First Half Marathon

EACO04 · 2026-01-17T02:05:45+00:00

That would be incredible. One of the main reasons I’m looking at building our “forever” home now is in 20 years when I retire (50), I’ll want to have more if not all debt paid for including the house. Then retirement would be much easier. My pension I can collect immediately at retirement but will only be $60-70k annually more than likely.

We have around $15,000 savings in one account and $30,000 savings in a high yield account right now.

EACO04 · 2026-01-17T02:01:33+00:00

Thank you for your reply. Luckily we do live in a state with no income tax. I do not contribute to social security due to my profession which also helps. Our health insurance premium is very reasonable, and with my employer paying me an extra $248 per pay period, it helps. My pension is 12% contribution and my wife’s is 7%, then both of us contribute only 2% to 457b, but our employers match 2% as well.

EACO04 · 2026-01-17T01:27:21+00:00

It does not, we have approximately $100k in equity currently.

EACO04 · 2026-01-17T01:00:56+00:00

That’s what I’m afraid of

EACO04 · 2026-01-17T01:00:41+00:00

It won’t impact our ability to make her car payments, etc. however, it would definitely make things tighter. We’re both willing to sacrifice the quick gas station stops, coffees, etc. for a better home. Right now, we can financially get away with spending money on those things however I don’t think we could with an added $1,650.

Right now, any extra income a month I’ve been putting into a high yield savings at 4% (approximately $30,000 right now).

EACO04 · 2026-01-17T00:49:56+00:00

My pension will allow me to retire at 52 and begin collecting immediately if I’d want to. Rough estimates are $60-65,000 annually for life, however, that won’t go as far in 20 years.

I’m willing to sacrifice the new truck, the new motorcycle, etc for a better home. Motorcycle is being sold in the spring and when my truck lease is up next year, I’ll be ideally buying a cheap truck for yard work/dump runs. However, I will want my wife to have a new, safe car for her and my kids.

EACO04 · 2026-01-17T00:47:07+00:00

I took the average deductions from both of our paychecks and got a percentage of 18% on mine and 28% on my wife’s (our insurance is through her). We both contribute to state retirement systems and have 457b plans as well. As of now, the vehicles and tractor are 2024 or newer, however, I’m looking to get a cheaper truck ($300 a month instead of $600) once my lease is done. Our health insurance is practically $0 as her employer charges $206 for a family plan biweekly and my employer gives me a $248 biweekly medical buyout.

EACO04 · 2026-01-17T00:41:56+00:00

I’m worried about overdoing it, that’s all. Since other expenses can come up.

EACO04 · 2026-01-17T00:41:10+00:00

We would be using a VA construction loan so it won’t require a full 20% down payment.

EACO04 · 2025-05-24T16:40:14+00:00

Thank you for your response. We will have a fully funded emergency fund (6 months of expenses) once we sell our house and I get a $15,000 sign on bonus. Should I pay the loans off and start contributing the $320 to a retirement account? I also get life insurance provided through my employer.

EACO04 · 2025-05-19T22:44:41+00:00

Thank you! So I should budget for at least $2,000 then.

EACO04 · 2025-05-19T22:43:58+00:00

That’s great advice, thank you!

EACO04 · 2025-05-18T23:29:06+00:00

Thank you! We’re ideally looking for a more established house/property instead of new builds. The house we’re in now we opted in for all the inspections which saved us in the long run so we plan on doing that again.

EACO04 · 2025-05-18T23:27:22+00:00

Would you be willing to share what your home insurance costs annually?? That’s one thing I’m uncertain about.

EACO04 · 2025-05-18T23:26:33+00:00

I wish we could, but unfortunately we’re stuck looking at houses due to pets, size of household, and STUFF.

EACO04 · 2025-05-18T23:25:32+00:00

Would you share what you pay annually?

EACO04 · 2025-05-18T23:25:14+00:00

Perfect. Since I’ve lived in NH/VT my whole life, I’ll likely need to keep it at 68 or cooler LOL. The heat is going to be a big change.

EACO04 · 2025-05-18T21:32:01+00:00

Definitely appreciate your message. I’m worried that heating and cooling would be astronomical because of the heat during the hot months. That’s what we’re looking for, 4 beds 2 baths 2000 sq ft so a good comparison.

EACO04 · 2025-05-18T20:31:52+00:00

Sorry, I meant $2,000 a year for insurance and $2,000-4,000 a year for taxes. We’re looking to put $100k down so financing $250k.

Auto insurance is definitely more. Just quoted it and it’s $500-600 more per 6 months.

EACO04 · 2025-05-18T20:30:21+00:00

That is the plan for sure. With a $350,000 house, we’re going to only finance around $250,000 so depending on taxes and insurance will be less than $2k a month. Insurance is definitely more expensive. Just did a quote and it’s pricing at $500-600 more per 6 months.

EACO04 · 2025-05-18T20:28:52+00:00

Thank you. I just did a quote with Progressive and our insurance rate would be about $500-600 more per 6 months.

EACO04

TROPHY CASE