Hi, thanks for reply. I’m still learning the kind of info that you need to post here in order to get the most beneficial answers
Overall goal: get out of the stressful MegaCorp job as soon as possible. This is honestly why I was asking about real estate. Always had an interest but what I need is an additional revenue stream to make that early retirement goal happen, and it doesn’t have to make as much as I do now. Now, I’m 36 and can retire with full pension and benefits at my work if I stay until I’m 52 given how long I have already been there/put up with BS. Most people think I’m crazy to think about not sticking around for that but I’m not sure I have another 16 years of it in me. Life is short and never know what’s going to happen. My other option is marrying rich �� kidding. Sorta.
Ok so I feel life insurance for kids is good; I perhaps made it sound too ominous before - I am a single mom but their Dad is an involved/great parent and helps support them too. I am not “alone” there. I feel that part is covered.
Emergency fund - covered and then some. I know I probably hold onto too much cash honestly - more than I should. But it goes a little along with my Type A personality - always feel I need to be prepared for whatever (illness, layoff, zombie apocalypse, etc)
To get a better idea of some of the investing dilemmas I face, here is a better breakdown below. Questions I know I have but unsure of best direction:
1) the 70%stocks and 5% bonds is spread among 5 different investment mediums. Aside from the 401K I have been wondering if it’s best to combine them all:
- approx $200K in 401K spread across various risks stock finds mostly global and US
- $22K in professionally managed funds -
Mostly Amcap class C and a lesser amount growth funds
- $25K in a 529 plan for kids college in
2) $25K- I bought these myself but last year: about $5K in all these VSEQX VYM MKG VNQ VTI. Since the recent market shenanigans I’m losing in all these.
3) $20K directly in stocks I know what they are and actually believe in (amazon, Coke, wayfair). I’ve made about 8% return (not great)
4) company stock $4500
5) cash $50K
I have no debt except the house. House is worth about $280K; I owe $215K but paying extra every month.
I’m saving 25% and could honestly save up to 50%. That’s one of the decisions I struggle with - I can be disciplined enough to save the money but where to put it? More 401K - random index funds in small amounts or one giant amount in one fund?
Suggestions on how to invest better are welcome as are additional revenue streams. I understand very much that time matters the most on investing and I can stick out my investments but not sure of the best strategy to follow really based on my goals.