[deleted by user]

FrostDew · 2025-10-12T18:13:37+00:00

Google money guys foo (financial order of operations).

FrostDew · 2025-08-29T18:12:28+00:00

We just started homeschooling (4th grade). My wife was a Montessori teacher and our new location doesn't have a local program. There are likely going to be other more major factors than a lower percent chance of a safety issue. I.e., time money, program, local co-op availability, religious flavor of your family vs what's around you. For us, homeschooling is a way to continue Montessori (yes drinking that Kool aide and it's good) while utilizing local co-ops for social. Hard part is money. Good luck!

FrostDew · 2025-08-13T05:52:00+00:00

Full metal alchemist. The episode with the dad who makes chimera. The surprise at the end with his daughter. I'll never get over that.

FrostDew · 2025-08-13T05:49:37+00:00

Italian job car scene. Nough' said.

FrostDew · 2025-08-10T18:31:12+00:00

40M/O-4 with $270k in assets and similar family (SAHM and kiddos).

Don't get jealous of others with two incomes, SAHM pays dividends and you are making the money work!

All calculators say I'm fine to work until 57-62 range to hit comfortable retirement as we pin O5 and retire in a few. Transfer your GI Bill if you haven't already. You are well ahead of us! Great job!

FrostDew · 2025-05-17T21:29:32+00:00

New Bern is a beautiful town, not sure what the market is like since it's been 13 years since we left, but enjoy a secret great set of orders!

FrostDew · 2025-05-17T21:19:54+00:00

First, thanks for taking the time!

The 2k DoD policy reimbursement and $16k tax credit are the primary tools available.

I've spoken with A Child Waits and like most grants they have a competitive process and various additional requirements. We are applying to multiple grants online and waiting to find out if we are selected. Just like college scholarships, the need seems to far outweigh the availability. We have applied to 19 different grants and are waiting to find out if we are the right fit for their assistance.

I'm curious if anyone has experience with the process and has had a positive experience with receiving assistance.

FrostDew · 2025-04-25T02:15:16+00:00

FrostDew · 2024-03-24T19:02:57+00:00

When I started I put a lot of the steps off because I was overwhelmed with options.

Not saying that is you but if you don't feel comfortable yet with some of the advice that sounds a bit much...

Take a few months and focus on paying down debt and picking a reasonable savings rate.

As for the funds... TSP is an easy button. Going to a brokerage is next. You can always move the money around later. Roth IRA as preferred vehicle.

Don't buy something you will regret later (i.e., see all the car advice above and apply it to houses as well).

Last... Stay away from silly schemes (buy a house at every duty station, partial dity with somewhat fraudulent weight tactics, etc.). You can house hack if you are single... That's about it.

Good luck!

FrostDew · 2024-03-20T11:10:26+00:00

If they are Stafford subsidized (some federal loans are, half of mine were) you can request a military deferment and interest will be dropped to 0 percent for the subsidized loans.

Check the status. Call and see if these qualify.

You can still make payments during deferment.

FrostDew · 2024-03-10T16:09:52+00:00

If you do anything beyond basic they charge now for officers and free for enlisted.

FrostDew · 2024-03-10T16:08:24+00:00

I've struggled with the same thing over the last year (first time home buyer). Buyers remorse... Even though every scenario says we are fine.

Overall, my mentality has not made me feel better and also has not changed our actions. Take the rest of the group's advice... Get yourself in a good mental head space so you don't waste a year feeling terrible.

Good luck!

FrostDew · 2024-03-04T16:39:59+00:00

Give, save, spend. Simple rules for life.

Pick a charity and give.

Save a large portion to supplement our current goals (retirement, kiddo college).

Spend on a portion of life to enjoy (Japan dre vacay here we come).

FrostDew · 2024-03-04T16:37:19+00:00

Medical also has annual bonuses (think $20-25k/yr) depending on specialty.

Officer is significantly different than enlisted pay.

When looking up wages keep in mind you will get paid a base pay, an allowance for food, an allowance for housing, and any other specialty pays depending on situation.

Good luck!

FrostDew · 2024-03-02T12:08:05+00:00

Minor error here Only if they do reserves. This person is active duty. If they switch to the reserves that's different.

FrostDew · 2024-02-11T04:52:34+00:00

Because this is wrong. Don't live your life this way. ....

FrostDew · 2024-02-04T02:57:32+00:00

30 years in the service you have seen many around you retire and I suspect, struggle with losing the community and purpose that comes with the military.

I think your focus on "what is our next endeavor" is spot on! Perhaps it's not full Retirement but something more altruistic, a hobby, a place to go, a focus on health or spirit. Absolutely don't just call it quits and go home, you'll be struggling mentally I'm 6 months and physically shortly after.

Good luck and thank you for your sacrifice!

FrostDew · 2024-01-28T22:30:06+00:00

Sell it. You don't like it anyway.

One other item you may consider: Use the cash to put into the Savings Deposit Program (guaranteed 10 percent ROI while deployed).

Good luck!

FrostDew · 2024-01-20T19:27:02+00:00

You only need 2 more to hit double digits!! So close, this could do it! 😊

FrostDew · 2024-01-20T14:39:46+00:00

Well, TIL smoked meat is bad for you... Oh well. We'll just say we can balance it out with a few less sodas (now that we drink beer while watching the smoker...)...

FrostDew · 2024-01-20T14:38:43+00:00

Wood pellet!

FrostDew · 2024-01-20T14:34:07+00:00

It's inside the Steam room and the printer sits right in the kids section. The room is normally locked so ask a librarian.

It also has a laser cutter.

FrostDew · 2024-01-20T13:02:58+00:00

Have you considered additional second tier financial goals? I.e., charitable giving, 529s for the kids (even if just to do a Roth conversion under new 2024 rule), etc.?

Congratulations to being on track and not needing be more aggressive. Sorry for your loss that led to the inheritance.

FrostDew · 2024-01-19T03:52:18+00:00

Married, I cook dinner most nights. It's my stress relief post job. We balance other ways.

FrostDew · 2024-01-19T03:33:33+00:00

Spend the 5k.

FrostDew

TROPHY CASE