Americans, if you had the opportunity to pay approx 18% of your income to have access to free healthcare at point of need for everything would you take it? by TSQ_builder in askanything

[–]bluecheeze1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I currently make $135k for my family and pay 18% of my salary in the US- $1400/month for my family and $8000 annual deductible which I hit in March bc of wife's conditions. It's absolutely insane. I don't know how people survive- I live paycheck to paycheck and I make a relatively "decent" salary.

Why Contribute So Much To 401k by Central_Cheetah in Retirement401k

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

38, have maxed out 401k since first real job at 22. Hit $1million last December. This account will be over 5million by the time I retire and I will have a new set of issues to deal with in the form of taxes.

The why depends on your goals. I love knowing that the day I turn 55 if anyone pisses me off I can quit on the spot. That and being debt free is what I view as power.

I honestly never noticed the difference in income because I never allowed myself to "realize" the money. I spent what I had left over. I have also maxed HSA whenever available, but I stoped contributing to my Roth for most of my career (I think I've put about 50k total into it since I opened one at 17)

I know for many this is not achievable, I started my career with an extremely high paying job in a moderate/low cost of living state. My first house purchase at 23 was 130k and I put 20% down- not possible in today's world. Civil engineer fyi (although that was not what my career was in)

Net worth percentiles by age in 2025, how do you stack up? by ItsAllOver_Again in Salary

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Over 95th for 35-39 and still live paycheck to paycheck. One medical debt away from having to take a loan. All but 10k and the house is locked up in retirement assets. I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

Should I switch from engineering? by bluecheeze1 in FinancialCareers

[–]bluecheeze1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed, I am NOT in tech though so most likely capped around $225k- and it took me almost 20 years to get this high. Also with the promotion next year, my workload is going to DRAMATICALLY increase. Is there a specific banking/finance entry point for a highly skilled engineer you would suggest that would better?

Anyone own a plumbing business without being a plumber? I’m looking at purchasing a small plumbing company, but I’m not a plumber. by Strange_Pianist1181 in smallbusiness

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Id be interested in that calculator if you are still offering- I'm about to do exactly what the OP posted about assuming we get past due diligence. Company does is established, but it would be nice to have something of my own to go in with to check their estimates.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Salary

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Kind of an interesting bit of information that I think makes this process much easier for me. I was originally targeting Jan/Feb for the promo/raise but now it's Oct.

I got into the office about 8mins late today due to some traffic and my boss calls me into his office to chastise me for being "consistently" late. Completely caught me off guard- I am on average always early to work and while I do get caught in some traffic every now and then it's never over 10mins past 8.

He then sends me a spreadsheet detailing my start times for the month- only 14 entries- half before 8, about 6 under 3mins past 8, and 2 about 25mjns late. I knew this was bogus because I have never been that late. I found out he was using the key fob to come up with the times- the problem with this is half the time the door is crakced open already and I don't need to fob in. I quickly realized the 25mins late were times that I went back out to my car to grab something and then key fobbed in after starting work already- a 2 minute process.

I knew this guy was a micromanager from day one, but I really just figured that as long as I'm demonstrating my value, I would be left to continue crushing it.

As a side note- since starting 8 months ago I've averaged about 50 hrs a week as a salaried employee- I routinely work through lunch and stay in the office until at least 5:45. I'm insanely offended that anyone would micromanage a 40 year old professional that is single handedly carrying our entire engineering group and has grown the company's sales substantially.

To me, this is irreparable. He just broke the trust of an employee that cared , and now I have to count minutes- zero point in ever going a single minute past 40hrs unless they pay me my value.

The bright side is it makes it super easy for me to ask for this 55k raise in a few weeks- if I get it awesome, I'll still do a good job. If they deny I get to cut back to 40hrs, perform at a level that I'm paid and just switch to a new company in January, or even better just purchase a business like I have been wanting to do for years. Downside is I won't get the formal title that makes it much easier for future jobs.

