Author Topic: Case Study - Seeking Advice  (Read 3015 times)

lateralwire

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Case Study - Seeking Advice
« on: July 28, 2016, 07:30:21 PM »
Edit: I removed the case study. It feels weird to leave my financial info out on the internet even though this is anonymous. Thanks for the tips!
« Last Edit: July 31, 2016, 04:17:10 PM by lateralwire »

former player

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Re: Case Study - Seeking Advice
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2016, 02:25:41 AM »
1.  You need to find out the details on your pension in order to determine whether to put more into your 401k.  For instance, is the pension a substitute for social security or in addition to social security?  How fast does the pension accrue (usually the more years you put in, the more you get - eg you have currently got 9 years and may need 40 for a full payout)?  At what age is the pension payable?  What happens to the pension if you leave your job before it is payable?  Is the pension inflation protected, both while being paid and while waiting for it to be paid after leaving you job?

5.  For periodic expenses you need to create a sinking fund, which will be a cash savings account paying interest (probably not much).  You contribute to it each month one twelfth of the amount you expect to spend on capital projects/additional expenditure (new computer, travel, new bathroom etc.) during the next year and then draw down on it when you buy your whatever.   Some people add in a buffer for unexpected expenditures and call it an emergency fund.

Your phone is expensive by mustachian standards, and your misc is probably more out of control than you realise - it seems to be that which is leading to the need for the periodic credit card expenditures.  Other than that, your natural mustachianism is nicely dialed in.

Any prospects for replacing the room mate in due course?

lateralwire

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Re: Case Study - Seeking Advice
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2016, 08:31:23 AM »
Good questions.

The pension is in addition to social security. The age of retirement depends on both years of service and actual age. The earliest I will be able to 'retire' is at age 50 and I'll have 25 years at that point. The max is 30 years. If I leave my job then the benefits I've accumulated will stay in the system until I reach retirement age (60).

The cash sinking fund makes sense to me, but it seems like there are differing opinions on whether or not to keep it as cash or have it invested. Either way, it sounds like I need to build up my savings reserves before I dive into Vanguard.

I agree that it's expensive. I'm on a family plan with my parents, so it's actually cheaper than it would be otherwise. I'm think I'm locked into that contract until next year. I will admit that my biggest non-mustachian vice is that I love my iPhone. I'm willing to have the smallest and cheapest one and keep it until it dies, but I really love the product. If I could use my iPhone with republic then I'd be all about that service. Anyway, in the meantime I'm going to research some other service providers and see if I can get a better deal and not lose my iPhone, but your criticism is noted :)

I don't have a replacement for my roommate. Hopefully I'll find a Mrs Lateralwire in the future to solve that problem.

mozar

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Re: Case Study - Seeking Advice
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2016, 10:11:38 AM »
My advice is to not expect someone who doesn't exist yet to solve your problem. I also don't think that a spouse will show up the same month your roommate plans to move out. So I would plan to get another roommate. I know because I used to rush into relationships because I wanted someone to pay half the rent. It's healthier to have your finances together so you can focus on finding someone compatible.

Christiana

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Re: Case Study - Seeking Advice
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2016, 10:42:33 AM »
That Misc category needs to be broken down much further: Entertainment, Household Supplies, Mad Money, and so on, and set yourself some reasonably low budget limits on these categories.

I'd also work on limiting credit card use...practice waiting until you have the money. The longer you can wait, the more badass you are. That is the thing that will make the difference between regular retirement and early retirement for you.

lateralwire

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Re: Case Study - Seeking Advice
« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2016, 11:18:59 AM »
My advice is to not expect someone who doesn't exist yet to solve your problem. I also don't think that a spouse will show up the same month your roommate plans to move out. So I would plan to get another roommate. I know because I used to rush into relationships because I wanted someone to pay half the rent. It's healthier to have your finances together so you can focus on finding someone compatible.

Haha, fair enough. I didn't mean to imply that I'm waiting on a spouse to solve a problem - just that when it comes to kids and future family, there will have to be a wife in the mix (because science) which will help address that situation when the time comes.  The roommate income is nice to have.

lateralwire

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Re: Case Study - Seeking Advice
« Reply #6 on: July 29, 2016, 11:27:17 AM »
That Misc category needs to be broken down much further: Entertainment, Household Supplies, Mad Money, and so on, and set yourself some reasonably low budget limits on these categories.

I'd also work on limiting credit card use...practice waiting until you have the money. The longer you can wait, the more badass you are. That is the thing that will make the difference between regular retirement and early retirement for you.

Good points. My actual budget is much more specific than what I posted. I'm recent convert and now a big fan YNAB. I've got everything set up there and I think I have a clear path forward.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!