Recent content by pacman1234

This is one of the reasons that I prefer buying a lot my furniture second hand. I spend less and if it doesn't work out, I don't feel that attached to holding on it since the investment was minimal. The other reason is that I have young kids who will likely damage anything new anyway ;)

If you're thinking about moving in the near future, I would hold up on buying real estate. The transaction costs can be significant. Also, you don't want to be tied down by real estate in a place with limited career opportunities. I think you want to stay flexible since you are beginning your...

Hi there. I am mid 30s so a few years older than you. I think you have positioned yourself for your 30s to be your best decade yet financially. You make solid income and you have a really good handle on your expenses which means you should be able to save a lot over the next few years. Now that...

I personally dislike receiving and giving gifts and find the whole process stressful due to people having expectations. My wife and I pretty much give somewhere between $200-$300 for all the weddings we attend. We don't round up or down depending on how much we like or dislike the people. In all...

I first read the Millionaire Next Door as an 8th grader (20+ years ago). I then read the Millionaire Mind and followed Stanley's blog up until his passing. At that time, the personal finance space as it exists today simply didn't exist back then. TMND was the first personal finance book I read...

Thanks for your message. In case my previous comment wasn't clear, that reply to my mom is mostly in jest. I AM actually really interested in tiny homes and simple living in general, but don't think this will be our path in the near future. I am honestly having trouble understanding how my...

Good points. My DW and I did the math and feel like we are coming ahead financially with our renting situation (which is below typical market level rent where we live). The location is pretty convenient as well for commuting and daycare. Property taxes are also high in Illinois and I think we...

Thanks for the video. I think my parents would understand this concept, but at the same time be disappointed because they can't brag about their kid who owns a home in x neighborhood. When my mom in particular starts grilling me on my timeline to buy a home, I sometimes just tell her that we are...

I am a CPA. I started at a big four accounting firm and have since worked at various public companies in FP&A and accounting management roles. I have considered eventually going solo and doing part time consulting as a controller or something. However, I would prefer to work on something a bit...

Hi All - Another member recommended that I post an introduction, so here we go. I am from Chicago and married with 2 toddlers. My DW and I are mid-30s. I have lurked in the background on the E-R forum for a REALLY long time, and thought I might as well actively participate. I've learned so much...

-Phone: Use Tello service at $11 per month. Also have average moto g phone versus an iphone. -Low Housing Costs: Monthly Rent of $1,200 for 2 bedroom in Chicago representing about ~5% of our gross income. Most friends have bought homes already (mid 30s). This is with 2 adults and 2 toddlers. -No...