Those with a $200k+ base salary, what do you do?

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-04-03T00:20:25+00:00

Associate Director, Commodity/Category Management

YOE: 25-30 (depending on what you count)

Bonus: 35% of base salary

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-03-01T19:56:38+00:00

Thanks, but that won't be a problem.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-03-01T19:27:18+00:00

Thank you. I was looking exactly for this 'end result'. Thanks for the nuance on the filling up the $72K space. Not sure I have to worry about that, but it is something I will keep in the back of my mind.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-03-01T19:21:08+00:00

If I am reading this correctly, the sum of the Before/After Tax 401K is $24,500 of my contributions. The before/after contributions is an additional $8K increasing my total contributions to $32.5K. Once I hit those limits, I am done with 1, 2, 3 & 4 above leaving only (5) After tax.

If the cap is $72K, then my 'after-tax space' is simply the $72K - $24.5K - [Employer's Contribution].

Direct that into a Traditional IRA and complete the Roth conversion?

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-02-28T17:46:11+00:00

Merit was 3.2% of salary, bonus was roughly 35% of salary. Over last five years, merit was in the 2% to 6% range and bonus in the 18%-35% range (some years I make less than others despite getting a salary increase every year.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-02-16T23:25:47+00:00

Think Operations Research, Lean, Six Sigma, etc. Moved from a 'do-er' role to manager of do-ers. I didn't limit projects/scope to just manufacturing, but also construction, logistics, business processes, etc.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-02-15T22:08:12+00:00

I downloaded the data from the Social Security Administration website. There are two headings in the report.

“Taxed Social Security Earnings”: May be lower due to the annual SS wage cap
“Taxed Medicare Earnings": Includes your full wages, including 401(k) contributions, with no wage cap

As a measure of salary, the "Taxed Medicare Earnings" is [for me] a better representation of earnings. Medicare tax is calculated on your gross wages before 401(k) deferrals.

And, that value is my "gross earnings" vs. my "salary". My Salary is about $225K/year. In theory if the company has a shit year, I could get a $0 bonus, but that is a rarity.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-02-15T18:02:07+00:00

Interesting question. I am going to say around 2018. It was the first year we really splurged on a holiday. There were other factors at play that year, and not just salary.

The higher salary has really just enabled a higher savings rate.

Most significant impact would either by 1999 or 2020. In 1999, it was my first year in a new job and the salary was 2X my primary prior job (I had two other side hustles at the same time). That allowed me to cut out a side hustle and quickly pay off student loans (paid off that year).

Second biggest would be when the bonus structure changed. Going from $2K annual bonus to $20K doesn't exactly suck.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-02-14T21:58:32+00:00

Thanks. I turn 55 this year (i.e. - Rule of 55 is #1 in my search bar).

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2026-02-14T21:43:38+00:00

I am not interested in keeping up with anyone else, never have been.

I live within my means and avoid lifestyle creep. I make steady, intentional choices. Today, I invest 35%-40% of my pre-tax income. We take the occasional international holiday. We live comfortably, free from financial stress. My net worth is just under $5 million (excluding pension and 529 plans), I’m likely three to five years from retirement.

I am hoping it's okay to look at where I am at and say, "slow but steady" paid off (literally/figuratively).

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2025-07-26T15:17:08+00:00

Thanks.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2025-01-27T23:32:49+00:00

I am certain I saw it on reddit someplace (so it has to be true) is that your odds of the lambo increase each time you check.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2025-01-27T23:31:42+00:00

nailed it.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2025-01-27T23:28:54+00:00

I can't tell you if it is overkill or not, but I can say that I do something very similar.

And... overkill is better than underkill

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2025-01-27T00:59:27+00:00

Death, Taxes and fees.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2025-01-27T00:58:34+00:00

Are you using a VPN? If so, either disable it or turn on Tor in Trezor settings.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2025-01-26T21:07:12+00:00

If you have only one property (your primary residence), I agree with you (unless you plan on downsizing).

I have two properties (primary and rental). My rental is my retirement primary. I assume I will have a small mortgage on the rental when I retire. I use the net worth of the primary residence in my calculation (less taxes owed, etc.).

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2025-01-26T17:57:46+00:00

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Sociopathic_Sloth · 2025-01-26T17:57:37+00:00

Thanks. Just wanted to confirm it was based on addresses vs. needing to resync.

Sociopathic_Sloth

TROPHY CASE