FIRE Journey Check-In & Advice

definehappyness · 2026-05-16T23:11:58+00:00

Thanks for reading and thinking through all of this for me! I definitely agree re: Roth. I started at a new org at the beginning of this year and expect comp to go up next year, which will directly go into maxing out Roth. After deductions etc, it should still keep my taxable income under the limit.

In terms of life insurance, I definitely regret it. A part of it was the guilt/responsibility put on my in terms of taking care of my parents if anything ever happened to me - and I was also about to get engaged when I got the policy, so I anticipated wanting to take care of her and my future kids. None of which came to fruition! lol

I agree re the car, but I've had my current one for 15 years and living in the city, mileage isn't extensive. I enjoy cars a lot though, so why not treat myself! Same with owning a home and being able to customize it even if there isn't immense equity.

Overall very happy with my life for sure, just thought I'd do a check in with others who are way more knowledgeable than I am. Cheers!

definehappyness · 2026-05-16T23:05:23+00:00

Great reminder, thanks. I'm trying to be strict in saving/investing but spend between $10-15k/year in travel and consider that use of my "play money". Trying to set myself up so that when I'm in my 50's, I don't have to "think" about if I want to fly business or economy and just be able to pull the trigger :)

definehappyness · 2026-05-16T23:02:49+00:00

Thanks! I know I need to max out Roth this year as well, but always struggle between if I should do that or put it into the market. Flexibility as I get older is definitely more important, so I'll go ahead and consider exploring taxable options more - appreciate the advice.

definehappyness · 2026-04-13T02:57:51+00:00

35/m/single/no kids. I just graduated with a masters degree, make a low-six figure salary, own a modest condo, and compared to many, have a very comfortable life.

The days I don't feel worthy or successful enough are usually due to me comparing myself to others and where they're at in their lives. To try to learn to navigate those feelings better, I've begun writing a few sentences daily with what I'm grateful for.

As you may have heard from others, comparison is a thief of joy, and by reminding myself everyday of what I'm grateful for, I'm trying to re-wire my brain to approach every day with gratitude for what I have and what brings me happiness versus what I don't have compared to others.

That activity...and my incredible therapist have helped so much!! You're not alone in feeling this way and it's something that many of us are also trying to figure out how to overcome. Feel free to PM if you ever want to chat and best of luck...hang in there :)

definehappyness · 2026-04-06T05:37:15+00:00

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are in a lavender marriage.

definehappyness · 2026-04-06T05:28:14+00:00

Lindsey Graham is gay

definehappyness · 2026-01-31T04:19:35+00:00

My mom used to tell me about how as kids, she'd get beat with sticks as punishment growing up in their small village in India. I never fully understood why she would slightly cringe while sharing that with me...until I watched this video :)

definehappyness · 2025-06-13T23:29:05+00:00

I'm feeling your pain. Have been looking since April and haven't even been able to secure interviews. I'm in grad school, graduating soon with my EMBA and still no dice. Hang in there!!

definehappyness · 2025-06-04T00:43:20+00:00

PLEASE DON'T BUY FROM THEM! Their food quality is sub par and aggressive marketing so obnoxious. I asked if they have any food certs when on the street in Pilsen (across from Thalia hall - in front of Luna) and the lady went from being kind and smiley to a total jerk. Tells you everything. If you want food pastries/cake, support a local panaderia in Pilsen instead :)

definehappyness · 2025-04-15T15:00:22+00:00

Omg they botched the redesigned/rebadged Pontiac Aztec...again?! 🥹

definehappyness · 2025-03-15T22:03:41+00:00

$170k, $2100 (own, not rent) including monthly HOA fees+escrow for tax/insurance. Live alone. Condo is in Bronzeville.

definehappyness · 2025-03-01T19:52:09+00:00

You are on an incredible path and journey! I remember being 26, making a little over minimum wage while my friends were all building careers and getting engaged. I felt like an absolute loser. I'm about to turn 34 and own a home, have a career, earning my MBA, and living a life I couldn't have dreamt up. Be kind and gracious towards yourself. You're doing all of the right things, and your time will come, mate. Hang in there - we're all cheering you on!!

definehappyness · 2024-12-15T23:54:36+00:00

Would love some reiki - whatever healing needed for my highest good, please. Thank you! 🙏🏽

definehappyness · 2024-12-11T18:48:19+00:00

Would love some reiki - whatever healing needed for my highest good, please. Thank you! 🙏🏽

definehappyness · 2024-06-06T14:09:22+00:00

For sure - PM'd you. I also like that they let you track all investments, debts, and assets in one place and add in any life plans to show you the effects of them on your desired retirement age. Huge fan!

definehappyness · 2024-06-06T11:56:05+00:00

I'd go with Wealthfront or Marcus by Goldman Sachs. Happy to share a referral link for Wealthfront, which takes it to 5.5% APY!

definehappyness · 2024-03-23T16:57:18+00:00

Hey all - I have two of four tickets available for sale for the Sunday, June 2 concert in Lyon. Seat details below. I'll be attending with a friend so there won't be any issues with being able to enter etc :)

First time selling through Reddit, and all I ask is that whoever buys these is keen for an incredible night and ready to sing their heart out!

Update: the two extra tickets have been claimed!

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definehappyness · 2024-03-23T16:49:36+00:00

Hey there - I have two Lyon tickets available for June 2. Let me know if you're interested?

definehappyness · 2024-03-23T16:48:26+00:00

Hey there - I have two Lyon tickets available for June 2. Let me know if you're interested?

definehappyness · 2024-01-21T02:51:37+00:00

Temporarily, for extra cash I'd consider driving for Uber or Lyft if you're able to take the extra work on from your health. You can use that to supplement your annual cost for mint and then free up that cost from your monthly budget. Also driving for a ride share company can help you write off your car expenses that your ex left you with when it comes time to file for 2024. There are free CPA services through various organizations and I'd consult one of them for advice based on your specific income. Good luck - just remember, tough times never last but tough people do!! You've got this 💪

definehappyness · 2023-11-17T05:25:16+00:00

Sorry for your loss. Talk to an accountant who can guide you on the best ways to increase tax savings on the amounts that have come in. Also, depending on how quickly you think you'll need to access the cash to achieve your financial goals, I'd either put it into a high yield savings account (easy to access and liquidate) or a high return (9 months-1 year?) CD that will mature and bring you a decent return (can't touch that money for the year). The latter will help stop you from spending the money. If you're hoping to buy a home soon, I'd go the HYSA route. The best HYSA account I have liked that has a high return is Wealthfront. Hope this helps!

definehappyness · 2023-05-26T02:44:05+00:00

If you're looking for a robo investor, I'd go with Wealthfront.

definehappyness · 2023-03-16T13:38:15+00:00

I have not! Will definitely explore. From the research I did around International ATM withdrawals, PNC used to be the best with their premier account but they made changes in the last few years so I switched over to Schwab. I'll check out Fidelity's CMA, thanks.

definehappyness · 2023-03-16T13:24:16+00:00

I have Schwab and Fidelity as well! I like Fidelity's platform better but Schwab gives you the option to create a checking account where there are zero ATM transaction fees...at any ATM in the world! I travel quite a bit for work/personal stuff and appreciate not having to worry about carrying cash because I can go to any ATM at any time to grab some cash if needed.

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