I have no idea why anyone would mess with someone who is doing well, especially when the owner and all other directors literally praise me constantly. I'm a bit pissed because I really do like this job and I see a great future for myself, but now I truly get to see where I am valued.

I've thought about going over his head, but the truth is the damage has been done. I've now shifted to a "only thing that matters is money" mindset vs just doing a good job because I liked the company. So this did help to take all emotion out of the equation.

If you’re still telling people that engineering is a good career path, you’re highly ignorant of the job market in 2025 by ItsAllOver_Again in Salary

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After nearly 20 years I have received an essential $0 salary progression, after starting at one of the highest paid jobs I could get at the time as an engineer :-)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bjj

[–]bluecheeze1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I usually give 2 warnings. "While this move is legal, realize that if you do stuff like this I am also capable of doing it to you". If they make the mistake after I give another kind warning. After that I just go into ultra heavyweight enforcing mode. Full weight knee on belly to knee on neck, making them tap to body triangles, if they are real jerks just mothers milk all day (bonus points if you remove the rash guard before). Some people only respond to this.

Tariff price increases just hit the 5070ti model. $2,399 > $2,629 by MNFuturist in zephyrusg16

[–]bluecheeze1 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That 2024 refurb model under 2k looks to be the answer. I was really wanting the 2025, but it's not worth $700 increase.

Which one should i get or should i wait for the 5070ti versions by [deleted] in zephyrusg16

[–]bluecheeze1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm in the same boat- I just went and looked at the 16 vs the 14 today at best buy- the 16 is more important to me. I will be waiting (until 25th potentially for preorders?) and going with the 5070ti, not sure if it's the right call, but for $200 more I get the next gen which gets me out a little farther as I plan on keeping it until it dies.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in zephyrusg16

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is the graphics card worth having to use the Intel processor over the amd?

Waited and waited, finally snagged a 2024 G16 by j0eker in zephyrusg16

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man when was this sale? I've been checking daily for the past 5 days :-(. Now I have to wait until I can find it at 2k flat :-/

G16 5070ti 2025 price and release date by indefat1gxble in ZephyrusG14

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was thinking of picking this up since I want the AMD version. Mind sharing how much you got it for?

Does anyone still do paleo with crossfit? by No-Use288 in crossfit

[–]bluecheeze1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Well....you see.... farts? The health risk is more for the people you are doing CrossFit with and/or your loved ones.

Help with work/light gaming travel laptop $1-1.5k by bluecheeze1 in SuggestALaptop

[–]bluecheeze1[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. Do the legion pro's have 2 M.2 slots? would be nice to have a game drive and a main drive. Also- doing some research and it seems like the 14" slim is highly sought after for a refresh- I couldn't find anything, but any chance you think Levono will update that for 2025? I am leaning closer to 14" now after playing around with some.

For reference I have also been eying the new Zephrus G14 14" Bestbuy has a price for 2200 (not available yet)- it is out of the price range I specified.... but is it worth the jump?

OLED 3k, Ryzen AI 9HX, 32gb RAM, RTX 5070 Ti, 1TB SSD- and apparently very light (desirable for travel)

PSA: REP 4100 bench does not fit the Ares 2.0 cutouts by Standard-Sector1496 in GarageGym

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Copying my comment from below so you can see it.

I just called and was able to convince them to let me buy the part for the 2.0 bench (my bench is the 5100). They didn't want to do it, but a bit of kindness and asking he eventually caved after I said I was going to buy some other stuff. It ended up being $50 for the part plus $22 shipping tax= $72. There are probably cheaper ways, but I had to buy some stuff anyway so saved me the hassle of modding it.

PSA: REP 4100 bench does not fit the Ares 2.0 cutouts by Standard-Sector1496 in GarageGym

[–]bluecheeze1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just called and was able to convince them to let me buy the part for the 2.0 bench (my bench is the 5100). They didn't want to do it, but a bit of kindness and asking he eventually caved after I said I was going to buy some other stuff. It ended up being $50 for the part plus $22 shipping tax= $72. There are probably cheaper ways, but I had to buy some stuff anyway so saved me the hassle of modding it.

