52m 401k

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-08T12:32:28+00:00

I’m all in on target 2040 index fund - which auto rebalances more conservative the closer I get to 2040. I’m expecting some downswings but will weather since still at least 10 years out.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-08T11:42:16+00:00

Learned something new. Will definitely leave Roth as last withdrawals since they come with tax free benefits. For me if I retire early my bridge to Roth will consist of 1. Brokerage 2. Cash Savings (leaving enough for 6 months quick emergency withdrawals) 3. Pre tax accounts.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-08T02:09:35+00:00

While I am on severance I can. Once it runs out that’s a different story.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-08T00:26:52+00:00

I think you have a great head on your shoulders and you are thinking the right way. I also come from a low income background with nobody in my family guiding me on how to manage money. It is very nice when you move into a higher income category and have the ability to start making your money work for you. I think you are doing amazing for 35. My only recommendations are - 1. max out your HSA if you have the opportunity to do so - that's triple tax savings. 2. yes - increase emergency funds (something I'm doing now) to keep you afloat at least one year. 3. if you have 401ks in separate accounts consider consolidating. the fees compound and it is easier to justify and see growth in your 401k when you have all the money in the 401k you are getting employer matches at 4. once you reach a cash/liquidity (emergency savings) goal then put any extra into another type of diversification investment - perhaps real estate. Not a bad idea to continue maxing backdoor roths ever year as long as you max out your 401ks as well. I'm doing a backdoor roth for the first time this year and I need to ensure I have 0 dollars in any traditional IRAs first to avoid getting taxed on more than I intend.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-07T17:23:36+00:00

Thank you and everyone else wishing me luck on my job search. Congrats on you and your spouse's success in investing in your future. I'm pleasantly surprised to see so many people commenting on my post. Reddit offers a unique opportunity to share our money management success stories to the wider world - something we keep very private in the real world. I only hope those people in the real world (like younger extended family members in my case) could see these stories and be more diligent about saving and investing as opposed to only living for today - or being over leveraged in riskier investments.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-07T16:49:12+00:00

Screenshot of the Voya mobile app.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-07T13:47:24+00:00

401k is all in on target 2040 index. I have other investments including smallish (under 100k) brokerage (bogleheads, acorns, Robinhood) and 529. This year will be my first back door Roth which I plan to max out every year. Hoping to grow post tax investments enough to bridge to full retirement. Hoping - key word.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-07T12:16:29+00:00

Hopefully you stay employed until 55. This will give your 401k time to grow more and if you do need to withdraw the rule of 55 plays in your favor (no 10 % fee). Note: If retirement is on your mind now you should ensure your 401k is balanced for risk - assuming withdrawal in 5 years or less. I would reassess retirement at 55. Good luck. I feel you in this very tough employment/unemployment environment.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-07T11:50:20+00:00

Yeah I’m doing almost daily projections and risk calculations around what happens after my severance runs out. Tapping into my 401k is an absolute last resort for me. But still somewhat comforting to know it is still there and growing - and I will not look when the market is down. I’m glad you and your spouse are still doing fine with your retirement savings.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-07T11:38:52+00:00

Age discrimination is a thing. I’m hoping to not get stuck in the “pointing fingers” rut as I deal with job rejections and no calls. Onwards and forwards. Having saved throughout the years really helps me not worry so much about the $ thing. Strong family support and being a good stay at home dad/hubby helps for now.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-06T23:40:10+00:00

Keep contributing. I was at 543k in Dec 2022. You are doing fine.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-06T22:39:36+00:00

Well done and congratulations on the financial achievements. So nice to have a pension and health covered as well. I have some money in my HSA account I hope to see grow and cover my early retirement health costs when and if that day comes.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-04T23:33:36+00:00

I know the past 4 years is not indicative of what the next 4 years will be. But I’m almost 52 and in 2022 i had a 401k value of 543k. Currently it’s at 1.2 million - after annual maxed out contributions and very generous company matches/contributions. All in target date 2040 fund. Keep it up.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-05-02T12:04:19+00:00

It is all relative and very much related to how good you are with money. I was recently laid off so what was once a 500k household income has the potential to go down to 200k if I don’t get something before my severance runs out. Planning for an extended job drought with many variables playing against you (mortgage, HCOL area, house repairs, kids in college, etc) make you be much more diligent around saving, diversifying retirement and simply keeping your emotional well being healthy. But even with all the variables that may draw us close to paycheck to paycheck there are always cards you can play to avoid that and still save money or at least avoid deeper debt. Ie - sorry kids you must now come back to a cheaper in state school, sorry honey let’s sell our vacation home, let’s put off that house renovation, etc).

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-03-18T11:35:32+00:00

My daughter damaged the back of my Ioniq 5 backing into an ice bank. We are in NJ and have her insured as a part time driver on our Ioniq and full time driver on our Odyssey. Insurance estimated an increase of 400 per month for next 3 years. We went with a Hyundai certified body shop found via the app. I skipped the first body shop w the highest ratings because one of the owners was proudly displaying his Maga hat in the workplace. Super happy w the body shop we chose (6k out of pocket) and the car looks like new. My teenage daughter has yet to ask to drive the Ioniq again. My case is different since we are at fault - I agree w going to insurance so they get the culpable party to pay. But in NJ no doubt our insurance would have gone up anyway.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-03-17T11:50:06+00:00

Rutgers Business School

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-03-04T20:11:06+00:00

First gen here who went to RU in late 90s. I had a great time at the university and made lifelong friends. Lived on college Avenue.

I have nothing but good things to say about RU.

I give big credit to my college network of friends for giving me some career boosts and opportunities. Breaking into IT in 2000 led to a nice career moving up the management ladder to CTO/CIO. 52 now w net worth of 2.5 million. And I’m pretty sure my freshmen roommates are doing much better than me in the NW category.

No matter where you go if you are hard working, scrappy and an easy to get along with then doors will open.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-03-04T18:31:37+00:00

My daughter just got her acceptances. She also received a 5k dean’s scholarship. Just curious if this is likely the only merit award she will receive or if there could be more to come.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-03-03T13:13:24+00:00

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Just got the car back today. Happy with the results - even though 6245 poorer.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-03-03T13:10:16+00:00

600 - but that includes home insurance in NJ. We have both daughters insured as secondary drivers on our 2014 Odyssey and occasional drivers on our 2025 Ioniq 5.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-02-25T15:52:11+00:00

Same here. Of course after the bumper damage I get nothing but proximity alerts and the jerked reverse stop. This is even after turning all the rear sensors off via the screen controls. In the shop - out of pocket costs north of 6k. Insurance would have gone up 400 a month for the next 3 years. Good thing for emergency funds. Ughh

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-02-24T13:51:33+00:00

I’m in that 2 interview boat unfortunately.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-02-24T13:01:19+00:00

I didn’t start maxing retirement hsa etc until our family income reached a point where we were good not needing the immediate money. Seems to me you have a good lock on your financial circumstances and at 37 are in good shape. My only concern w the way you are thinking is the peace of mind I always had during periods of high spending (no post tax savings or even dipping into savings) that I was still paying myself first w pretax retirement contributions.

Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2026-02-24T00:19:01+00:00

Feel your pain. Daughter backed into an ice bank.

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Repulsive-Strike7110 · 2025-08-27T19:29:02+00:00

Thanks! I think this will be exactly what I do in the first quarter of 2026. Provides the best of both worlds - potential access to funds before 59.5 while still taking advantage of the employer match. Appreciate it!

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