Been lurking this forum for the past couple weeks and finally decided to join the ranks Well, here's my abbreviated story...
The Ideal: Get a job right after college, pay off debt, start saving.
The Reality: Watch the tech bubble burst and all the jobs dry up, temp until you're 26, then finally start a career when 27.
A much later start than I had anticipated, and I always feel a bit behind my friends. From my short synopsis above, you might have guessed that I'm in IT...more specifically a software programmer. Those years without a full-time job have taught me to be extremely frugal, which is serving me well now. Turning 32 this year and here's where I stand:
No Debt
75K in a MMA
20K in a 401K
I currently save more than 50% of paycheck because I'm so completely paranoid of ever being in debt again with no income. I'll be maxing out my 401K this year. I'm in the somewhat unfortunate position of working for a broker/dealer and also being licensed...this greatly restricts my investment opportunities.
Single, no house, and I own a car that's paid off. I don't really have any intention of buying a house unless I get married and have kids. My total expenses per month come out to be about $1200.
I'd like to have the option to retire as early as possible. Whether I actually exercise that option is a different story. Looking forward to picking everyone's brains
The Ideal: Get a job right after college, pay off debt, start saving.
The Reality: Watch the tech bubble burst and all the jobs dry up, temp until you're 26, then finally start a career when 27.
A much later start than I had anticipated, and I always feel a bit behind my friends. From my short synopsis above, you might have guessed that I'm in IT...more specifically a software programmer. Those years without a full-time job have taught me to be extremely frugal, which is serving me well now. Turning 32 this year and here's where I stand:
No Debt
75K in a MMA
20K in a 401K
I currently save more than 50% of paycheck because I'm so completely paranoid of ever being in debt again with no income. I'll be maxing out my 401K this year. I'm in the somewhat unfortunate position of working for a broker/dealer and also being licensed...this greatly restricts my investment opportunities.
Single, no house, and I own a car that's paid off. I don't really have any intention of buying a house unless I get married and have kids. My total expenses per month come out to be about $1200.
I'd like to have the option to retire as early as possible. Whether I actually exercise that option is a different story. Looking forward to picking everyone's brains