u/AlpenglowAura

Hello beauties-

I’ve been using tretinoin for years now at the same formulation and strength (0.025% cream), and my routine had not changed in a couple years now because it’s worked very well:

AM:
- I wipe my face with a tissue to remove any excess moisturizer/Vaseline/oil
Then if needed, depending on UV exposure that day:
- I apply a generous layer of La Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Cream SPF 50+ (the basic kind)
- then makeup (almost always just powder to tamp down the intense shine of my sunscreen, and some clear brow gel, plus concealer as needed for the rare pimple)

PM
In the shower:
- I use shampoo suds as a first step cleanser for my face, neck, shoulders
- my last step in the shower is using Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- then on dry skin, I apply my tretinoin to my face and neck
- then I apply two generous layers of Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
- then I do a layer of Vaseline around my eyes, nose, nasal labial folds

That’s my routine with nothing left out.

I do take spironolactone as well for acne, which has worked after years of finding my lowest effective dose, and that dose has not changed in a couple years.

Overall my skin is great, and I feel very fortunate after having acne for years.

I’m noticing more often that I’m getting flaking by the end of the day on my chin, sometimes by the corners of my nose, and I HATE IT. It’s not crusting/caking powder, and my skin is not dry/dehydrated, I have a good skin barrier. It’s flaking off dead skin, and it’s usually not subtle- it’s a bad look and usually it catches me off guard at the end of a day- cringe.

I think I need to start carefully using an exfoliating product, but I’m cautious because I know those can wreak havoc if not used right.

I’ve been thinking of glycolic acid or another AHA- using that at night instead of tretinoin maybe a couple times a week?

I’m a skincare nerd and a looooongtime user of this sub, but have never used an AHA before.

Thanks!

I’m sort of FIREing and am researching my best options for a 2027 plan as I will lose my silver employer-sponsored health insurance.

I think I’ll be able to keep my MAGI in range for subsidies so will likely get health insurance via Marketplace.

I just read about direct primary care the other day and find it really interesting.

I’m considering doing a low premium bronze plan that’s HSA eligible. The HSA funds can be used for direct primary care. Seems like a win-win.

Anyone done this? Any advice?

Edit to add- the HSA can grow from investments and contributing to the HSA allows me to reduce my MAGI by however much I contribute. I’d prefer to have invested accounts be accessible without penalty, so I’m unsure what makes the most sense.

I feel like places that have a good quality of life and are desirable would be the biggest draw. Cost of living could be variably important depending on how much people are retiring with. I know that in my city, for example, the cost of living and local wages don’t seem to align; I wonder if beyond remote workers, there is a silent FIRE community.

What’s your experience been?

I’m (30F) financially secure and generally pretty financially literate and sensible- EXCEPT that I kept postponing getting a credit card and building credit. It was easy and simple to just use a debit card, but now I really wish I could qualify for some travel cards or other cards with perks that I’m sure will reject me with no credit history.

I have a longstanding relationship with Fidelity, no debt, and substantial accounts. I’m considering applying for their CC to get started, although I know that’s risky.

Are there any beginner cards that actually have good rewards or travel perks?

Thanks.

I’m 30F, sort of coast FIRE, and about to be basically FIREd (I’ll be working a few days/month- I may go back to 20-30 hours/week in a year or two if I want to). I live in an outdoorsy HCOL area.

I’m single, no dependents, live alone, have some hobbies I’m going to get more into, but am introverted and shy/nervous in new groups or dating. I’m not sure how to date or make friends given my unique situation. There a couple meetup groups that match my interests and I’ve signed up to go to a couple of those events.

I’m a bit nervous about loneliness now that I’m leaving full time work.

I’d like to be able to make friends who are in somewhat similar financial positions, but I know how rare FIRE is and how unusual and lucky my situation is. The appeal of being friends with some people who are financially independent is that it wouldn’t feel so isolating to be in my position, and I’d feel I could be more honest about my life. I’m quite private about my finances, but don’t like feeling like I’m hiding big things like that. I currently have like 1-2 local friends and am not sure those friendships will stick/be good longer term.

Any thoughts would be very appreciated. Please be kind.

Only if you’re comfortable sharing (obviously).

I’m taking a closer look at my financial picture and really like the idea of having a fiduciary look at every aspect of my finances, help me figure out what I should change, what I can do, and tax plan.

I came across an ad for a fiduciary business in my area that’s flat fee based, no percentage/commission. It says they cater to high net worth individuals- 2ish million or more. I fall into that category.

Thoughts?

I’m learning more about FIRE concepts and don’t have a good grasp of what MAGI actually is, how it’s calculated, and how it compares to annual spend post retirement.

Can you explain it for me?