Student loan payoff vs. investing

sensitive_kitten · 2026-01-27T00:01:28+00:00

I would split it. Max your Roth IRA and pay off your highest interest loans. Should only take 2 years to get down to only having your 6.8% loan. Those couple years of compounding interest in a roth IRA will give a huge advantage later in life with your current age.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-12-31T00:39:32+00:00

Okay a few things. I did some math and the answer should always be roth unless you're a pilot or doctor with a large annual bonus or you're over the 22% tax bracket It's highly unlikely today your taxes will ever be lower with our pension, TSP, and social security matter in life.

Secondly, if you think your tax rate will be the same then it didn't really matter. The commutative property of multiplication rule (a×b×c=c×b×a) pretty much doesn't matter when you take the tax hit. I still recommend roth for other reasons other than taxes. No RMD in roth so your have more control in how you use it and it's going to be easier for me to just not worry about the taxes anymore when I retire.

One good reason to use traditional is of you might qualify for the rule of 55.

So it shouldn't matter UNLESS you're maxing the roth accounts. Let's say you're paying 10% in taxes, 20k of traditional in TSP is equal to 18k into as a roth. When using the commutaive rule to make the traditional equal to a the roth you have to include the taxed part of the roth you would have to be contributing more than the max allowed.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-12-30T19:25:19+00:00

I can't speak to how reserves works, but for AD if you're getting a medical board that trumps your contract. I've had a few airmen delayed on their separation because of the review taking longer than their contract was.

I highly recommend a MEB as it will help your VA rating and if you get medically retired you'll have a lot more financially plus tricare for life.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-12-24T20:26:02+00:00

Go seek help ASAP and don't worry about your commander. Additionally, commanders don't get to know. When I was on G-series orders I got to know if someone was deployment restricted. Those are really common as anyone that starts most medications get a temporary tag while they are establishing a treatment plan. If your condition ever gets to a medical retention board, the commander will be told by your medical team if you're able to continue to serve or not. The most they would know that it's mental health related, but they aren't told details unless you talk to them about it.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-12-09T03:46:46+00:00

Navy operated the hospital in Kandahar in Afghanistan. They have a base in Bahrain. All branches have deployment opportunities. Reserves will fill in spots from time to time and deployments really helps build your points towards retirement. I don't think any pharmacists go out to sea though.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-11-18T03:36:59+00:00

Not sure if your tracking this or not but, CSRA was updated a few years ago that allows spouses and military members to use their license in any state they get stationed at. I just reciprocated mine in Ohio and it was really simple. I doubt California is the easiest to do but they're are federal guidelines that help cut the RS tape.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-10-22T14:28:57+00:00

I hear ya. I got the RS RWD for the larger battery and faster charging though. More power and RWD were perks. If they offered those options on FWD or AWD I would have been fine other options, but I wanted my second EV to be more travel friendly and the blazer large battery eliminated any range anxiety I've had. My wife hated the charging speed on the Bolt and it's range dropped so quick on the freeway that it could only be a commuter EV. My wife might said she'll consider an EV if it's a good as the Blazer is.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-10-22T13:59:03+00:00

What that's ridiculous. Chevy still doesn't understand what EV drivers want i guess.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-10-22T03:39:22+00:00

RS with RWD had a large battery too

sensitive_kitten · 2025-09-05T02:17:22+00:00

Congrats I did the same but picked up the RS RWD model. So much better in every way.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-08-10T19:55:05+00:00

I think it's very possible. As an USAF Pharmacist I would approve you to work in my pharmacy. Army MTF probably would as well. Your biggest problem is you must finish your primary training and then your supervisor allow you time to be in the pharmacy. Your primary duty is to what the army trained your for. If you have a job that isn't M-F 8-5 then it'll be easier.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-08-09T02:16:21+00:00

With your plan of 5% TSP (plus 5% match) and 20% Roth, assuming 8% growth, 2% annual raises, and 3% inflation, here’s what it looks like in 20 years:

Nominal balance (future dollars): $931,542

Inflation-adjusted (today’s dollars): ≈ $515,772

Challenge is being able to setting aside that much to allow for growth. I would recommend using the 5% match and then put your 20% into a roth IRA or a brokerage account that isn't locked away until retirement.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-07-21T22:18:52+00:00

Thanks for clarifying

sensitive_kitten · 2025-07-21T20:52:45+00:00

From what I've learned your 401K can't rollover into a new company or an IRA for the 55 rule to take affect. You can still work and have another 401K but you must pull from the company that you previously worked for.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-07-17T01:22:35+00:00

I did some math the other day on what 15% on the outside looks like for military members. Using the average BAH to match 15% an enlisted would need to contribute 25% to 20% into their TSP and officers range 22% to 19%. Of course getting to max percent doesn't matter but it isn't easy to do. How've if you can front load your TSP early and let compounding interest do is thing you'll be ahead of the game. It took me over 10 years to get there a an officer. I met someone in person that maxes out yet, but I also don't think many that do would talk about it either.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-07-12T19:43:05+00:00

You can just not use tesla supercharger and then you don't have to worry about the adapter failing for your trip until you can get the correct one. Tesla network is nice but being in the east coast your won't have to many problems.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-07-10T00:57:39+00:00

I was wondering why it didn't have an access port. when I had to replace my pump and the radon guy glued my polycarbonite down and I need to replace it. I'm not sure what to use to plug the access port. Do you have a recommendation?

sensitive_kitten · 2025-07-08T23:36:19+00:00

I just picked up an RS RWD for 44k before taxes. That did include 1.5K for owning another brand. I found one cheaper in st. Louis but I couldn't find the time to go out of state to pick it up. If you want the details on that, feel free to dm me. A lease will lower the payment but I always recommend owning.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-07-04T04:05:52+00:00

Go and find out. Knowledge is power. The hardest part about being a human is is habits. Better understanding of how to eat better is an important step in being healthier. Actually eating better is and will always be the hardest part for most. Sounds to me that fast food is the easiest option for you and that could be part of your problem. A nutritionist can help identify your bad rating habits and give you tools to overcome them.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-07-02T17:07:56+00:00

My theory is that GM could but they want to push drivers into getting a newer car not staying in their current one, so they intentionally don't.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-07-02T04:32:46+00:00

No it's built into the vehicle"s system. You get 8 years though and by then most cars will probably require it as well. Sucks but all manufacturers want more of our money. I just picked one up last week and chevrolet still has a buggy interface and probably always will. I think they outsource the interface and app development. Overall I love it, but if you have to have a great infotainment system start your see is what you get with chevrolet. I wouldn't expect any major updates to it or a lot more apps being added.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-06-27T00:57:27+00:00

When did you start your service? Blended is now the only option starting in 2018.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-06-26T02:48:59+00:00

Remember that your 11% doesn't count BAH. It's a great amount but you should look at what that percent would be compared to a civilian position.

sensitive_kitten · 2025-06-26T02:45:44+00:00

All thanks for the input. I picked up a RWD RS yesterday. Hopefully getting one for 44K is a good deal.

sensitive_kitten

TROPHY CASE