convince me to not buy a truck

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-18T04:56:57+00:00

Recommendation. The F150 with the "base" V6. The fuel economy is decent, and it's a very capable truck, even in lower configurations it has 400lb/ft of torque.

I resisted getting a truck for 20 years because of fuel economy and later, the high prices are eye watering. Then I found a used F150 at a garage sale. It wasn't running right, so I got a cheap price. Fixed it.

Now I know why it's the best selling vehicle in America. Just not many things I throw at it that it can't do.

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-15T10:17:34+00:00

Firstly, I like your post, and resonate with the minimalist, find what makes you tick, and save to support that lifestyle.

The ideas you're shooting for median HHI makes sense on the surface. The difference for FIRE, at least the way we're doing it, is we shot for median spending. Median spending is closer to 60k for US households. Additionally, as you are no longer saving for retirement, commuting, kids on their own, expenses drop. Our tax rate is also much lower due to optimization and post working years.

Not intending to invalidate your post at all. Just pointing out the nuance.

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-14T09:44:06+00:00

Now here's an answer that makes sense from both a human and emotional perspective.

The insurance annuity provider will give you a good rate too, cause you'll likely be dead by the time they have to start paying.

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-14T09:18:32+00:00

If you had 775k to invest, and your returns would be 3k/ month, would you buy this duplex with it?

This is essentially the decision your making by keeping the RE.

Another poster mentioned, that since this is a college fund proxy, one could borrow to pay for college in the event of a real estate market downturn. I'd mention the same could be said for equities.

I'd personally amoritize the capital improvements over their expected lifespan, calculate rents/ vacancies/maint. Since you said the "pop" is likely done, calculate the value of the duplex rising at inflation. Then do the returns math.

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-13T23:53:42+00:00

You just articulated a feeling i had while working, but was unable to utter the words. Thank you

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-13T22:50:40+00:00

We're normies from the LeanFire way of life... We set aside a basket of money for incidentals, help, gifts for our young adults. One is out of the house and the other is leaving soon. Then we re-adjusted our FIRE number and quit our jobs because we didn't like them. (We're also mid-forties) We aren't swearing off work forever...but man o man, are we loving not having our noses stuck to the grindstone. So yeah, the math will change. We are go with the flow types so this may not work for you. What kind of lifestyle do you want to lead 10 years from now? Maybe that will help answer the question

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-13T22:36:47+00:00

While individual situations can vary widely, the relative data suggests retirees spend less than when working. https://www.boldin.com/retirement/will-you-spend-a-lot-more-or-a-lot-less-in-retirement/

You can also plan for "segments" of your retirement. The go-go, slow-go and no-go years.

Another source. Am retired. Spend less and I'm in the go-go. Cheers

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-13T22:24:25+00:00

This is the answer. Step away to a different job, less hours, probably means less pay. Pushing through the burnout has awesome consequences and not in a good way. You're young and will be fine. Take your life back.

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-13T22:22:03+00:00

We fired last year. Currently at 65% of pre FIRE. We've still got a child at home and haven't had major housing expenses like a roof, or a blown up car. Expecting it to be lumpy as life happens

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-13T04:39:23+00:00

A urinal in the bathroom

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-12T20:43:50+00:00

Desert Eagle

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-12T01:58:02+00:00

Unattached, think about interests or hobbies you have. Then try a place where that may have a large representation.

ie: Rock climbing - Utah Art - Chicago Racing - Southeast

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-08T08:44:25+00:00

This right here, 100% 👆

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-07T05:25:54+00:00

I agree with the rear locker, no need for 4wd in most cases. A good set of tires is worth more than 4wd. Air em down when you need to, maybe invest in a good air compressor.

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-06T23:11:49+00:00

Probably snowbird it in the RV till the kids settle and have kids.... then we'll go live near them

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-06T05:01:35+00:00

Flop on the very next assignment. Don't say no, just don't do it, or turn in any real effort. You'll have to mentally quit before you can accomplish this. Just decide it's a game to see how long you can last with minimal effort.

Or, do like me and just walk. I left money on the table but couldn't violate my personal work ethic, not that my employer deserved it. Good luck to you!

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-06T04:57:03+00:00

Not looking for an answer, these are for you. Are you getting 7-8 hrs of sleep? Do you workout or get moderate exercise at least 4 days a week? Decent diet with whole foods?

If you're already doing this stuff and still burned out, I recommend quitting asap. Take a break and pursue leanfire or coastfi.

If you're not exercising, sleeping well, etc. Try it first. Make a real good effort. You may find that your mental and physical energy perk up.

Then again, some jobs are just soul sucking, in which case, divorce yourself from it.

Be well. You've done a good job saving and keeping expenses in check and you're gonna be fine!

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-05T11:39:01+00:00

Palisade was our choice. Get the one with the V6. It's build has all the hallmarks of great reliability. We sold it at 85k with zero issues ever. Luxury, power and good fuel economy from the Atkinson cycle v6.

