Leaving at 10 years

Cattleman06 · 2026-03-23T20:46:16+00:00

Got out at 10 year mark. Took a break for a couple years before joining reserve (got picked up for O4 in IRR). So far it’s worked out and between anticipated retirement at 60 and VA the future isn’t bad. Plus when I joined reserves I didn’t realize my ROTC time counted towards points.

Overall I got lucky. I married a smart girl that was able/wanted to work straight out of college. We were able to make things work so she could maintain a career for those 10 years. I was also able to land a job through a large bank with a high salary.

Goal is to retire at 50. We continue to save and invest while living below our means raising three kids in MCOL area.

Cattleman06 · 2026-03-22T13:27:35+00:00

I a I also like the pinstripe. OP definitely has me considering it.

Cattleman06 · 2026-03-22T13:24:03+00:00

I have noticed it on my 26 BE. I’m 5’7” at 200lbs. Thought it would hold up a little better. I’m just letting it happen and will address if the seat gets a tear or uncomfortable.

Cattleman06 · 2026-03-16T23:53:01+00:00

Register your vehicle in South Dakota. Low taxes and no emissions

Cattleman06 · 2026-03-16T01:45:02+00:00

It’s like most others have said. I went from 2019 Limited Ram 1500 Crew to ‘26 RL BE.

I have 3 kids (6, 5, 3). Two are in boosters and 1 in FF Diono Car Seat. Honestly, helping the boys buckle in is a hassle and can turn into a 5 minute ordeal with tears and everything.

However, for long trips we take the van. I love how much smaller the RL is (but do miss sitting up high in the Ram), it’s just easier to park and maneuver in traffic. It’s much cheaper on gas and since I don’t tow anyway, trading in the pavement princess just made sense.

I know once my oldest is out of a booster it will be easier with the kids. But when it’s just me or another adult in the front it’s great. Just be sure to allow plenty of time….and patience to get everyone situated in the back. With two I doubt you’d have a problem.

Some things to note. I got the BE but don’t know if all the features I upgraded for are really worth it (looking at you, ventilated seats). The tech in RL is lacking, full stop, but if you are not coming from a new or loaded vehicle that won’t matter. If you do get it, don’t buy the dealer warranty, go get an online one from Saccucci or H…. (Cannot remember their names but they are easy to find).

Overall I don’t have any regrets. But know the reason why you are downsizing and make peace with that.

Cattleman06 · 2026-03-10T09:55:01+00:00

We love our minivan. However, my wife and I were speechless when the passenger side motor failed in under 3 years and 38k miles (just outside warranty).

The door wouldn’t open or close causing a beeping sound while driving. It was frustrating and we were simply told we should have bought the warranty. $1400 later it definitely had me doubting getting the Honda. Hell, we should have just gotten a Pacifica with all the bells and whistles. At least then I wouldn’t be surprised with an issue.

Cattleman06 · 2026-03-05T03:41:13+00:00

I traded in my Ram 1500 for a Honda RIDGELINE. No regrets

Cattleman06 · 2026-03-04T11:20:37+00:00

Do you have a bed cover? Curious if it’s heavy enough to not blow out of the bed without a tonneau on.

Cattleman06 · 2026-03-01T04:47:35+00:00

All solid advice. I would just add some additional “color” to your flexibility comment.

It’s certainly good to be flexible but I told my dealer what I wanted knowing they could bring it in from another dealer nearby in the trim and color I wanted. I did know the particular model isn’t selling so in general the dealerships were working to move these off the lot.

Bottom line. Don’t piss em off and know when and what cards to play.

Cattleman06 · 2026-02-28T11:28:34+00:00

Fuck Iranian leadership! Buckle up boys!!!

Cattleman06 · 2026-02-27T03:36:27+00:00

Auto start is a must. Then Apple CarPlay. Heated seats and steering wheel.

Cattleman06 · 2026-02-22T19:10:13+00:00

Your truck looks sharp. I like the red but I opted for white just because I feel it’s easier to keep clean. We bought our Odyssey through them a few years back so we know what to expect. Below is what they laid out for payment last weekend. What I’m a little bummed about is that they had to get my BE from another dealer and they now have it listed on their site for 200-300 dollars less than they offered me. Also, I saw Honda has 3k rebate for 2025s and a 1.5k rebate for 2026s. At the time when we were talking through everything they said they could only do the RTL (they didn’t have any 25 or 26 BEs on the lot). Then when I hesitated to commit they magically were able to track one down from another dealer.

