So, 2022 cohortians, is there anything specific that you are doing now to make this date a reality? Something like trying to get to a specific saving rate goal this year, or trying to reduce your spending this year to match your projected FIRE spending number?
I am working to reach a 50% savings rate. September is not helping my averages, unfortunately, because of some unexpected expenses ($1K for car repair and $400 vet bill for my furry roommate). I also purchased a bicycle, which is a good thing to do, but still a drag on my monthly numbers. But I'm tracking my other 'normal' expenses and seeing how they look relative to previous months.
I've set up another auto invest for my taxable vanguard account (VTSAX). I'm also making some smallish adjustments to my spending, specifically working on my restaurant budget. I'm taking an incremental approach and 'nibbling at the edges' so to speak, in an attempt to reduce my spending in ways that don't really reduce my enjoyment.
My annual raise should be next month, so I'll take a look at the numbers and see what adjustments I need to make to the 401K contributions to be sure I max that out. I'll also see how that additional income affects my savings rate, since I plan to save the entire delta.
50% is aspirational, but I think I can get pretty close and then I hope to find that extra motivation to close the gap.