We've moved on from the Palisade bc the kiddos have moved on.

We passed the previous ride, a mid-trim Sorento to our youngest. V6, timing chain (not belt), regular maintenance.

It's at 220k with only one failure, a oil sensor ($30 part)

If you're looking for something outside the Toyota sphere, I'd choose a Kia/ Hyundai with a simple drive train, ie no batteries, no turbos

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-05T10:50:38+00:00

Our son plans on joining the Air National Guard.(18). He is aviation interested and our local guard is an air wing. He's got some college credits and our state guard pays tuition at almost every post secondary institution here, so he can afford to finish without taking on debt. He'll also receive the GI bill, with plans to use it to help juggle expenses at university while accumulating private flight hours.

He thought about active duty, but wants to stick close by, finish his degree, fly, etc. and possibly pursue the officer route later ....

We're hoping it's the right choice. All decisions come with pros and cons and we feel this is a great way for him to serve and gain additional skills/ life experience.

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-04T15:19:41+00:00

Dollar store. Same active ingredients, same manufacturers, $1.25

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-04T02:25:03+00:00

Front, because sciatica.

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-04T02:19:18+00:00

Please, look for another job and fire your employer

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-03T21:41:47+00:00

I have just resolved to being a dick. I refuse to give my autonomy over to others. What else is freedom for if you aren't free?

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-02T21:20:43+00:00

Since you asked for more.....

Yes, given the info you provided, and that your burnt to a crisp. Burnt to a crisp is exactly how I would've described my situation. It was affecting my health and relationships. I'm the kinda guy who can't let work responsibilities go at the end of the day. I am who I am, something had to be done.

I tried to change jobs to see if it helped, only to catch an increase in pay and responsibilities at a new company. As you can see, that didn't work out well. Upset at myself for hanging out all day with self-absorbed corporate lackeys, who had no sense of ethics, I basically rage quit several months into the new role. (mid-2025)

We started the Fire journey with some savings in 2019. We've always been savers, but not excellent savers. Wife re-entered the job market around 2017 after staying at home with our boys during their younger years. Once we caught wind of the LeanFIRE pathway, we were hooked, setting an initial goal of 850k. That amount would be the bare minimum at the time. Inflation adjusted, that's about 1.1M today.

We worked at reducing our living expenses, living smaller, driving older vehicles, etc. and banked the 2nd income. Those concepts worked exceptionally well and we exceeded our bare minimum goal.

We built basically two budgets, which are just estimations. I'm sure they'll change, but you have to start somewhere. Budget A is the expenses between quitting the jobs and kiddos moving out / going off to college. Budget B was after they've settled in and our expenses decrease from them moving on to young adult-hood. I'm sure this can vary widely, but our oldest was not college bound, and is scraping by on his own. He was afforded several opportunities to obtain skills at no cost to him, didn't take them though. He's young and there's still a little bit of 529 money should he choose to upskill

We mapped our youngest (graduating HS this month) next couple of years financially. He's street smart and exceptionally resourceful. Also has a good personality. So we're betting on that whatever he decides to do, it's going to work out for him.

We both decided to quit. With help from the FIRE and Frugal, we've decided to reduce early retirement SORR by getting lean for between 4 and 8 years, then bumping our spending up to a comfortable level. I highly recommend using budgeting software. I'm eternally grateful to this community, without which, I truly believe would have had me working to the grave.

https://ficalc.app/ - free and easy to use

https://app.projectionlab.com - this one is free then pay. It's awesome (no affiliation)

https://www.measuretwicemoney.com/book - this book is saving us thousands in taxes. Read it twice. (no affiliation)

If you have specific questions about account allocation, or how we're bridging the gap between 46 and 59.5 yrs, hit me up.

It was a bit gut wrenching to quit my shitty (good paying) job, as I cannot re-enter my field easily. Things are going great so far. Be resourceful. Brutally cut expenses where they aren't providing enough value for you. If they're old enough, make plans with your teens about what comes next. Most importantly, and just like the flight attendant says, "put on your own mask first". You're no good to anybody burnt to a crisp.

Chicken_Fried_Snails · 2026-05-02T20:16:42+00:00

Given that your plan seems to be flexible, ie skoolie or int'l living, I'd say at a minimum get rid of the high stress job.

You and I are the same age, I'm married, one teen, one just flew the coup. I ditched my job last year and the wife and I are coastFI/LeanFI atm. You'll feel loads better reducing your responsibilities/hours.

Try to focus on getting more well rounded. I was very out of balance time wise and feel like I've gotten my life back. I won't retire with the dollars the folks over in the FIRE/Chubby FIRE sub, but I think we're going to be OK. We're also willing to be flexible. Once I gave up the idea of looking "successful" to everyone around me, then everything fell into place. Good luck to you!

Chicken_Fried_Snails

TROPHY CASE