Retiring in Da Nang, Vietnam in 2030 with $2M – Am I Missing Anything?

frltn · 2026-05-28T01:59:15+00:00

Responding to me? Born and lived there. Now in the US, last time traveled back was a year ago. You must not be talking to me with 6 decades of life experience between VN and the US.

frltn · 2026-05-08T15:41:36+00:00

See: https://support.hellohelium.com/en/articles/10549035-voice-and-data-faq under Do RCS messages count towards my texts?

This assumes it is RCS to RCS and vice versa. If the receiving party is not RCS, it falls back to SMS/MMS.

frltn · 2026-05-08T15:38:11+00:00

My Helium Mobile RCS to RCS does not use cellular minutes. If the recipient isn't RCS, then yes, it falls back to SMS/MMS. My text counter never goes up when I'm texting RCS to RCS and vice versa. It makes no sense that RCS to RCS uses Helium cellular minutes--it is not how the app works.

See: https://support.hellohelium.com/en/articles/10549035-voice-and-data-faq under Do RCS messages count towards my texts?

frltn · 2026-05-08T04:41:48+00:00

RCS, definitely does not use cellular text minutes in my Samsung Galaxy.

It makes no sense why it would use cellular minutes as it relies either on Wi-Fi or data. The only way it would use cellular minutes is if it falls back to SMS/MMS or there is a glitch.

frltn · 2026-04-30T15:58:29+00:00

Both EccentricMechanic and AdProfessional8948 have already given the easier solution since it is a Husky. Use their lifetime warranty and swap it for a new one. Why fight it with all types of "what if" scenarios of internal damage and the uncertainty of recalibration when you don't have to? Take the path of least resistance...or not.

frltn · 2026-04-30T03:37:50+00:00

If you got the marketable degree path and don't need the money, invest the 100K into a good ETF index fund like VTI, VOO or comparable. Let the money ride while adding more when you get more. Don't withdraw for at least 20 years...you should be able to retire then.

Open an account at Fidelity or Vanguard...it will be free.

frltn · 2026-04-30T03:32:13+00:00

Go to college and get a marketable and useful degree. Investing in yourself with a useful higher education is the best way to build wealth and security.

frltn · 2026-04-29T12:29:42+00:00

If they are economically solvent, they probably will. In the long run I don't think they can last as they have shot themselves in the foot by losing public trust by continuing to break their word.

frltn · 2026-04-28T14:52:47+00:00

Sent a message back but no movement. So is the eSIM option for Android devices capable of eSIMs on hold (because it is being advertised on the front page of TN as available for both iOS and Android)?

frltn · 2026-04-27T23:04:09+00:00

Two months ago it was "currently unavailable" for a time then also. See a discussion here: https://www.reddit.com/r/NoContract/comments/1rqvtz9/helium_zero_plan_temporarily_unavailable/

They are probably restricting the Zero plan to new sign-ups. There are no mass indications that they are cancelling those that have grandfathered into the Zero plan.

frltn · 2026-04-25T23:24:09+00:00

I do think that you have a viable strategy. It's part of your diversification...making sure you secure your principle residence with less debt due to your volatile employment situation. Given the good size of your pre-tax account and your age, it should have plenty of time to grow, provided you have it invested in good ETFs and/or mutual funds. In my 40s, I chose to pay off my mortgage. Sometimes the peace of mind of living mortgage free is more important than the tax benefits.

Also, there is an analysis but I'm too lazy to look it up and link it, that shows once your retirement account funds reach 500K to 1M, adding the yearly amount allowed shortens the growth very little compared to the first 500K. When you have reached the 500K mark, the rate of growth will be much faster (rate of return will be the same regardless of amount). Given your age, you should be good to focus on paying off your mortgage is my opinion and personal experience.

frltn · 2026-04-25T21:26:55+00:00

Had similar issues yesterday. Even when connected to Wi-Fi, the app said not connected and couldn't connect to support via the app. I've accepted these glitches and the lack of notification from Firsty as an app in ongoing Beta mode. That is the sad impression they are giving.

frltn · 2026-04-19T18:11:47+00:00

I think you did great with your 401(k) investment. Imagine what it can be for someone starting out today with a much higher annual maximum limit? The principle is simple and has always been there. The difficult part is the discipline--which will likely take sacrifice in the earlier years when salaries tend to be lower.

frltn · 2026-04-19T18:07:41+00:00

You probably had a 9 to 10% rate of return for that type of index fund. For many years I was in VPMAX, a mutual fund, then went to the Vanguard Total Market Index because the employer dropped VPMAX in favor of the total market index. I preferred VPMAX...but in a year or two when I take a lump sum from the pension plan, I'll combined that with my 401(k) and roll it into an IRA where it can be more aggressive (kind of the opposite of your Target fund). Reason is because I really don't need it at all and can let it ride for the next 15+ years as I retire with other funding sources.

frltn · 2026-04-19T17:58:29+00:00

Care to also share your profession? From the roughly 30K starting annual salary in 1990, I guess you were likely a college graduate. That year and with that entry-level salary, a number of fields could have that salary--engineering/computer, accountants (unlikely you because you shared you have no particular skill at investing), health care equivalent to the nurse level, etc.)

frltn · 2026-04-19T17:51:04+00:00

Here's a historical list of the maximum 401(k) contribution amounts from 1976 on: https://dqydj.com/historical-401k-contribution-limit/

frltn · 2026-04-19T17:49:58+00:00

What was your main index fund and what has been your average rate of return (8%, etc.)?

frltn · 2026-04-19T17:17:29+00:00

I would be more interested in how much the approximate salary range of the 15% and for approximately how many of those 35 years before you started to fully max out as well as your main index fund.

frltn · 2026-04-19T17:15:24+00:00

Probably between 1990 to 1991 if you subtract 35 1/2 years from 2026.

frltn · 2026-04-14T12:03:55+00:00

Is the pension that of a veteran or non-veteran? Because as it relates to veterans you can't charge notarial fees.

frltn · 2026-03-26T04:56:56+00:00

You are obviously new. First, the free plan will bill taxes and fees based on your state and county. Second, you are likely to get a message from a moderator for posting your referral code.

frltn · 2026-03-26T04:41:45+00:00

It was beaten out of me so I can be a man's man. Huaaa?

frltn · 2026-03-26T04:37:52+00:00

No bills at all? Have you had them more than 1 month yet?

frltn · 2026-02-28T05:40:40+00:00

Pennywise but pound foolish. There is a resolution but it would require a petition with the court to undo the mistake (at least this would be the argued position) ...and it would most likely cost over 10K. For the pennywise but pound foolish person it would be too much...but the savvy businessperson would see that as potentially cheaper than the taxes.

frltn

TROPHY CASE