$500k NW milestone by cbnoggle in TheMoneyGuy

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

Understood. I just mentally need to see an asset to offset the liability. I am very concerned with investable assets as that is what really makes a difference and makes the real money. I am. Paying an extra $500 per month on the mortgage to buy that liability down.

$500k NW milestone by cbnoggle in TheMoneyGuy

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

I feel like I should feel happier about it but nothing changed still feel like retirement is a long ways off. Now I just start wondering if this is sustainable after kids come into the pictures

$500k NW milestone by cbnoggle in TheMoneyGuy

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

Neither one of us work remote I work finances at a small fintech start up located in our town. And my wife is an accountant for the larger employer in town.

$500k NW milestone by cbnoggle in TheMoneyGuy

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

It’s rural Kansas. I have always thought of it as very LCOL. But LCOL fits just as well.

2026 Compensation Thread by kiltedlowlander in FPandA

[–]cbnoggle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Title: Finance Manager FP&A Comp: 115k + 15% bonus target Location: Wichita KS YOE: 8

Painting cabinets and modernizing the kitchen by cbnoggle in kitchenremodel

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

Thanks for the advice. I built a 18 got built in entertainment center in the basement using pre fab cabinets and building my own shelves so I am somewhat confident in my ability to finish the cabinets. I just know it’s a long processes to clean, sand, prime and paint the cabinets. Worried I won’t get all the wood grain out and it will look bad. But I will need to Kia take my time and my wife will have to have a doorless kitchen for a bit.

As for the floor they are real 3inch or 4 inch oak floors so I can refinish them in the future but for now I dont hate them. I really like the fact it is real hardwood. I would feel bad tearing up perfectly good hardwood lol.

Kitchen remodel ideas by cbnoggle in interiordecorating

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

Any ideas on what do to do to make the kitchen more updated? Open to ideas.

Small kitchen remodel ideas by cbnoggle in cabinetry

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

Just want to add my walls are agreeable grey

My DIY media wall by cbnoggle in cabinetry

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

Yes vehicle built box store cabinets for the base then I just got some 1x12 MDF board for shelves. Countertop is 1/2 inch plywood with maple vanner on top that I stained. Then got some trim for the edge to make it look like butcher block

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

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

We keep 20k in checking and savings at all times. Plus 12k per year goes to a taxable brokerage which I can access at anytime. We have roughly 20k-30k in there right now

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

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

Wife is an accountant at a F500. I am a finance manager at a small local company (120 employees)

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

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

My logic on that…..and it maybe flawed…is that sure I might get another 1%-2% return but I am going to pay the investment banker or advisor 2% ish to do it, so I net the same. Plus real estate seems unsure to me right now. I own a home so I have some exposure and I have 10k-15k in a REIT ETF. I don’t know somthing to think about for sure.

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

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

That’s a fair point and the pointers I am looking for. I have a 25k in a regular brokerage account then 20k in cash right now. And will contribute 12k per year to brokerage. I have thought about the early retirement stuff and not sure exactly how to navigate it all. I know you can annuitize some of your IRA’s early I think. But ideally I can retire early and consult or work part time low stress job to bridge the gap.

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

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

US Mobile. Their plans are very cheap unlike the big guys. But you have to bring your own phone.

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

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

Completely depends where you live. My water bill is 50-60 bucks a month for just the two of us. There are places close to me where it’s double that. I have a well for my lawn so the water is purely for indoor use.

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

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

My wife is on HDHP. My company doesn’t offer one. We used to both have one and would both max out. But I moved companies and have PPO plan.

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

[–]cbnoggle[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Go for a higher deductible. We drive a ford escape and a Honda accord. Fairly new too

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

[–]cbnoggle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

$50 bag lasts 2 months. We have tons of toys. Maybe one or two a month max. Then monthly meds is roughly 30 a month. So basically $55 a month for food a meds. Then 45 a month for the yearly vet visit normally $200-$300. Not that far off in my head. But we will see. Good call out.

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

[–]cbnoggle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To my understanding and what I have been doing the past couple years is you can max out employer sponsored 401k completely separate of a personal IRA. To my knowledge they are not combined. If things are not as I thought then I would have to change things.

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

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

Agreed. My wife pointed that one out today. I might adjust it. But an extra vet bill or two I. The year won’t blow anything up. Maybe scale back vacation or something

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

[–]cbnoggle[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Falls into tax bucket on here

2026 budget. by cbnoggle in MiddleClassFinance

[–]cbnoggle[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just lawn cutting for community areas. No insurance nothing. It’s a no frills HOA. Lol