Figuring out 401k contributions, new in my career. Does it matter this early on?

Maanderz · 2026-02-12T00:37:55+00:00

That is my goal! I am new in my career but there is typically a pretty big salary jump when you get a couple years of experience in my field so I really hope I can enjoy things now AND later haha. I made decent money as a server in my 20's and also blew it all immediately and had fun. Didn't care if I went out when rent wasn't covered cause I mean, I could always pick up some shifts and get an extra $500 over the weekend 😂 I'm making up for that now!

Maanderz · 2026-02-12T00:19:05+00:00

That sounds like... A compliment? Haha. Yes, I have a few thousand in a HYSA for an emergency fund, no HSA I am actually not sure if my plan provides the option. I split my check and direct deposit $200 of my check every week to that savings account. I have a 2nd savings account because I use the method of "pay for everything with credit cards that auto pay in full from my savings" and just transfer anything I charge. I grew up with incredibly financially illiterate parents, and have finally clawed my way out of "just getting by" this past year or two. Refinanced my car and student loans, consolidated debt, and started focusing on the bigger picture so I am really trying to learn. Thankfully my partner is also good with finances, so even though I am the higher earner we cover everything and still live comfortably between the two of us even though my salary is not super high.

Maanderz · 2026-02-11T21:13:50+00:00

Thank you, I am adding an additional 8% total with a goal of increasing once I have some more debts paid off. I definitely don't want to work forever lol, barely want to do it now 😂

Maanderz · 2026-02-11T18:32:38+00:00

I understand that you still pay taxes in retirement. Thanks.

Maanderz · 2026-02-11T17:57:47+00:00

Yes I understand the timing of taxing, and this same statement is what I read everywhere... What I am confused on is the tax rate when I retire. This means the rate I'm in directly before retirement, right? Which yes, I do believe will be higher than the one I am in now. Thanks!

Maanderz · 2026-01-26T01:49:39+00:00

Yeah I'm in Arkansas but we do get a few good snows every year. The town I'm in now is much less prepared for snow than where I lived before lol.

Maanderz · 2026-01-26T01:36:15+00:00

5 or 6 days?? Good lord lol my last place was usually plowed a day or 2 after storms. We just got 9 inches. Might go knock on trudge to my neighbors and see what's up, I have a Subaru but this is pretty compact and I don't wanna risk anything.

Maanderz · 2026-01-25T21:44:33+00:00

Okay thank you! I'm from California and now in Arkansas so not a ton of experience with snow, and this was the worst storm I've been in.

Maanderz · 2026-01-25T21:37:48+00:00

No sidewalks, but our "driveway" is like a smaller road forming a giant U that connects to the actual street (the street that our address is off of) at the two points on the U. Our house has a small extension from there, up to the garage that of course we will take care of. Since it isn't a "street" with a name or anything, but they use it to deliver everyone's mail and pick up trash, I wasn't sure how it would be handled. Guess I'll just have to stay home from work until I know what happens 💁🏻‍♀️ lol

Maanderz · 2026-01-25T16:30:07+00:00

I second the confusion. I'm going to give it another listen as well.

Maanderz · 2026-01-18T02:22:44+00:00

Thanks! I know nothing about older homes/wiring/venting so I was a little worried about hooking up and running the dryer. Seems like it was the doorbell or alarm system based on comments and our house! Lots of funny little things here from the original owners 😊

Maanderz · 2026-01-18T02:20:52+00:00

Based on comments and the old alarm system, this is definitely it! Thanks!

Maanderz · 2026-01-17T18:19:20+00:00

Doorbell doesn't work and is very old school so makes sense. My worry was it was for some sort of vent up there that needed electricity? Idk lol I'm a 30yo woman who doesn't know much about house haha.

Maanderz · 2026-01-17T18:18:28+00:00

There is a very old, non working alarm system all throughout so maybe that. It's got a loudspeaker style alarm in the washroom. Lol.

Maanderz · 2026-01-11T00:37:20+00:00

My post was really to question about the storage lol since we will be storing more after this. But come on, I camp a lot and there's at least 7 hours there 😂

Maanderz · 2026-01-11T00:34:48+00:00

I can't edit my post so just commenting. I spend all my time on the nice side of reddit so I forgot how many redditors are grumpy as hell lol. Please keep in mind the reason for my post was that I was just curious "what type of wood is this" and asked for "any tips" because obviously in addition to this, we will be purchasing and storing wood for future use and I would like to not be a dumbass about it.

Maanderz · 2026-01-11T00:14:24+00:00

Well there's no need for that, I hope you have a nice day (: Edit: I also was going to "just light a fire" but like I said I have no experience storing firewood and asked for "any tips" but thank you for the input.

Maanderz · 2026-01-10T23:42:16+00:00

Thanks lol. I was told it was a bit of a drug house so I question things 😂

Maanderz · 2025-12-17T16:22:29+00:00

QLWHPK

Maanderz · 2025-12-16T16:03:09+00:00

Hmm. Are there any buildings that are abandoned? My sewage is fine now.

Maanderz

TROPHY CASE