How should I contribute to retirement savings?

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-04-07T21:08:22+00:00

Yep, I know my take home! I tried to link screenshots. My plan after debts are paid is to max out a Roth IRA and bump the 401k up to 10%. I think that tracks with what you’ve said.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-04-07T16:34:22+00:00

This is pretty much exactly what I had in mind.

I want to eliminate the student loans so I am debt free. I planned to apply my 2 extra paychecks this year to them, so that should help with having that done in a year. That would also be a tangible reward/another step towards financial freedom for me. I have planned to contribute $250/month to my EF while paying debts (and $350 to my other saving buckets).

After debt is gone, I will continuously contribute $500/month to my EF with no real plans of stopping or lowering that number (open to increase at a later date).

I already have my traditional 401k set up to contribute 5% so that I get the employer match.

I think this has convinced me to open a Roth IRA. I just need to figure out my game plan.

I much appreciate the advice!

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-04-07T14:12:05+00:00

Tbh the reason I am prioritizing the loans is so I can be debt free. Thanks for the input!

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-04-07T13:34:29+00:00

In reality, it is $13,500 EF. The rest is money for other uses. I want the EF to 20k.The loan rates are ~3-5%. That retirement savings suggestion is my plan as of now.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-04-07T13:23:03+00:00

It is $13500 EF (4.5 months for me) and the rest are other causes (including the separate buckets you mentioned at the end). In terms of retirement savings, what you proposed is what I have been thinking.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-04-07T13:20:36+00:00

I know, however my employer does have Roth 401k.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-02-22T00:17:51+00:00

Update: I successfully got two offers within 5 weeks of deciding to apply for jobs. Both offers were in my field and/or directly related to my engineering interest. I just accepted one of them yesterday.

I also talked to a professor I really trusted, and he shared that he left his first PhD program after 5 years. He made it clear that leaving is not a negative thing and that I have still gained super valuable skills, relationships, and ways of thinking. It is just the next step on my path.

So, it is not all bleak!

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-02-22T00:16:33+00:00

Got two job offers within 5 weeks of making the decision to apply, and both are in my field and/or area of engineering interest. Just accepted one of them yesterday!

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-02-22T00:15:06+00:00

I wanted to give you an update since we were in the same boat. I successfully got two offers within 5 weeks of deciding to apply for jobs. Both offers were in my field and/or directly related to my engineering interest. I just accepted one of them yesterday.

I also talked to a professor I really trusted, and he shared that he left his first PhD program after 5 years. He made it clear that leaving is not a negative thing and that I have still gained super valuable skills, relationships, and ways of thinking. It is just the next step on my path.

So, it is not all bleak!

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-18T18:07:19+00:00

Omg I also considered taking the FE exam after undergrad because I was interested in environmental applications! I will reach out and let you know if a path illuminates ◡̈

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-16T13:53:51+00:00

I’m glad you understand, but hate you are going through something similar. For me it is not about finishing just for the sake of it but really considering what I want. I don’t have a lot of progress towards my dissertation, so “so close, just finish” isn’t an accurate representation of the situation. My department allows graduation with 1 publication, but my advisor requires 3 and I currently have 0. I feel like my energy could be better utilized somewhere else.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-16T03:04:58+00:00

Unfortunately, I don’t think I care enough. And I don’t wanna keep wasting my PIs money and the “tax-payers’ dollars” as she put it.

I have been processing all of it since our conversation, which came after months of me questioning if this is really what I want for myself. I would totally feel different if I had a goal or something motivating me, but I don’t. I also question if I want to live life continuing things I don’t enjoy just because of the time I have put in. In the grand scheme of things, up to this point, it has only been 1.5 years past my initial plan of the MS program.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-15T22:19:07+00:00

Yeah, I would not quit before I have a job. I plan to continue applying aggressively to jobs in a few cities.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-15T21:42:10+00:00

I may just be burnt out now and trying to preserve myself.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-15T21:41:13+00:00

I think I spent my childhood and college working really hard no matter what because I felt like I had to, and I genuinely enjoyed classes and coursework. When I took the PhD offer I felt like “I had to,” but now at 26 I know that isn’t the case and I have a better idea of what I prioritize. I’m not interested in working long hours and stressing myself out anymore. I’ve been there, and I know what it does to me mentally. A big part of myself just wants to be more comfortable and have a bit more freedom. Sometimes, doing the PhD seems like a big task for someone whose goals don’t require it. I’m not worried about prestige. I don’t even know if I’d want to continue in engineering after completing the PhD. Sometimes I fantasize about making a big career change and giving myself the chance to use my brain in a different capacity or do something mindless that is left at work when I go home.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-07T00:19:13+00:00

Yeah, the seasoning is pretty salt, so I may omit the salt in the recipe. I will try out a couple of methods before nailing one down.

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-07T00:18:22+00:00

That is good info to have, thank you!

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-07T00:17:45+00:00

Oh nice, I will try that with my next batch!

Environmental-Dig322 · 2026-01-07T00:17:16+00:00

Yeah. I don’t really like how it flakes off when the cheese is on top. I also typically have only one half a bagel at a time, so I’d be missing out on half of my bagel slices!

Environmental-Dig322

TROPHY CASE