r/moneyadvice

I am making about 35k a year, have 30K saved, and will be making a big jump to about 180k a year in a lower-than-avg cost of living area in the US.

I have no debts, am mid-30s, have 3 kids and am married.

What should I do with my money in 2027?

- buy a house or rent for a while?
- college savings for kids?
- invest?
- start a side hustle?

I’ve been living from paycheck for so long that I feel like I need a mentality shift.

I recently found out that I have to get braces. I’m looking at around $3000 after insurance. The benefits plan choosing comes up again in November and I have approximately 1800 saved in my health savings account. I’m trying to decide if I use my current health savings money to the down payment for these braces or if I pay it out-of-pocket.
I figured that with this new year coming around for benefits, I would switch to a lower paying plan through my work and apply the money that I’m saving from switching plans into the monthly payments for the braces

I’m not sure what to do or if this is even a good plan
Thoughts?

I was informed recently that I'd be receiving 1k a month to invest in Anything I choose. Rule is I have to invest all. No matter if it fails or succeeds I'll receive another 1k. I can put it in savings accounts as long as the interest rate is respectable. Where should I start? Leaning towards life insurance.. but need more plays. Thanks in advance