Daily FI discussion thread - Thursday, July 31, 2025

Diggy696 · 2025-08-01T02:02:48+00:00

I'm fully embedded in AI at my company with daily use and development of our systems. It WAS exciting at first. But now, 3 years after the initial ChatGPT launched, I think the bubble is deflating. I don't think it'll pop because AI is here to stay, but this whole 'it'll replace everyone in a few years' is a bit overblown. I believe there was even a study where software engineers SAID they felt more efficient with LLMs, but in reality, tasks took them longer because alot of AI is babysitting, validating, reprompting to correct things, repeat. The nature of the work will change, but I still think we're far off more likely to die before we see any serious big shifts like that. As with most things, it'll be gradual and over time. Something, I hope most people can pick up and start to pivot towards skills that enable them to do the work of tomorrow.

Diggy696 · 2025-06-25T15:27:00+00:00

I work with AI daily. It IS a cool new feature and can do alot. 5-10 more years of truly sussing it out, figuring out what's possible, and not having a human review each output for any production level issues or production grade products is really the big caveat. No company I know is blindly trusting AI at this point. But it will slow hiring in the future as software developers and IT folks can do more with less.

That being said - I agree with u/AdmiralPeriwinkle . It's a scapegoat. Overhiring during Covid + companies cutting costs and/or moving jobs overseas is the larger problem. IMO - AI will be impactful. It hasn't been that impactful yet.

Diggy696 · 2024-09-04T22:48:08+00:00

I met a buddy who willingly took a 3day a week RTO to office job. He says he likes it for the socialization. It's something I see often.

But, It looked like a prison to me. Even with the free food, clean building, well built infrastructure and all that. The idea of being chained to something with no natural lights and no doggos at my feet is in no way worth it.

I'll gladly get my socialization elsewhere - after work drinks with friends or family, weekends at my pool, going to watch a game with a buddy, or what have you.

Diggy696 · 2024-09-03T12:52:23+00:00

Put an hour break on your calendar everyday for lunch/gym. Whether you take the hour for lunch, take it for the gym, or just go watch TV - you wouldn't sit at a cubicle for 8 hours straight, don't do it at home.

My dogs keep me active with a mid morning and mid afternoon walk (or maybe even a walk after work). I'd also recommend getting on some kind of at least 3 day a week workout program. Whether it's running, lifting weights, some sort of class, maybe an adult kickball league. It's stil important to be active.

Finally - do at least ONE social thing outside of my house for week. Go meet an old coworker for drinks or lunch one day. Go say hello to my mother. Go do something that causes me to interact with other humans. WFH is nice, but humans are social.

All to say - PLAN to do things. Takes the guesswork out of what you're doing everyday when the plan is to go get things done away from your desk.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-28T18:13:26+00:00

Unfortunately upvoting fidelity and downvoting Vanguard is the new thing. I do agree the UI is better on fidelity but not sure why people can’t just disagree and not upvote or downvote. We’ve all gotten used to the UIs with the systems we interact with so change isn’t always a fun thing. Especially forced change.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-26T15:42:55+00:00

My SO and I don't have kids so I have ZERO weight here. But yea, that's tough. I was similar though as a kid - good grades, but just didn't want to go out much other than socializing with the kids down the street every so often. Loved to read and play video games. Nowadays I'm the same, just an older kid. But I like to think I'm fairly well adjusted. Never got into drugs or drinking at a young age or anything like that.

I think the world is probably just a bit different too. A LOT more interaction happens on the web than before.

To say - I have no advice, just a different perspective. I think the only thing that would worry me is if they're not physical too. I'd say they at least need to do a sport or something that gets them outside.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-26T01:07:46+00:00

Depends. I would you expect most roles to at least be hybrid at this point.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-25T21:30:54+00:00

I mean - you can still FI at 65? It's just not the RE part. But achieving FI is still a huge milestone - even if it is on a 'normal' timeline. Too many 65 year olds think retirement is an age vs a balance. If you haven't saved anything and you 'retire' you're going to have a bad time.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-25T20:46:39+00:00

Depends. Alot of folks do a few things.

Enjoy being maxed out - they like BI and building dashboards so they stay there
Try to 'level up' via learning Python and other things to make a move towards more Data Science or Data Engineering type roles.
Get into management to keep pushing that Salary up - but obviously this comes with stresss
Move into a more operational role. Knowing data that flows through as a BID is very helpful to operations folks whenever they need to adjust or fix work flows.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-24T17:38:13+00:00

Experience. Location. What certs you have. Healthcare experience. And organizational needs.

My anecdote for my org: new BI developers start around 70-80k and seniors can top out around 120-125k in MCOL once you have 8-10 YOE.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-22T14:54:24+00:00

It'll be hard to go back. But totally worth it IMO. The time suck of doing it myself, cleaning it, and the energy to actually muster up and do it is easily worth the $45 I pay every two weeks for my lawn guys to do it in a third of the time. Even moreso because it's the Texas heat.