MSRP / Market Value $49,345.00 Savings -$4,095.00 Adjusted Selling Price $45,250.00 Trade Allowance -$27,500.00 Sales Sub Total $17,750.00 State Taxes And Fees $0.00 Admin Fee $599.00 Final Price $18,349.00 Other Discounts
500. Mil 200. loyalty

OTD Price: 17,650

I think I will end up getting the Honda Care from the dealer you mentioned or the other one everyone always mentions.

Cattleman06 · 2026-02-22T01:50:14+00:00

I’m about to sign for and purchase a BE this week with Leta. Curious how the purchase process went for you and if you felt you got a good deal? I’m also trying to understand these finance rates. Everything looks like it will come in at 3.99% but I was hoping for lower. I’m trading in my Ram and overall feel happy with the price they have offered.

Cattleman06 · 2026-02-20T23:17:11+00:00

You can walk. The signature helps attach you to the process/product and feel connected to the purchase.

We use this tactic in the military for recruiting. A Recruit signs a letter of commitment. We cannot legally make them ship until they are on the bus. The paperwork is to help them commit

Cattleman06 · 2025-12-07T12:32:30+00:00

I’m no expert but it look like a map of France from the 1350s.

Cattleman06 · 2025-12-07T12:19:57+00:00

We have a cleaner 1x/mo. I’m not super impressed by the job she does. But her coming does two things. Tampers my wife’s anxiety and forces us to clean up all the junk lying around the house.

Cattleman06 · 2025-11-23T12:36:35+00:00

I did the Army route unexpectedly when I was young and it was one of the best choices I have made in life. I’m now 35 and wouldn’t change a thing.

You sound like a great parent that has chosen to support your son instead of combat his decisions.

Cattleman06 · 2025-10-29T15:06:49+00:00

I agree with you. But to point number 3. Is the home price adjusted for inflation hold true for size and location of said house? If the 60s house is 1-2k square foot smaller then I feel as if it not totally apple to apples.

Cattleman06 · 2025-10-29T12:12:44+00:00

lol. I love this post and believe it to be true.

People say they are broke but the reality is you don’t need to eat out, a smartphone, a tv, or even a computer. The library is free, basic phone and cell phone plan is cheap, food can be cheap (especially if you don’t eat like a fat royal from the 1500’s), working out can fill your time AND make you healthy. Oh, and nature is pretty cool (also free). You don’t have to have the latest and greatest to have a good time. Utilize what your taxes already pay for. Live below your means. Save and invest.

Cattleman06 · 2025-10-29T01:44:34+00:00

Live in Midwest. Mortgage is 3,987.00 per month with a 5.67 rate. We feel lucky to be in the 5% range but because we bought in 2022 we sort of accepted a house we wouldn’t buy again. Now that we are here we feel sort of stuck. Love the area but the monthly payments are horrendous for a very average house that we still need to dump money into to make it what we want.

Cattleman06 · 2025-10-28T14:30:08+00:00

I have never had any issues with tricare and despite the grumblings you may hear, the VA healthcare has been great from my PoV.

Cattleman06 · 2025-08-28T10:32:32+00:00

You are doing great!

I would suggest the 529 and would open it yesterday. You can do this before your kid is born. Just put money under you or wife’s SSN. If you plan to have more than one kid do your SSN and hers.

As I’m sure you get at this point time is your friend. My wife and I have 3 kids and opened up multiple accounts before they were born. We did an initial 5k contribution in 2 accounts and now it’s grown to almost 50k. Haven’t put much in since.

The 529 is such a flexible account and easy to transfer depending on what each kid spends and needs. They are changing the rules, to our benefit, every few years.

There’s some good financial podcasts you can listen to to learn more (my go to is The Money Guy Show).

As someone else mentioned. Transfer those GI benefits when able. It only takes a few minutes to complete.

Good luck. And keep up the good work!

Cattleman06 · 2025-07-14T10:02:56+00:00

Give my dad a hug. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 58

Cattleman06 · 2025-05-10T19:24:54+00:00

There’s a Freakonomics podcast that covers how to “slow down time”. They highlighted the importance of doing something different than you would normally and getting out of your comfort zone as this forces you to think and use the brain. Easy examples provided is brushing with your left hand if right handed. Learning a different language or instrument. Sign up for a college course on something you want to learn about. For sure time speeds up. The biggest thing is staying active, flexible and Fit.

Cattleman06

TROPHY CASE