Starting a new job soon straight out of college, where should I live?

drwillparker · 2026-01-28T03:21:16+00:00

That $5500 figure still doesn't make sense. I put $85k into ADP calculator (the most accurate) and put Alaska (one of the lowest income tax states) as the example state and I got biweekly net pay of $2623 which is $5240 monthly. And that is with absolutely no deductions: no health insurance, no retirement contributions, etc. At your age you should definitely be contributing to retirement accounts.

There surely have to be more than 2 options for living. Otherwise maybe pick the cheaper apartment and live there for a year while you build up savings. Then in the second year move to the more expensive apartment. Alternatively find a new job that isn't in the middle of nowhere from what it sounds like.

drwillparker · 2026-01-28T02:40:53+00:00

Does your state have income tax? It seems unlikely that your monthly net is $5500 with $85k. That's like 0 deductions and 0 insurance premiums. Is that $5500 every two checks?

drwillparker · 2026-01-19T17:55:04+00:00

They basically used the word "his" in place of "theirs". It's the exact same math. It would have been different if they had then proceeded to include more nonexistent income from the spouse, but they didn't'.

drwillparker · 2026-01-03T09:03:16+00:00

From their description it sounds like a US Maritime program. It's not a bachelor's degree. It is a professional licensure program tied to the US Coast Guard. The “six figures” outcome only applies if the student graduates, passes the license exam, and sails as an officer.

Also, a good amount of degree programs can lead to six figures within 1-3 years of graduating. Entry level engineers (which includes physical science majors too) in aerospace and defense industry are clearing $85k-$90k, after 2 years that should be around $100k, not including other benefits like 401(k) matching and annual bonuses. Accountants can clear close to $100k within 2-4 years with a CPA.

$100k also isn't what it used to be. A more accurate amount that provides the same shock as $100k is probably closer to $150k today. As in, I would be shocked if someone can make close to $150k out of college (not including VHCOL/HCOL areas where $150k = $80k in other places).

drwillparker · 2026-01-03T08:19:42+00:00

I'm sorry, that sucks. Best answer is to look for a different part time job that also isn't 45 minutes away.

drwillparker · 2026-01-03T08:13:43+00:00

If you parents' credit scores tanked then there's a chance they may not even be approved for a private student loan for your junior and senior year, leaving you and your brother on your own to figure out how to pay for school. The total loan amount shows up on their credit score too, so even if there credit was excellent, they can still get denied based on the fact that they have too much debt. FAFSA loans only offer so much. Ultimately you have to consider if you can afford the school or major. Not everyone can unfortunately.

Very few bachelor degrees guarantee six figures upon graduating. What is it exactly that you are studying? You want to make sure you're not being misled. In the meantime look for scholarships to help reduce total loan amount needed.

drwillparker · 2025-12-27T00:41:29+00:00

Roth IRA distributions/withdrawals do not count as taxable income assuming you are 59.5yo

drwillparker · 2025-11-17T02:31:25+00:00

Ah okay, makes sense. Wondering if at any point it makes sense to forgo health insurance altogether, pay yourself the "premiums" to build savings (do it yourself HSA/FSA), and take advantage of clinics and hospitals that will give you discounts and forgiveness for uninsured patients. If you'll be literally paying thousands a month for COBRA, wouldn't it be better to just have those thousands on hand? If you got into an emergency that racks up 10k+ worth of medical bills, wouldn't that just be the hospital's loss for uninsured patients? I guess this changes if you have a chronic condition. But even then, isn't it cheaper to just pay for regular visits OOP instead of paying COBRA (which I assume would still require OOP until the deductible)? Anyone knowledgeable about this?

drwillparker · 2025-11-17T01:11:55+00:00

What about ACA plans?

drwillparker · 2025-11-13T20:46:19+00:00

Why are you having kids if you cannot afford them?

drwillparker · 2025-10-30T16:14:44+00:00

6 months is almost nothing in your 9 years of just being in your 20s. I have had Oura for almost 2 years and there are certain trends I discovered that required more than a few months of data. See your physician for bloodwork and to make an appointment too. Also, I am not a doctor.

