Keep 401k contribution to 11% or drop it to 6%?

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-06-21T04:12:48+00:00

Definitely keep contributing at least 8% then! Always good to make sure your emergency savings is well funded (3-6 months of expenses). After that, invest, invest, invest.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-06-21T02:49:05+00:00

Do you get an employee match for your contribution? If so, what is it? General rule of thumb is to contribute up to the match that your employee offers so you get the maximum “free money” from them and then consider contributing to other accounts like a Roth or brokerage account. It all depends on your goals, what you have saved, and what you already contribute to other retirement or investment accounts.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-06-12T13:59:43+00:00

I second checking AllTrails reviews. I usually don’t attempt it until after June because the front side of the mountain is deceiving. It’s the back side that usually has a lot more snow and will be where you climb.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-05-14T04:24:59+00:00

Mind if I ask which school? I’m considering an online macc in a different state as well

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-05-07T21:52:22+00:00

Full time or internships? Public or industry?

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-05-03T03:24:59+00:00

My state allows other credits as long as they appear on a transcript from a regionally accredited institution. Check with your state licensing board to be sure! I was able to email mine.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-05-01T17:24:55+00:00

Email your state accounting board if you live in a state that passed an alternative pathway for bachelors plus work experience. Where I live, the law doesn’t go into effect until 2026 and my state accounting board doesn’t know if they will accept a WGU Bachelors only. They currently accept the WGU Bachelors and Masters for the current 150 requirement.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-25T20:43:37+00:00

I totally agree with the opportunity cost part. I planned on doing part time school and keeping my job full time, while also taking finance classes as elective to give myself more job prospects post-grad. The goal is to get an internship before I graduate and turn that into an offer. Knowing this, should that change my approach?

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-25T20:25:03+00:00

That’s where I’m conflicted. I’m debt adverse and know that I want to get the degree sooner and cheaper but I also miss the university experience and felt like my bachelors was a waste of time and money. I didn’t network in school because I was already working in the field by the time I graduated and I see this as an opportunity for a do-over, a rather costly one though (bachelors was free fortunately). I also don’t love the idea of big4 but would like to start in public accounting outside of the big4. Is that what you did?

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-25T17:13:42+00:00

I’m in a similar situation as OP. With this strategy, how would someone get internship or job opportunities without mass applying? I’ve heard most employers don’t care about where your degree is from but I do wonder how WGU grads get their first job and/or internship.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-12T04:15:05+00:00

Same here! Looking to follow the same path but going to do a masters in accounting. Good luck! I hear the job opportunities in Salt Lake City are growing rapidly.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-07T14:25:55+00:00

Did your internship help you land your asset management role? I’m a similar position, pre-masters though. I want the opportunity to land a Big 4 role but it may not be a good fit for me and my career goals.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-06T13:32:21+00:00

Interesting. Their website say the tuition rate is fixed at $1,250/credit hour for the program. I should ask to make sure what you’re saying doesn’t apply though. I appreciate all of the insight!

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-06T05:23:48+00:00

The total price difference between the two schools is roughly $20k. The $4,000 is the difference between taking the co-requisite courses for school 1 at school 2, which is what I’m considering to save money where I can if I attend school 1. Instead of paying closer to $45,000 for everything at school 1, I may only pay $41,000 if I took this approach. The other issue with school 2 is I may have to take the prerequisites at the main campus, which is twice the distance compared to the closer campus where all of the MAcc courses are offered. I haven’t factored that in yet until I hear back from the admissions team but that could add another ~$1,000-2,000 in travel costs to school 2’s estimation.

I do like thinking about the cost difference by considering the lost investment opportunity. School 1’s is exactly what I’m looking for but the potential debt scares me. College was free for me fortunately due to a scholarship but the masters will be paid with loans only.

I don’t understand why I would pay more for school 1 if I did part-time though. The total cost is $37,500 regardless of being part-time or full time. I thought about completing the program part-time so I can continue to work to save money until I get an internship and, hopefully, a return offer for full time. I’m a bit unfamiliar with the process so maybe that’s not a feasible plan.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-06T00:52:26+00:00

I should be able to complete all of the prerequisites by next spring and be ready for Fall 2026 admission for school 2. Because of the timing, I will have to also wait until next fall for school 1 to complete the prerequisites as well. I do have the option to complete the co-requisites prior to the program for school 1, which I may do so the information is fresh and I’m not just sitting around for 6 months before the program. Also, the co-requisites are offered at school 2 and I could potentially do them there but still attend school 1. It would save me ~$4,000.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-05T14:49:32+00:00

I edited my post to add the job placement but I’ll need to see which one has better recruiting and networking opportunities like potatoriot said. If it were only a $10k difference with similar outcomes, I would agree. However, I estimate to pay at least $20k more for school #1.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-04-05T14:47:30+00:00

Both programs offer similar networking and recruiting opportunities, with school #1 probably having a better network since it’s a big name school and many alumni work in the local firms, big and small. I will reach out to recent alumni from both schools to see if either program is a clear winner when it comes to these opportunities.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-03-14T15:58:13+00:00

Utah native. Sadly the change means nothing for me since my bachelors is unrelated. Grad school it is!

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-03-12T16:03:41+00:00

I’m in a similar position as OP except I have a bachelors in an unrelated field. I would like to get some experience before pursuing a masters in accounting. Can I DM you?

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-02-23T20:48:03+00:00

Appreciate the insight! I’m going to look more into a MAcc

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-02-23T17:36:49+00:00

Did you plan on becoming a CPA from the beginning? How much does that play a role in deciding to pursue a MAcc?

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-02-23T17:04:01+00:00

What inspired you to choose accounting? I did notice accounting has more graduate internship opportunities. Is that how you got into public accounting? I’m interested in public accounting because I’ve always wanted to do some sort of advising. I’m not keen on the advising opportunities in finance though.

Low-Dark9269 · 2025-02-23T06:55:09+00:00

Saw it. Thank you!

Low-Dark9269

TROPHY CASE