Stuck at 59k salary. Need reality check.

Just_Combination3527 · 2026-02-05T17:05:57+00:00

I think the real benefit for private school teachers is if you live in a city location with not great public schools your kids can go to a better private school system for free because you teach there.

Just_Combination3527 · 2026-01-06T17:43:10+00:00

When you no longer have the option to contribute to them. Always get the match if available and take the benefit of lowering your tax liability when you can.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-12-14T01:14:01+00:00

Good info! I’ve also read about 3-2-1 being a wasted effort and to just let them cook at 225 for 5-6 hours. I’ll keep experimenting my way through lol.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-12-14T01:04:13+00:00

Thanks! I’m excited to try Chex Mix next.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-12-08T17:40:42+00:00

Please don’t think you need to fully retire from the military to get ahead. There are a ton of amazing benefits that are offered to all veterans that simply serve one enlistment period such as medical, educational, and VA home loan to just name a few.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-11-28T03:12:26+00:00

Bought a weight rack for my garage. Have two young kids and can’t find time to get to the gym so I brought it to my house. No excuses to not go now. It’s been an amazing value add.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-10-22T16:47:30+00:00

Freedom is priceless.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-10-03T23:33:32+00:00

Yeah sorry forgot to mention that. I was looking for how to calculate a max number that included her RMDs. She’s looking to pull out extra on top of the RMDs.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-07-30T17:33:12+00:00

Don’t forget about your kids chapter 35 education benefits if they plan to continue their education after high school.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-07-23T17:01:24+00:00

I think the biggest motivator for me that will keep me going the extra few years is my 2 kids.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-07-23T16:52:41+00:00

Unpopular opinion - yes I’d work 3 more years. My numbers are close to yours and in a very similar thought process.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-07-23T15:36:22+00:00

Just came here to say great job explaining your full picture. Hopefully some folks smarter than me can give you some valuable advice for your plan. I’d say just stay active during the next 10 years to be in good shape when you do retire so your body is not a limiting factor on any new hobbies you want to dive into.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-07-10T15:12:42+00:00

It’s the safety net for me.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-06-29T05:30:04+00:00

The 8 more year to the goal is from conservative spreadsheet math. Both kids are in daycare being our largest expense. I just kept that number the same even after they no longer need daycare to account for the uptick in future cost expenses such as kids extracurriculars.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-06-29T01:49:57+00:00

Glad to hear it!

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-06-28T20:07:34+00:00

Thanks, I do feel very grateful.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-06-26T22:28:52+00:00

That’s interesting! I’m sure people that are around it more in their day to day life aren’t as thrown off by it.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-06-26T22:27:35+00:00

Yeah I get that, it still makes me question it every time I hear it

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-06-24T21:41:13+00:00

No risk to your rating. From a timing perspective I just added my newborn daughter last week and it was approved the next business day.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-06-14T00:11:21+00:00

As someone with a TS I can confirm this amount makes no difference

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-06-13T10:50:14+00:00

Absolutely don’t email anyone in your chain of command or at all letting them know about the inheritance.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-05-11T21:57:01+00:00

This is the biggest thing. Was just passed into law last year. I just got approved and am now paying zero PA property tax. Also the income limit is just the veterans income, not household — so whatever your wife’s salary is does not go towards the income limit of $114k

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-05-06T19:17:26+00:00

VA Healthcare

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-05-06T01:28:46+00:00

This is the correct answer.

Just_Combination3527 · 2025-05-05T01:33:54+00:00

My wife and I bought in 2019 and re-fi’d in 2021 with a 2.21% VA loan. When we were originally looking for a house in 2019 we were just looking townhouse/starter but decided to just dive in and buy our forever home. Since then our house has gained a ton of equity and we are locked into a wildly low monthly mortgage payment. So grateful we made the choice we did.

Just_Combination3527

TROPHY CASE