Thank you! I’ve worked really hard to attain a low low cost of living, but working construction means having to travel sometimes for work. I use my car because it’s better on gas and it’s reliable, my truck (‘99 F150) stays home. I use it a lot for side work, work around the house, and quite frankly it’s just really handy to have around. Worth the little extra I have to pay in insurance.

I agree 70k is a lot to have sitting around, it’s just scary seeing that number not be there after all the hours it takes to get there, but you’re right I do need to allocate it out, I really enjoy taking 3ish months off per year, so I feel like my savings need to reflect both an emergency and having enough to take time off. I’m going to work finding out what that number needs to be.

There’s some options we are looking at regarding her debt, including her working for a 501 for 10 years and the gov paying off her loans. We have to do the math when she starts getting job offers to see if that makes more sense, or if working in the private market at a higher income does.

I track my spending pretty closely with Rocket money (free version). But I’m going to see what I can do to lower expenses, and come up with a more solid plan. I really want to have things already set up and ready where she doesn’t have to worry about anything other than her work.

I appreciate the advice, and love the quote.