u/Diligent-Sound-3915

26M graduating this fall with no college debt, paid off car, ~$50k income — how am I doing financially?

I’m 26 and graduating this fall with a business degree. I currently live with my dad so my expenses are pretty low right now. I make around $50k/year gross working in hospitality.
Here’s where I’m at financially:
Paid off car
No college debt
Around $2k+ in savings
Around $7k invested between Roth IRA, individual brokerage, and 401k
Monthly investing is usually around $400–500
Main bills are insurance, gas, gym, food, etc.
I know I’m behind some people my age and ahead of others, but I’ve been trying to get more serious about saving/investing the last couple years and cut back on partying/spending.
My goals are:
Build a 6–12 month emergency fund
Move out within the next year or so
Hit $80k+ invested by 30
Eventually get into a higher-paying career with my degree
How would you say I’m doing for 26? What would you prioritize next if you were in my position?

reddit.com
u/Diligent-Sound-3915 — 3 days ago

26 and Trying to Set Myself Up Financially — What Should I Prioritize Over the Next 1–2 Years?

I’m 26, live in Colorado, and currently work in restaurants/hospitality while finishing a business degree. I’ll probably graduate around 27.
Current situation:
Income around $45k–$50k depending on hours/tips
~$5k invested
Low living expenses currently
Interested in eventually transitioning into business/procurement/supply chain/sales type roles
I’m trying to use the next 1–2 years wisely financially while I still have relatively low expenses.
If you were in my position, what would you prioritize most?
Building a bigger emergency fund?
Investing more aggressively?
Increasing income through skills/certifications?
Saving to move out?
Staying low-expense as long as possible?
Something else?
I sometimes feel behind career-wise for my age, so I’m trying to make smart decisions now instead of drifting for the next few years.

reddit.com
u/Diligent-Sound-3915 — 10 days ago