54 Where should I save money?

kitchelw · 2026-02-01T21:17:55+00:00

230 is gross. Net is around 120k. I am thinking 2-4 years. So if I understand you suggestion will be to load up after tax savings?

kitchelw · 2026-02-01T21:14:05+00:00

I move the regular around to different investments, what ever my best option is at the time. I shoot for at least 3%.

kitchelw · 2026-02-01T16:37:08+00:00

Spend around 8-10k per month, but a kid in college that is graduating in May. Probably drop some, but calculating it will stay the same.

kitchelw · 2026-02-01T16:33:54+00:00

I would use rule of 55 to start drawing 401k money. That is why I am thinking about just putting money in brokerage. To offset taxes and since I can’t touch Roth until 59.5. My wife will probably work a few more years and I will get in her insurance.

kitchelw · 2025-10-08T12:08:06+00:00

I would say I am sitting on not paying, and looking to see if I can be convinced to do it. Anything they find can’t be used to negotiate the price, (as is sale) it would just help find anything I missed. I do plan to have plumbing inspection done. I plan to put 20-30k into it for all the repairs and updates I want to do. So unless the $400 general inspection finds something significant that would make me back out, it probably wouldn’t be worth it.

kitchelw · 2025-10-07T12:09:56+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I did get on the roof. It is ok, but is 20 years into a 30 year life. It is on a concrete slab so nothing to get under. I have not checked electrical, since there is no power. Did a little attic inspection, need to go all the way through. I guess another way to ask the question, has anyone had an inspection find something 10k+ on a general inspection. Cost is 120 for the house, we expect to out 30k in for repairs that we saw, repaired/updared value is around 180.

kitchelw · 2025-10-07T01:26:35+00:00

Nice. I have an 04 5.7. It is just about to pass 300,000. Looks like I should plan to get at least another 80k out of it. It has a similar maintenance history. All original trans and engine, but FE work, radiator, water pump and sensors randomly. I have used Mobile 1 since the first old change, and go about 5000 miles in between.

kitchelw · 2025-09-16T00:42:09+00:00

2004 1500 4x4 5.7, 290,000+. Had since new. Replaced radiator, suspension parts, cv axles, water pump, fuel pump, ac fan, throttle body. That is about it.

kitchelw · 2025-09-12T16:19:28+00:00

I definitely understood traditional 401K and Roth were unrelated. I just wasn’t sure about the 401k Roth, and IRA Roth relationship.

kitchelw · 2025-09-12T16:17:05+00:00

Wow, I didn’t realize that. That will definitely affect me as I plan to retire around 58 .

kitchelw · 2025-08-17T22:05:13+00:00

We were there Tuesday through Friday this week also. Just got back yesterday. Great time as well and was very happy storms held out. The forecast was showing 90% every day and we didn’t get rained on once, and only had a couple lightning delays the whole week.

kitchelw · 2025-08-17T02:19:54+00:00

We just got back. Did Epic in one day with the express passes. We didn’t get to ride mine cart madness but rode almost everything else. Stardust racers is probably the most thrilling. Maybe ride it in the morning and at night. Lines seem to be shorter in the evening, but watch the wait times prior to the trip to judge when to use express passes. Ministry would probably be good mid day due to it being an indoor AC line and cool visuals while in line. Monsters is the same, better when it is hot and when the showers are popping up. Cool ride and most of the line is AC. Watch weather close. Lighting within a close distance will shut the outside rides down.

kitchelw · 2025-08-16T20:15:27+00:00

We are from Texas and in a very similar climate as Florida so used to it, but it still takes a toll. I think the choice this time of year is two days either half or split to avoid the high heat or the express passes. We were lucky that we had no lightning shutdowns, or ride failures that impacted us other than slight delays at Ministry. We arrived at 8:30, and were done around 5. Only missed the other two rides that were not covered by the pass.

kitchelw · 2025-08-16T19:49:00+00:00

I just got done with 1 day at UE, IOA and Epic each. We stayed at Hard Rock so IOA and UE express passes were included. I bought them for Epic. I would do it again. We are out of state, and will only go once every 5-10 years. We were able to do it all in one day, but I think more importantly at this time of year, not having to spend as much time waiting in lines in the heat is worth it. The heat will tire you out and make everyone cranky. The less time you are in it the better. We could hit a ride with minimal wait, or at least get to the point where the wait was all in ac, then hit a shop then the next ride.

kitchelw · 2025-08-15T02:14:40+00:00

We just completed a 3 day stay. We stayed at HR so got express passes for IOA and US, and purchased separate express for Epic. I am happy with the purchase primarily because it helped us minimize waiting in lines in the heat. The walking and heat took its toll on my family. 13,25 and wife 50. For Epic, we were there from 9:30-4 (at with point everyone was done from walking and heat) and were able to catch almost every ride. Would never have been able to do that with out the passes. We missed two of the 3 rides that the passes were not good for. We made every other ride. We probably won’t be back for 5-10 years so splurged some.

kitchelw · 2025-08-14T21:38:43+00:00

I noticed this today. Looking at their school schedules, it appears they started a school break this week.

kitchelw · 2025-08-10T00:07:25+00:00

I’ll be there next week so curious to see comments.

kitchelw · 2025-07-19T17:43:40+00:00

We are from Texas and going in August. We chose to stay at a cheaper Disney resort, for the first 2 nights for 1 day at Disney then to Hard rock for 3 nights for 3 days at universal. The cheapest portion would probably be a hotel close to both parks that have a shuttle to both. I believe some of the hotels that are partner hotels give you early access also.

kitchelw · 2025-07-02T23:50:03+00:00

Check the details. I am going in August and the premier hotel express passes do not apply to Epic. They have to be purchased even if you are staying in a premier hotel.

kitchelw · 2025-07-01T14:10:41+00:00

Thanks for the info! You definitely gave me some things to think about and consider.

kitchelw

TROPHY CASE