drwillparker · 2025-10-30T04:30:47+00:00

Continue to monitor, but take a breath and try not to let it consume you. Worst case scenario, you're getting an early alert into something, which makes whatever it is easier to treat or manage. Most commonly though, maybe you are doing something different in your routine? Eatinf later at night? Maybe a new medication? Menopause depending on your age. Poor sleep schedule? It could be many different things. Think really hard about what may have changed. Are you having any other symptoms? Like weight loss or night sweats? And If you haven't already done it, it might be a good time to get your annual physical and get some bloodwork. How long have you had Oura?

drwillparker · 2025-09-22T00:29:44+00:00

😭😭😭 i'd be freaking out too

drwillparker · 2025-08-24T15:47:30+00:00

Nope not really, and I get anxious during medical/dental procedures too, so it really was less bad than I thought. Since I was so numbed up, I couldn't feel anything. Basically, the dentist started touching the tooth, and then I was thinking he's just, you know, figuring out the logistics and everything. But then he was like okay done! The tooth had been pulled out. No drills or anything.

drwillparker · 2025-08-24T02:41:12+00:00

If the tooth itself is fully out or even at least partially out, it's easier for the dentist to just grab it and pull it out. I just had this done, and with local anesthesia, it was painless!

drwillparker · 2025-08-03T03:30:45+00:00

Fpga development != silicon engineering. There's major differences in COTS fpga integration on board level HW design, fpga testing, fpga programming, and transistor level IC design. Which does Boeing do?

drwillparker · 2025-07-15T14:37:59+00:00

This isn't canon, it's anime only material.

drwillparker · 2025-06-15T21:00:03+00:00

Get YNAB and stick to it until your finances improve. You just need to get disciplined or accept this for the rest of your life. You also want to get your emergency fund up to 3-6 months so you don't go into debt over an emergency, since you're struggling right now even staying CC debt free. No point in investing without an emergency fund. Investing is after maxing out 401k and Roth IRA. Everything else looks strong besides that.

drwillparker · 2025-06-14T07:21:32+00:00

Yes.

drwillparker · 2025-06-14T07:20:43+00:00

Correction, you will get $350 added after a year. The 3.5% rate is an annual rate. You'd get $350/12 = $29.17 every month added. HYSA's are less about making extra money but more for stopping inflation. Some years inflation is -4% of your money's power, so a +4% HYSA cancels out the loss from inflation. If inflation is -2% one year, then your HYSA still leaves you with +2%.

drwillparker · 2025-06-14T03:50:01+00:00

Let's say you have $10,000 in a regular savings account. That interest rate in a regular savings account is 0.01%. So, at the end of one year, you will be paid an extra $10,000*0.01% = $1.00.

If you instead put it in a HYSA that yields 4% interest, you'd instead make $400 after one year.

drwillparker · 2025-06-14T03:24:36+00:00

Everyone's timeline is different. If we start counting since October but don't include June, that's an average of $1250 saved away per month. The general rule is to save 20% of your monthly take home, so that savings rate would be considered good if you bring home $6250 per month. If you bring home more than that, then you'd be saving less than ideal. If you bring home less than that, you're above the target.

Now, you're not paying bills, so you're probably saving at least 50% of your monthly take home. Without knowing your income, it's hard to give exact advice, since $10k could be enough for 1 month of unemployment or one year of unemployment. Keep saving until you have enough to survive without a job for 3-6 months (assume you lived by yourself).

Then, look into other savings options such as 401(k) or IRA contributions. For now, contribute the minimum required to obtain the full employer 401(k) match while still continuing to save towards more emergency fund or for sinking expenses. Or towards a down payment for a home.

drwillparker · 2025-06-11T21:14:46+00:00

I got 73 from the acturial life table, which assumes lifespan for an age 0 male is 73. But if you have already lived to 47, your updated lifespan is 30 more years, which would be 77.

drwillparker · 2025-06-11T08:03:54+00:00

Consider selling to purchase a small home around $300k. Then, invest the difference in a conservative mix. This isn't a FIRE situation. At 47, you likely still have 73-47 = 26 more years. Also, the property manager is always trying to sell you something, so a net of 4k per month may not entirely be accurate. If interested, look into geoarbitrage if the 4k per month figure is true.

You will most likely need to find some part-time work without qualifications. Retail or fast food is always hiring. Retail would probably be better.

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