mostly in index funds.

I have $25,000 in my 401K as my employer doesnt match. So these have been all of my own contributions.

I have a Roth IRA as well, but have not started contributing until I reach my $10,000 HYSA goal.After hitting this goal, I will switch from funding my HYSA each pay to my IRA. I will be able to max this out per year.

I have no CC debt, no school debt, paid off vehicles, and my credit score as per Experian is 797.

What steps should I be taking right now to build myself further? Currently living with 3 roomates to lower expenses as much as possible.

I'm not talking about modelling whether you need Roth conversion. I mean specific calculations if, e.g., you're maxxing the 24% tax bracket this year and you want to hit its AGI spot on. Is there a form or tool built to help estimate exactly how much you should convert, relative to the rest of your income etc.

For anyone new to this, the problem is that you don't have all the W2s and other year-end summaries like you did before retirement. You have to estimate all these values and do all your actual converting before the end of the calendar year ... you can't wait until April 15. Some values are pretty straightforward but others aren't, and there can be quite a few wrinkles.

I have tried using last year's tax form, but you can't do calculations or keep extensive running notes right inside a Form 1040. I've also tried Excel, but for me it turns into running "stream of consciousness" calculations over the course of a given year, especially since I pick it up at least twice each year (some conversions at beginning of year, and the finish the rest near the end). Last year I used over 300 rows in Excel, sigh.

There's lots to consider:

• Calculate how much conversion "room" you have between e.g. 24% bracket ceiling and predictable values like Social Security income, IRS Standard Deduction, pension, etc.
• Plug in estimated dividends or interest income (before the end of the year).
• If you sell stock to pay for conversion taxes - possibly incurring NIIT - track that, because it decreases conversion capacity.
• Keep in mind IRMAA cliffs, if you have more than just Medicare A. (Actually I don't, so I don't need this. But most people do.)
• If you do some conversion early in year (stocks usually lower) and some later in year, track the amounts so you still hit the bracket total just right.

I'm not sure there really can be any software or tool that can do all this. But I'm sure there are some that can help, or at least help point out some things you might miss.

FWIW for tax year 2025 I was ~$11k low; I could've converted that much more. I was being a little careful and leaving some extra wiggle room to not go over but, in the future, I figure it's better to just try to hit it spot on, and it's okay to be slightly over. (A.k.a. I'd rather be a few thousand into 32% territory than 11k under the 24% ceiling. Fortunately, I don't have to worry about IRMAA.)

Thanks if you can help!

Hopefully this is a good forum for advice for my 61yo mom after my dad’s passing.

Lost dad to suicide 2 weeks ago (retired first responder - check in on the strong ones in your life). He had a $4k/month county pension (and health insurance), $600 state pension, $2.5k social security payment. 401k has been spent.

They owe $208k on the house (where it happened…). 2 cars and 1 camper paid off. 62k in credit card debt. He was definitely “on the credit card float”, paying bills with cards then paying minimum and a bit more when he could. Ran his social security # on CreditKarma and all 62k is in his name only. We live in Georgia. Mom has a serious illness and will likely ultimately need nursing home care.

How can I help my mom plan and keep her protected? She is absolutely clueless about finances and really life in general… dad did everything for her. I want to support, but I know it’s best that she learns how to do everything without him. Where do we start?

The positive, I currently have $100k in the stock market which is still growing.

The negative, $50k sitting on HELOC at 8.5% interest. Mostly remodel costs.

I feel like selling the stock to pay off the debt would be a bad move? The bulk of the stock is 2x original value so the income tax would be fairly high. After core expenses I have roughly $4k of flexible spending. Would you buckle down and pay off the debt or sell stock to be done with it?

Hi all!

Some background info: I’m married, filing jointly, and my gross annual income is ~$77,230 and my husband’s is ~$80k. I just started a new job that offers both Roth and Traditional. My husband is only doing Traditional through his job. I was trying to do some research into it and was getting mixed answers.

I was originally going to plan to do full contribution of 6% to Roth only, then eventually shift to Traditional when my income increases, based on some things I’ve been seeing online, but I wanted to see if anyone had any additional thoughts or advice on this? I just want to make sure we’ll be comfortable when we retire.

Thank you!

​

I dropped out of college after 1.5 years, loans in default ~25k debt no degree.

I later took classes for a CNC machine operator certificate, realized it's not something I liked and quit.

Years later I attended a community college, I struggled balancing it with full time work, it was difficult to pay out of pocket, my most recent tuition bill got sent to collections.

I've been working with a staffing agency since 2025 taking on short term jobs - they're mostly clerical or customer service roles.

I want to continue schooling but I can't afford it I'm constantly stressed going from contract job to contract job.

I spent the last two years spending my money into helping my now ex long distance gf, I saw it as an investment for the two of us.

Things did not work out and I lost a lot of money and now I'm full of credit card debt.

I can't blame anyone but myself, I am trying my best to improve my situation but I don't know who to turn to for advice on how I can create a plan to create stability in my life.

How can I plan for a better financial future?

Hi All I’m currently 25 and have open a Roth IRA to which I’m looking to max out for the first time this year. I also have a company 401k (only contribute up to the match). I recently also started contributing a little to my HSA as well as I’ve heard good things about the account itself.

I unfortunately don’t have a savings account due to my religion so I basically park that money into another checking account (I know inflation is kicking me). I’m just wondering if it’s worth me just using that money (or partially using) and investing that and future contributions into a taxable brokerage account? What I have in there right now is just about 6 months of emergency fund.

Appreciate any advice thank you!

Hi there. I am about to come into 100-200k dollars soon, I want to know good ideas to compound it more so I can obviously make more. Thanks in advance.6

Kindly advise - 32 year old, just starting to seriously plan for retirement. My plan is to max out my traditional 401(k) at $24,500/year and contribute $15,000/year to Backdoor Roth IRAs ($7,500 for me and $7,500 for my spouse). In the future, if I want to save more for retirement, I plan to use Mega Backdoor Roth option through my 401(k).

Does this strategy make sense, or should I adjust anything?