Anonymous
Post 02/02/2013 15:37     Subject: Is this a good start?

Also: do you have a 401K at work? If so, and if there is any matching from your company, contribute whatever it takes to get the match before you start funding the IRA.
Anonymous
Post 01/29/2013 21:46     Subject: Is this a good start?

OP here. Rate on car loan is 6% I believe. I just keep hearing to invest in IRA right away, compounded interest, etc.. that even one year earlier can make a difference, which is why I'm just tempted to start one now.
Anonymous
Post 01/29/2013 16:04     Subject: Is this a good start?

What is the rate on your car loan?
Anonymous
Post 01/29/2013 16:02     Subject: Is this a good start?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I would put the tax refund in a savings account as an emergency fund. Then I'd put 15% of your income each month into an IRA. Use the remainder to pay off your car or build your EF up to 3-6 months expenses.


I agree with this advice.


I would do things a bit different.
I would put the tax refund in bank to start an emergency fund.
Aggressively pay off car by doubling or tripling monthly payment
I would then build ip 6 mos emergency fund
LASTLY I WOULD CONTRIBUTE 15% TO RETIREMENT
Anonymous
Post 01/29/2013 14:48     Subject: Is this a good start?

More cushion in EF first. Agree. I'd aim for six months salary there.
Anonymous
Post 01/29/2013 14:21     Subject: Is this a good start?

Anonymous wrote:I would put the tax refund in a savings account as an emergency fund. Then I'd put 15% of your income each month into an IRA. Use the remainder to pay off your car or build your EF up to 3-6 months expenses.


I agree with this advice.
Anonymous
Post 01/29/2013 14:03     Subject: Is this a good start?

I would put the tax refund in a savings account as an emergency fund. Then I'd put 15% of your income each month into an IRA. Use the remainder to pay off your car or build your EF up to 3-6 months expenses.
Anonymous
Post 01/29/2013 13:58     Subject: Is this a good start?

OP here. I didn't mean to send that rigt away.
Continued: Basically, my goal would be to start both now, and once I get a decent EF, start maxing out IRA.
Anonymous
Post 01/29/2013 13:55     Subject: Is this a good start?

I am 27 and just paid off the last of my credit card debt (wasn't that much but still took a lot of willpower).
I have no student loans or any other debt except for my car loan. I have 2 years left on it and it's $310/month.
I have $500 saved (not much, I know) and will be getting $1000 back on tax returns.
I have been researching a lot on IRAs (I have no 401k at work) and have chosen a Vanguard target retirement fund.
I will have about $500/month in extra income starting now. Should I take the $1000 (from tax return) and open it now, and start putting in $200/month, while saving $200/month into an emergency fund?

I haven't had any extra monthly income until now, and I have no EF but understand the importance of funding an IRA sooner than later.