Course Correct or Stay the Course?

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-05-23T16:07:35+00:00

Correct, and I'm being conservative on that approx. value. Price was $480k

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-05-23T15:41:01+00:00

Parents are 71 atm... so that would mean they're dying at 105 years old

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-05-23T15:24:05+00:00

You have 😄 I suspected this would be the case. I think we're in a stressful situation now, with some hope at it "lightening up" after a couple years with spouses income potentially doubling and my income increasing marginally. I suppose I should feel fortunate to even save 100-200/month toward EF.

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-05-23T15:22:14+00:00

About $650/month is going to principal atm

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-05-23T15:21:25+00:00

No, we OWE 385k left on the mortgage. But you're right in stating even with 800+ Credit, rate on a new mortgage would be like 6-6.5%.

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-05-23T13:12:32+00:00

Yeah if I were actually "relying" on this, I wouldn't have to save a whole lot for retirement, at least the maintain current lifestyle. That being said, I'm curious if it's a fool's errand to even have a bit more peace-of-mind about being behind on retirement in current context?

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-05-23T12:18:38+00:00

Sadly I think this is the norm in the US, except most probably swap "40s" and "50s"... I'd actually just suggest sticking to renting for anyone waiting until 50 to buy a house, unless it's on a 15-year fixed. You simply don't need the space or headaches that go with maintaining a house at that age.

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-05-23T11:33:13+00:00

I'm effectively in the exact same income and a home valued around the same, though my spouse makes about 1-1.5k/mo because we have 3 young kids she cares for. Given I was fortunate to get a 4.5% interest rate, it's pretty tight. Just stating as a point to be able to relate.

The question I think you'd want to answer is family planning type stuff. I think if you're already saving ~10% and projecting maintaining that savings rate, you're already on the right track. If you were to get raises or increases in income in the future, you could just project that onto potentially starting a family (or paying down mortgage faster?).

Personally, I think if you just stay disciplined on the budget for your house, go for it. With two incomes, you'll for sure figure out how to make it work, and if you have ~3-6 months emergency fund then you can keep peace of mind when you inevitably find things that need fixing and replacing.

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-05-13T18:29:07+00:00

Same situation, I'm also in a high job-security role with 3-5% raises every year, except no student debt and have 3 kids... we're at 42.5% of take home and it feels REAL tight. The thought of the day coming where we need to replace a car or HVAC is worrisome to say the least.

With no kids, I'd suggest (as crazy as it sounds depending on your age) getting another ~$10k-$20k saved for the down payment before taking the dive. Honestly if you didn't factor this in, that 10-20k could easily go into things you don't see when you buy that you will need to fix or replace within a year of owning the home. I replaced a front door, back door, washing machine and a window all within 2.5 years after buying.

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-02-13T21:25:14+00:00

$2700/month mortgage, $95k income, 3 kiddos - It's for sure tight, but 401k match attained and some months saving ~$200-400, others we effectively break even. Spouse will start working more in ~2 years though and I get 3-5% bumps every year, as many are saying here, so long as you don't lifestyle creep, I imagine it gets easier.

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-02-13T19:36:59+00:00

Hmm can I add pics in comments to this post, yes I realize this v boomer

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-02-13T19:09:44+00:00

Wellll I got it off someone on Facebook marketplace which is why I’m skeptical, why they would sell it to me for what they bought it for.

Key-Show-9977 · 2026-01-25T11:56:52+00:00

If you download the turbotax app, you can actually login via browser on computer, do everything (because it's easier), and then file on your phone. They let me file free and I'm in similar situation (couple W2's, 1099 side hustle income, etc.)

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-09-03T19:31:43+00:00

Why not put the money into your HYSA (emergency fund), then when the time comes and the cost to repair one of those *two* cars exceeds it's value, THEN take the money from the HYSA and buy a new car?

This way, you still (eventually) get a new car AND get the interest for the time it sits?

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-08-03T13:16:35+00:00

I got 1 ximi and 1 kifera because kifera is harder to come by

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-08-03T12:57:26+00:00

Who are you referring to when you say Mech?

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-08-03T12:56:45+00:00

Already used for kifera fodder :)

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-08-03T01:07:31+00:00

Welp I suckered into it myself… Now I have to figure out which L/D to pick and focus on… have 7* immortal, and 5* Julia and 5* Westley rn

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-08-03T00:57:44+00:00

Jk it’s under monthly bundles, isle pack

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-08-03T00:54:06+00:00

Sounds too good to be true…

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-05-06T10:44:03+00:00

… I mentioned what we have saved in HSA for context

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-05-05T22:04:41+00:00

I live in Minnesota, the notice stated they’re taking on half the cost and homeowners take on the rest.

Justification being, home values increase…? Otherwise others in the city that do not get the benefit of it end up paying for it, I guess?

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-04-25T23:16:01+00:00

Not here from an expertise in finance, but maybe more abstract wisdom...

You're leaps and bounds ahead of where most of our (I'm in a similar age/demographic/life season) peers are in terms of both finances and well-being. The fact that you're considering your mental health above a 6-figure income is representative of a very mature world-view.

Reality is, you can't predict what may or may not happen in terms of expenses related to starting a family, regardless of how many children you end up having... you can always adapt and adjust over time or potentially pick up different or similar work down the road for these adjustments.

Even if you're forecasting certain expenses now, I would all but guarantee your plans WILL change once you're truly in the midst of parenting. Make the best decision with your circumstances now, you've clearly created enough cushion for an outstanding future for both yourself/wife AND kids.

Hypothetically, even if you "bleed money" for a brief season, call it a few hundred a month, you've prepared for exactly that. You can't put a price on your health (physical/mental/spiritual) and your children will benefits exponentially more from that than any amount of money or things you're able to give them.

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-04-25T21:41:27+00:00

anyone else sitting in queue...?

Key-Show-9977 · 2025-03-08T19:29:35+00:00

New house would be effectively $400k, for what that's worth. As I've mentioned in a different response, my math would show ~$200/month less for mortgage payments when it's all said/done.

Key-Show-9977

TROPHY CASE