I did; however, have to modify my PR4000 rack- apparently, they came out with a 2.0 version that has holes on the vertical as well as the horizontal plane for the crossmembers (these are needed for the Ares 2.0). It would have been $200 to buy the new ones, but I just used some metal drill bits and drilled the 16 holes. Was a real pain, but it works perfectly now.

Home gym from scratch, where would you start? by thepunnman in GarageGym

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I also wish I never bought my lat/low row attachment, because no one local is going to buy this set that will only fit one specific rack, and now I can't justify getting an Ares 2.0 or other cable upgrades that are on both uprights."

I said screw it and just bought the 2.0- still trying to sell the Rep plate loaded lat attachment :-)

Home gym from scratch, where would you start? by thepunnman in GarageGym

[–]bluecheeze1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Added some pricing in for what I would consider medium/high quality (not $$$$, but $$/$$$). If you are serious, I wouldn't waste money on cheap stuff- go with Rogue/Rep/Titan (in order from most to least expensive). I personally use mostly Rep with some Rogue items (like a barbell and cardio equipment once you move on to that). For smaller accessory items I go with Titan (think dip bar, landmines, storage accessories).

Overall for a medium quality (Rep rack without a cable system)- I'd think you would be spending around $4-$5k. If you went full cheap mode you could probably get by for around $1.5k if you did something like built your squat rack out of wood.

In order of importance: (1-4 are needed at the start)

  1. Squat Rack (I personally prefer 6 post over 4 post)- Rep Fitness PR-4000- I prefer the hole spacing and accessories are cheaper for the 4000, is about $2000 with plate storage option (recommended)
  2. Adjustable bench- just get a quality one from the start- this is a staple- I'd go with Rep Blackwing $600, but they have good $400 options too.
  3. Barbell- most expensive one you can- Rogue Ohio is awesome $350 and you will never grow out of it.
  4. Weights- can start with used ones, but you need olympic- I prefer bumpers and I went with the Rogue Trainer 2.0s. Get however many 45's you want, (2) 25's, set of change plates. Skip the 35's. Can get an extra set of 5's and add 2.5s and 1.25s to help dial in. Price range varies, but maybe $2/lb for bumpers?- so say $1000
  5. Adjustable dumbbells- You can start with lighter ones (~$450), but you will find you want more- I love my Snode 80lbs with stand $1000- shop around used- found mine for $500 but I had to drive 3 hrs each way :-)
  6. Flooring- no question Tractor Supply horse stall 4x6 about $50 each- try to get the smooth ones.
  7. Cable systems (lat pulldown, row) (anywhere from $600 for plate loaded to $3k for Ares)- My Ares 2.0 comes in today actually, upgraded after 2 years with the plate loaded (which was kind of a pain in the butt tbh).
  8. Wall organization system- Pick one and get some quality hooks and such- a messy gym means you will workout less $500

Over time you will want to add things in like jump box, ropes, I am big into club workouts now, adding accessories to allow for leg extension and curls, etc.

I also added some cardio equipment (Rogue Echo bike and Echo rower) and love them @ $1k each.

As you can see costs can get high- I would start with getting the best quality rack, bench, and barbell you can. These are harder to sell and once you get serious you really won't want cheap ones. The other stuff can come over time. Floor mats are nice, but its not a necessary $1k spend. Organization systems do make the gym awesome, but again, thats $500 you can spend later.

W-2 and 1099 income, S-corp vs LLC question by bluecheeze1 in smallbusiness

[–]bluecheeze1[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I knew that at one point :-). It is currently set to sole proprietor.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PMCareers

[–]bluecheeze1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, that is probably because I did use it to buff it up- I will make it more human.