i wish i was further, 34f
single income
$~110k-ish with bonuses
+ ~$5k a year casual pet sitting for friends and for fun more than for money
savings
$81k 401k
$10k in IRA
$3k index mutual funds
$45k liquid high yield savings
debt
$17k federal student loans left on low apr (2.4% to 4.2%)
no car loan
no rent or mortgage payment
edit: i have free housing as part of my employment.
i have some balances on credit cards usually 0% interest promos and i use a few cards to pay for all daily expenses and pay statement balance in full each month. total average between $3k to $7k.
i'm really struggling on the decision on if i should use my $45k as a downpayment on a house soon but it would make me extremely house poor. home minimum $500k(needs lot of work) to $700k (average) in my california neighborhood. my mortgage would be $3,500-$5,000 monthly.
i'm extremely lucky and grateful and don't have many bills but i have acquired some bad shopping habits with my discretionary income the last few years. it would be a huge lifestyle change for me and i'm not sure if i will succeed.
yet the market is getting worse and with inflation and interest rates rising, i don't want to miss the boat.
thoughts?