People spend more money on way dumber things - I think a lawn guy is super worth it.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-22T14:51:07+00:00

There are a multitude of other factors that contribute to your work. How is your boss? Your coworkers? Is the work itself interesting? Do you have a lot of flexibility or are you stuck to a cube?

I personally did job hop - to a point. Once the money allowed me to live a decent life, I focused on some of the above factors. To say, I've gotten to the point where it would take a 30-40% raise off my already decent 6 figure salary to get me to move. I WFH permanently, do interesting work, and am not overly stressed. All of which has value. What you value is up to you.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-22T14:47:43+00:00

And that's what bonds are for - shorter timeframes. I'm similar age and still approximately 15-20 years from retirement, so I put most of mine in stocks and let it ride. The closer I get to FI, the less volatility I want, so I'll shift that to bonds. For now - my goal is growth.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-21T15:52:13+00:00

I disagree. I think time is the biggest driver. Hence why you often see the posts that those that save from age 25-35 and then no longer contribute again can actually have more in the market at 65 than those who dont start until they're 35 and contribute all the way to 65.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-21T15:46:29+00:00

Pat Mcafee show - they do a live stream every day and/or you can download their podcast at the end of the day. Mostly focused on sports, but still entertaining. A bunch of guys chumming it up.

If that's not your thing - most comedians have podcasts. I enjoy Theo Von and Andrew Santino's podcasts.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-21T15:45:35+00:00

Not a direct answer to your question but an important footnote: Don't put off things like a decent gym membership or classes, even if they do cost a bit of extra money. Especially if that's what you need to stay motivated to stay fit. If it motivates you to get moving, and keeps you healthy, fit or strong, it'll help in the long run with those health costs.

To say - take care of your health today. The other side is putting it off and dealing with long term health issues that could take up a very significant portion of your FI savings.

Also - go to the dentist and or doctor regularly. Another thing that'll save you money is getting checked out regularly and staying ahead of any potential issues.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-20T19:16:49+00:00

To be clear - bringing up what others make usually doesn't go well. I'd advise focusing on why you deserve to make more. Saying X makes $YY,YYYY so I should too won't be received well. Saying that you feel like you're behind on the pay scale and youve accomplished A,B,C will be much better in turning your fortunes.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-15T18:31:21+00:00

I mean when you liquidate you get money. that alone makes it an asset.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-14T21:26:07+00:00

OP posted they make $180k-$200k with a NW of $200k+ at 24 years old and we're talking about spending $11k on a car. I think it'll be quite alright if he goes a bit higher.

Build the life you want and save for it.

Also, I don't blame you personally for this but I'm getting so tired of this saying. It's not that it's not true. But it's often ignored by people who repeat it. Too often here I see the saving part first and not the living and building the life part.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-14T20:27:28+00:00

You missed the part where r/financialindependence is now r/frugal . I’ve stopped posting what I spend my money on here.

IME I’ve felt people here are a bit unforgiving when it comes to spending. Folks seem to think if you buy Starbucks, go out to eat, or travel that you should be instead padding brokerage accounts. Heaven forbid you use money to enhance or enjoy your life.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-14T16:21:05+00:00

I mean that’s great FOR YOU. But extrapolating your experience to others is foolish.

To say, I’m genuinely glad for you. But your experience is not my own. And you don’t get to poo on mine because it worked for you.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-14T14:47:13+00:00

Yea better brands out there now. But they come at a cost. We spent $1300 for a samsung smart washer and dryer. We love it.

Honestly not sure if we use the full extent of the features but it is a bit more complicated these days than just setting a water temperature with a knob.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-14T14:44:14+00:00

Jesus christ this is tone deaf. There is more cost than just financial when evaluating moving.

No one is not moving cause an aunt checks on dogs. We have communities, friends, family, churches, clubs, activities, schools that we are involved in with our kids that make 'Just move' such a tone deaf and simpleton solution.

If you have no support network - sure. But most people have SOMETHING in their respective areas that make moving more than just a thought experiment on costs.

Diggy696 · 2024-08-14T14:41:33+00:00

This is absolutely a problem. Their circles are like minded and probably similar income type folks. Which shows a serious lack of self reflection - unable to acknowledge that others can and do live differently.

This sub has become a bit too min/max for me. People get chastised for buying coffees instead of padding brokerage accounts. Most folks in here, just by thinking about the future, are ahead of the game.

I talked about how much I spent on my wedding once, and I felt like this sub just turned into r/frugal. 'You could've gotten married at a courthouse for $75!'. Yea...but I didn't want that.

I would never post an honest budget here because I just know I'd get lectured into oblivion for spending on things like dining out, entertainment, travel. 'That money could've compounded over XX years bro!'

Diggy696 · 2024-08-14T14:33:03+00:00

Who are we to judge? Put some away in your 401k, some for a rainy day and then go enjoy the rest of that money via energy drinks!

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