How do you escape the grind in your off-time? I’ve seen so many peers almost lose their identity or who they are while playing the game. I understand the commitment and time required to climb this ever-evolving ladder; however, how do you stay true to who you are in your life outside of work? Seems like every peer or mentor can’t turn it off, if you know what I mean. Anyway, just curious. Thanks!
Mid 20s and currently in the military. I grew up in a very economically challenged region of the U.S. and I have some issues in terms of cash. Currently I have 40k cash and have 70k invested (97% S&P and 3% foreign). Currently I’m doing $2k a month and my numbers on the conservative side have me at 1m at 39. I may leanfire at 40 or work something that pays decent that requires little leadership, not set in stone yet. I don’t plan on withdrawing until at the earliest 44. Pension will vary between $2-5k a month pre-tax but I am guaranteed to have at-least $2k per month starting at 38 and free healthcare for life. My current NW only counting cash and stocks is $110k.
How does one get over having such a cash buffer? I live in HCOL (for now), and my emergency fund requires $36k. But the catch is I have the stability and no debt. I saved roughly $80k from 18-23 by making tons of sacrifices (ramen, not much going out, etc). I talked myself into lumping in 40k into the market a few years back and now have $40k now earning 3% in a HYSA but really it’s like 1% after state and federal tax….. I’ve considered SGOV but don’t like the non-same day liquidity.
Expenses not counting fun are: $3600. Again, this could be slashed with a move and be cheaper or more expensive.
Yes, I do semi-enjoy my life and travel. Usually take a 10-14 day vacation overseas or Hawaii, etc. and maybe one two big festivals or shows.
TL;DR: 40k cash, no children, HCOL, want to lessen cash buffer but anxious.
Got a 95.5 on my last AF PFA and had to take the “traditional version” for a combat course a few months ago and passed fine. However, I’ve always been terrible at sit-ups, as I have a long torso.
Any tips for getting better at sit-ups? I can knock like 40 ish legit ones out right now. Just an applicant tho, so I probably have while even if selected.
I got a 82 on my last traditional AF PFA, as we landed at midnight and tested at 0400 the same day so I had maybe 2 hours of sleep lol. (It was a pre requisite for the class and the entire course was awful in terms of PT, had to pass the army combat fitness test, etc).
Currently enlisted USAF.
Thanks!
Willing to pay but I cannot find ANY, only a reissue on EBay.
PM me, willing to $$$$$ for it.
Just bought $DRAM and it’s a less than 1% of my total portfolio. I bought $3k worth and it will either moon or drop to $0 which is fine, as I will claim what I can on my taxes. See you boys in a year.
Current stack if curios:
0.6% DRAM
14.4% VXUS
85% VTI
Not asking for a rating….
🫡
Here is my solution to all of the beginner questions.
Portfolios and Age
Age 18-40: Growth-based
80% VOO or VTI
10% QQQM
10% VXUS
Cash: $40k-$50k (less than 20% of portfolio)
Age 41-50: End of Growth Cycle
60% VOO or VTI
20% VXUS
10% Bonds
10% QQQM
Cash $60k-$75k
Age 51-60: Steading the ship
50% VOO or VTI
20% VXUS
30% bonds
Cash $90k-$100k
Age 61-Death: Pace inflation
40% VTI or VOO
10% VXUS
50% bonds
Cash $100k+
Retire whenever you see fit, but this is like the most cookie cutter way of growing then maintaining.
Not a financial expert.
In the estimated 31 July of 26OTS03 senior raters (AD) or public release? I know senior raters often have it a week or two early compared to AFPC list that drops.
Unlimited pass is $29.99 where I am, expensive but worth it! Here are my 5 favorite movies that I have seen in the past year (ish)
HM:
Worst:
I often find myself worrying about my future but I think that’s me getting older and seeing how the world truly works.
Anyway, here are my stats:
-24 male, married, no children yet
-$62k invested ($10k of VTI, $4k of VXUS, $2k of QQQM in taxable. $16k of FXAIX in IRA, $31k in S&P Roth 401k equivalent).
-I make $75k after taxes currently
-wife works but I don’t count her contributions as if we have children she will likely stop working for a time period unknown. (All together $100k invested together FWIW)
Variance here is tricky, I will have a pension and guaranteed free healthcare for myself and my family. The pension will vary between $2k-$5k per month (depends on my where I finish, $2k per month if I just breath currently and never advance). Pension is inflation adjusted!
I will not fire after I retire from my current job in ~15-17 years. I’m just hoping to have greater than $1m invested by that time, around 40 years of age. More of a milestone, withdrawal age is likely to be around 50.
So my math suggests:
$22-$40k yearly in a pension
Free healthcare for myself family (huge)
$1m by age 40, assuming my contributions never change. I like to factor what I can control, so I don’t account for increases in wage or contributions. If I can do $2k in my early 20s, it’s very likely I can continue doing so.
Conclusion:
I feel like I live a decent life, usually travel once or twice a year and have stability. Just wanted someone to sanity check my numbers/logic. USED 7% rate of return FOR ALL CALCULATIONS!
(I won’t FIRE at 40 despite having $1m and a pension because I plan on using my pension as a mortgage payment for the rest of my life).
Edit-Added background:
Have a bachelors and will pursue a MBA at some point but will likely be minimal out of pocket if at all. Have a car payment but I usually have cars until they fall apart, had my last one for 8 years.
It’s near impossible to get the new ones at my base, are we all rocking the new stuff at OTS?