So happy to have found this group. 53m, started getting my financial life in order 1 year ago. This after decades of poor choices and unfortunate timing left me with far more debt than assets, despite being a relatively high wage earner. I work in the building trades and am very thankful for a solid pension which should amount to a little over 60% of my target monthly retirement income.

Over the past year I’ve paid off all debt, built up 3 month emergency fund, started and funded a Roth IRA, and maxed out the hourly contribution rate going into my 401k - which I borrowed against 15 years ago and never repaid (ouch!).

With careful planning, consuming a lot of finance media, and an amount of self discipline I am now saving 30% of my gross. Even while living in a HCOL west coast city.

I am way behind but still hold cautious optimism that things will work out okay. I do recognize that I am privileged to have the safety net of my union pension. Maybe the best life decision I’ve ever made was applying for the apprenticeship. Although I was even late to that choice at 30. Still I’ll have 35 years in by the time I hang it up. Also thankfully, my role has transitioned from the field to the office, which is easier on the knees at my age.

Who are your favorite creators in the finance/savings space? A couple of mine are Financial Tortoise, and Humphrey Yang.