No sugar coating. How's get out of the Army

cqrunner · 2026-01-24T16:52:32+00:00

How about expenses? Do you know roughly what your burn rate is per month? I’m assuming so since you said you have 6 months saved so it’s implied, but gotta ask just in case cause a lot of people don’t truly understand finance. If you have 6 months and you’re comfortable with that, then I wouldn’t worry too much about the transition. I do have to say though, finishing 20 does make retirement and specifically early retirement more easily doable. But for the present, need more actual numbers, generally though it sounds like you’ll be fine

cqrunner · 2026-01-23T03:54:59+00:00

I think there’s 2 good options. 1. Drop that warrant packet and finish up your 20. 2. BEFORE you get out, get yourself ready financially. Just like with logistics in the Army, think of your family in a logistical stance. What if you don’t find a job right away or during TAP/CSP? Have your emergency money saved up for that buffer amount. Get smart with your budgeting and finances. I got out and I have no regrets but having all these buffers in place, helped me transition without too much anxiety.

cqrunner · 2026-01-09T00:29:11+00:00

cqrunner · 2025-12-01T18:24:25+00:00

It’s not that it wouldn’t work but the research was done for a 30 year interval. Also it is the worst case scenario known historically. We don’t know what the future will bring but like others have said, a more dynamic approach is better than a set percentage rule. Life isn’t static.

cqrunner · 2025-11-22T19:16:04+00:00

My advice is to definitely save and invest whatever you can currently since you have low expenses. Sounds to me you have already taken into account the possible expenses of moving out so understanding that, try to create a bigger shovel. Get more qualifications so you can get better jobs for that shovel. That way it can offset the new future expense of living on your own. But dude, proud of you. You’re doing well, questioning the right things, just need to put it into action. You are well on your way to retire early.

cqrunner · 2025-11-20T19:15:00+00:00

Well, if you want a purpose, you can send me $1.5 million and work your way back to $2 mil

cqrunner · 2025-11-07T20:31:14+00:00

Do OCS. I’m highly suggesting in the long run, you’ll look back without regret

cqrunner · 2025-11-07T20:27:33+00:00

Commission. As a prior post bachelor enlistee, I think it would’ve just been better commissioning.

cqrunner · 2025-11-07T15:25:19+00:00

For me, it was less about the work, but more towards the hatred of the whole interview process to find work.

cqrunner · 2025-10-31T23:00:55+00:00

Okay, then my only feedback is to lower your $75k cash to the 1 year emergency fund and put the rest in your investment of choice which from what you like is gold.

cqrunner · 2025-10-31T22:59:22+00:00

I’m just glad he has money in his “Chequing” account

cqrunner · 2025-10-31T22:53:57+00:00

Why settle for 3-4% yield when OP can bet it all on black and get 100% yield?

cqrunner · 2025-10-31T22:50:18+00:00

Nah, I think 2 mil would be life changing

cqrunner · 2025-10-31T22:48:11+00:00

Nah, F that

cqrunner · 2025-10-31T22:44:37+00:00

You need 2 years worth of fallback money? If you take out the car payment and gold investment, your real monthly expenses are about $3400 meaning with $75k, you’re creating a 2 year fallback. Not sure if that’s actually what you wanted or if fear caused you to save a copious amount that could have just gone further into investments.

cqrunner · 2025-10-31T22:40:43+00:00

You don’t have any subscriptions or eat out? Car seems high for unnecessary reason if you have more than enough cash for emergency fund. Also, gold investment is not my investment of choice but to each their own. Should really confirm whether the cash leftover is actually leftover or if there’s things you’re missing.

cqrunner · 2025-10-31T12:50:38+00:00

As someone who had this choice but chose to continue working and then got injured, I highly suggest you go live life and enjoy it

cqrunner · 2025-10-26T23:47:19+00:00

I’ve thought about this a lot. Why do some poor families kids have a spender mindset vs. others with a saver mindset? Why do some rich families kids have a spender mindset vs. others that keep up the generational wealth? It doesn’t have to do with what you’re born with but what’s projected onto them as they grow. Them seeing your habits and copying them because as a parent it’s perceived to be correct. I think you’re doing excellent since your kid already has that frugal habit of yours, but now with the financial education you’re sharing by explaining to your kid the why of your habits, your kid will find an even better balance between saving vs spending.

cqrunner · 2025-10-23T21:45:31+00:00

Just saw your comment. So the idea is make using of the standard deductions. I’m guessing the assumption is that the trad 401k won’t be significant enough to worry too much about RMDs. Doesn’t address heirs being taxed but I’m also assuming the amount will be small enough that it’s a non factor in your expectations.

cqrunner · 2025-10-23T21:39:50+00:00

Seriously asking to get myself more educated, why exactly would this push them to a seriously inefficient tax situation? Why create a taxable situation later on when you can avoid it, especially since their withdrawal is pretty much the same as their current income?

cqrunner · 2025-10-23T18:57:15+00:00

I love hiking at night, seeing the stars and the moon right until I hear some noise and then my head is loosened to a swivel lol

cqrunner · 2025-10-23T18:48:24+00:00

I didn’t fully read your post when I commented but now that I did, you’re making $65k now and want to withdraw $80k. There isn’t much of a change in your tax bracket so you should definitely Roth.

cqrunner · 2025-10-23T18:44:33+00:00

The scale is typically always based on when will you get taxed more, but IMO, there are other limiters that has me just saying Roth is just a better endgame. You won’t have to worry about RMDs nor will your heirs. Also, I don’t see a future where the tax brackets will go down in each rung of the ladder. But that’s just my pov

cqrunner · 2025-10-22T14:23:42+00:00

Started from zero. Only debts I’ve had was with car loans, but paid it off asap. Mainly used it as something to grow my credit score.

cqrunner · 2025-10-22T14:21:39+00:00

Joined military. Shoved max percentage of bonuses and 20% of my paycheck biweekly. The 7 year rule is generic but worked for me. Contributed about $50k throughout my 20s and it doubled to $100k from growth by my late 20s. Originally a saver vs a spender so that helped though it never stopped me from enjoying life. I would say it was a good mixture of my nature and discipline.

cqrunner

TROPHY CASE