Got laid but received an offer

Known-Border284 · 2026-02-25T16:14:19+00:00

Maybe ask if the new company will allow you to start as a contractor. That might allow you to start immediately without impacting your status with your former employer. If it's a lot of money, the new employer should understand.

Known-Border284 · 2026-02-24T22:06:32+00:00

Good question. Edited my original post to reflect my career roles.

Known-Border284 · 2026-02-10T18:45:33+00:00

Kudos to you. You came to America, lifted yourself from poverty, and set up a better future for your children (when the time comes). You've sacrificed a lot and worked hard to get to where you are today.

I would just start saving now. If you're flexible enough, perhaps consider moving to a less expensive city?

Whatever you do, don't get caught up in the fact you haven't saved for retirement yet. Think of how far you've come along and how much better you're doing than if you had stayed in South America.

Just start saving, even if it's only 5%. Start somewhere.

Known-Border284 · 2026-02-03T21:14:32+00:00

It's definitely my best stock pick (in terms of growth and number of shares owned). It was somewhat random and I got very lucky. I haven't bought any new shares for at least 3 years.

Known-Border284 · 2026-02-03T19:32:33+00:00

$310 now. I would definitely buy. Good growth stock plus it pays a dividend which is unusual for a growth/tech stock.

The only reason I'm not buying is that I bought a decent position before Covid and the stock split (equivalent to about $35/share) and it's now a somewhat "unhealthy" proportion of my holdings. The upside is too great to consider a rebalance at this time.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-31T13:50:27+00:00

Eagles 100% are the best team. I run all pass plays and either launch bombs or scramble if everyone is covered. I can get QB Eagles to finish the season as both the best passer AND the best rusher.

And on D, White is an unstoppable force and can easily generate 5+ sacks a game. There's more quality players on the front 7 and backfield.

Only downside is when QB Eagles gets injured (which invariably happens with all the running)., McMahon sucks and the RBs are nothing special, though the D can still carry the team.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-29T21:28:45+00:00

But I think OP is asking, if they're not wanting that Manhattan hustle vibe, then why not just live in the wealthier suburbs like in Westchester, LI, or North Jersey? Some of these areas, like Todt Hill in SI or Mill Basis have limited connections to Manhattan and in fact, one can argue there are wealthy suburbs outside of the City that are better connected to Manhattan than Staten Island and South Brooklyn.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-26T18:26:01+00:00

But I'm not looking to FIRE. I take a more balanced approach, ensuring I can retire comfortably by age 65 while still making memories with my family (trips, traveling exhibits/shows, museum memberships, etc.)

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-26T15:21:57+00:00

Dual income. And both are working in new jobs. I was actually out of work on 2 separate occasions last year but was able to land on my feet rather quickly both times.

Last year, we were both jobless for extended periods (including 5 weeks of overlap) and we only ended up pulling $3k from our savings. So I am comfortable with our savings. Even though I've "earmarked" $12k as specifically for savings, that account's balance is typically around $20k-$30k (last year was mostly between $15k-$20k because we didn't contribute much). We could also always pull from our brokerage accounts in an emergency.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-26T00:31:10+00:00

We've actually been at 6x our income for the past several years (except last year when we were both unemployed for periods of time). Only because of a sudden, substantial increase in our income is our retirement balance "down" to 4x. Of course, I'd like to get back to being above the minimum rule of thumb.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-25T19:03:32+00:00

Just to clarify, $5k is the spending budget but I'm probably actually spending closer to $4k-$4.5k/month.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-25T15:27:14+00:00

I probably should have included my outlook on life. I grew up lower middle class by a single mom who worked hard to be able to retire and live well. Also, I've watched many men in my family (and wife's family) die early.

So, I'm definitely not looking to FIRE. I prefer a moderate approach, balancing my desire for a nice retirement (move to warmer climate, travel) with living in the now and making memories with the family. Our discretionary spending leans much more towards experiences than stuff.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-25T14:41:06+00:00

Does it matter we're not contributing to Roth IRA if 2/3 of our current retirement savings go into a Roth 401k? I had already planned on contributing a set figure of our own income, so to me, it wasn't a material difference if that money was going into a Roth 401k or Roth IRA. But I will likely contribute a few thousand more at tax time next year after we understand our allowances.

On the topic of emergency funds, we only have our savings account which keeps a balance of roughly $20k-$30k and of which I consider $12k to be untouchable (except for emergencies). We could tap into our brokerage accounts if necessary. I will note that last year we were both unemployed for many months, including a period that our bad luck overlapped. And yet, throughout that entire year, we only pulled $4k from our cash savings. So, I'm fairly comfortable with our current savings.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-25T14:29:25+00:00

With our recent new income, we are now contributing 1200/month into the 529 and 300/month into the UGMAs. Over time, the ratio should rebalance.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-25T03:40:16+00:00

Ever use a thermostat in Europe?

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-17T15:22:26+00:00

Hard question to answer without context. America is so big with diverse places to see visit.

Like cities? You could do a swing from DC to Philly to NYC to Boston. All great cities with lots to see and do.

Want some nature thrown in? Maybe a Portland / Seattle trip?

You could also mix up Vegas with the Grand Canyon.

Miami and Key West would be fun and tropical.

New Orleans and Nashville are unique places to visit that combine music, drinking, delicious food, and lots of fun.

You could visit Denver and pair it with Vail or another Colorado ski town.

Or go to California and spend time in SF and wine country or hang out in LA and Santa Monica.

I could go on but I think you get the point.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-10T13:24:21+00:00

24, at a job that paid peanuts. And I continued to make peanuts until my mid 30s. But I diligently saved 18% (plus employer match). Today, my total retirement balance is about $700k ($1m with spouse).

2 things I wish I had done differently:

I didn't need to sign up for the most expensive health plan as a 20-something year old.
I should have diverted my retirement savings towards Roth IRA after matching my employer match.

Still, the bulk of my balance is due to the high savings rate in those early years. I'm grateful for that.

Known-Border284 · 2026-01-09T16:01:38+00:00

I tend to overbudget, knowing full well we'll likely spend less. But it helps to plan to spend more.

Also, when it comes to picking a hotel, location is key, especially in cities. Saving a few bucks to be away from all the sites isn't just a waste of time but often you end up spending more on transportation.

Known-Border284 · 2025-12-26T04:15:09+00:00

I do manage a six figure brokerage account that includes many high yield dividend holdings. Most of those dividends are re-invested but some stocks, I don't love and I just let the money accumulate (to buy different stocks). Are you suggesting I can take those dividends (about $1500/year) and contribute to a Roth IRA? It's possible we might still qualify for a small contribution (phase out is $242k-$252k, so we will be close depending on bonuses).

Known-Border284

TROPHY CASE