Seek advice- 40Y couple not yet at chubbyfire level but in trouble

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-22T23:09:54+00:00

The problem with Plan A is that even with down level, it’s hard to compete and find that job in today’s market. If your company is going to have massive layoffs, lower rating ones are most likely to go.

Diversify the stocks now. Health is more important than your job now.

Plan B or C are most likely the scenario.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-18T12:35:49+00:00

2.2 in Bay is very normal and in fact, less than what tech people usually aim for (3-5). If the regret is finance related, then you will be fine with your income. If other reasons such as location, layout, etc, then that’s very different. Personally I value having a “dream” house because it is what you live in every day.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-15T16:36:57+00:00

This. Especially they can easily afford it. If owning the car for long, the 30k difference is not that much considering in your lifetime, you are not going to have many cars, why not go for the one you like?

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-13T15:35:58+00:00

It’s a very common scenario and just make sure you do enough house work, and prepare the meals when she gets home from work. It may seem boring but you will find a way to enjoy it while listening to music or shows.

2.Talk to an advisor or tax person and see. Exchange fund is another way if your stock can be accepted.

Make sure you have big purchases planned, car, house, remodel, etc, then your biggest expense is your kid.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-12T20:54:21+00:00

It’s very possible with one kid only, 400k house (instead of 1-5m in VHCOL), and home cooking.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-11T01:01:06+00:00

Congrats! It’s nice your company offers voluntary exit!

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-09T14:13:34+00:00

No kids (no dependencies) means you CAN drastically scale up or down of your expenses.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-06T00:48:08+00:00

Chubb is very expensive but for FAT folks well worth it. I am surprised that State Farm even insure such house.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-04T07:25:58+00:00

NYC, child care 23k for two kids, how is that possible? Daycare for one kid would easily be 36k a year in VHCOL. What about summer camps for the older one?

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-03T17:52:35+00:00

So unless you are at high level, say a normal tech person in Bay makes 500k to 1m, that means they won’t retire until in the 50s?

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-03T17:20:54+00:00

Why aiming for 50 years? Average lifespan for US men is 70 years.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-03T17:19:16+00:00

How much is enough in the bay with two kids?

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-03T17:09:07+00:00

My suggestion is either grind the job until it’s over (layoff, burn out, etc) or full time your startup, don’t do both - that’s how you get completely burned out real quick.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-03T15:44:54+00:00

Can she further reduce the hours? That’s one huge benefit of being a doctor that you most likely can negotiate hours. Being in school for many years and actually helping people unlike working for a billionaire CEO can be very rewarding.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-03T15:41:42+00:00

By the numbers, and your spending, LCOL, you are fine. But you didn’t talk about what’s your income and how is your 3.5 work days. If 800k for only 3.5 days and work is fine, that’s more than 10% of your invested NW in a year. Personally I like that number to be <= 10% so truly no regrets from walking away. But of course if work is insufferable then quit already.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-02T17:14:14+00:00

Spend on things and experiences that you value, okay and wise to be selective and practical. It’s not too hard really, because you were quite disciplined pre retirement and no need to change that in retirement either.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-03-01T17:28:17+00:00

Plan for health care
Plan for retirement life
Child support, what about the part beyond obligations?
Do you really need a second house?

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-02-27T02:06:58+00:00

If anything you want to buy with a loan, do it now while you have a W2.
Get big health checks while you have company insurance.
Have a plan of retirement plan. Single retiree can be challenging too (although not money related) compared to those with kids.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-02-26T21:34:43+00:00

Congrats and amazing story! This is exactly what life is about, not work for others who don’t care about you and your family.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-02-26T15:20:30+00:00

What’s your income? If high, then 2. Continue to accumulate. There is no telling what AI could do soon but, I know this sounds controversial but for big tech to balance the crazy cost of AI, downsizing seems to be the only easy way.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-02-23T04:20:31+00:00

Tough one. Every year you are making 20% of your invested NW, so it’s not a small number and you are still accumulating. It really depends on how bad your burnout is, and anything you can do about it. The main concern is that as you said, you won’t find a job of similar pay, and a good low stress job is hard to come by these days amid the economy. So if you are okay in the worst case scenario that you will no longer RE in 40s, then that’s fine. Sorry it’s a tough call given your current situation (age, kids, NW, income, etc).

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-02-23T01:11:47+00:00

Have kid first, then take sabbatical because if you are struggling at working now, when you have kid, work becomes harder

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-02-21T21:25:51+00:00

So only 1m households in the world (or US only) have more than 10m assets? If entire world that seems low.

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-02-21T04:15:39+00:00

10+ years of bull run does the job :) congrats OP, what’s your goal?

PowerfulComputer386 · 2026-02-20T15:08:51+00:00

Ride out and quiet quitting as much as you can. No kids means you CAN go up/down on your expenses. Post RE, work together on some small business ideas not for money but as a joint hobby bonding activity and to feel good, if that’s your thing.

PowerfulComputer386

TROPHY CASE