I discussed college strategy with my parents and targeted great state schools in places they were willing to retire. I got into UVA out of state and then they relocated to VA. Paid 1 year out of state while they established residency and they rest was in state. Between their contribution and scholarships, I was lucky enough to graduate with minimal student loans.

Taking and sticking with a shitty federal job I hate for the last 3 years to grab an 8% retirement match. (Yes I'm sure it's 8% at my agency). IDK if I will survive to year 5 to grab the lowest level of a vested pension -- doubt it bc I'm hating life and will be looking to move on -- but that extra 8% per yr for just 3 yrs has provided a nice kick to my retirement, since I was coming from a no match industry so I was never able to put in more than 18.5k (or the prior IRS max) each yr. Funny how much faster it grows when someone besides me is contributing.

Anonymous wrote:Definitely marrying my husband. I know that's not a financial decision but he has made a ton of money while being a wonderful husband and father. Seriously, the best decision was saving a lot early on in our marriage which gave my DH the freedom to make career bets that were risky but had a lot of upside. They paid off wonderfully.

Same. That and also buying an apt in a “dangerous” neighborhood. Not only did it remain cheap to live there as we made more and more, but it doubled in value in 5 years.

Marrying Rich

Living with roomates until I got married.
Participating in my company stock purchase program and retirement saving vehicles from Day 1.
Not pulling money out of the market during downturns and steadily buying while the market was low.

Anonymous wrote:I am 45 - is it too late to start making smart financial decisions? My student loans should (knock wood) finally be done in 3-5 years.

No, it's not too late.

I am 45 - is it too late to start making smart financial decisions? My student loans should (knock wood) finally be done in 3-5 years.

Refinancing my student loans, 3.5%

Definitely marrying my husband. I know that's not a financial decision but he has made a ton of money while being a wonderful husband and father. Seriously, the best decision was saving a lot early on in our marriage which gave my DH the freedom to make career bets that were risky but had a lot of upside. They paid off wonderfully.

Best decision- maxing 401k, having a top shelf financial advisor for investments. So cash wise, we're doing okay even for being spendthrifts (there are spendthrifts btw- not everyone is driving a ten year old car and eating ramen- we would have more money and less fun).

We didn't do well in the housing market- my DH had a lot of job transfers, so home equity sucks- if we had known, we would have rented more, and put the $$ into something more lucrative.

We're at an age where paying off the house should be on the horizon but nowhere even close.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To enjoy life but be an aggressive saver. We had a meeting with our bankers today and we are worry free but we will always worry which is why we are worry free.

what

When worrying about money is deeply in your DNA you will always worry about it even when you have a lot.

Anonymous wrote:To enjoy life but be an aggressive saver. We had a meeting with our bankers today and we are worry free but we will always worry which is why we are worry free.

what

Anonymous wrote:I had to stare at this thread for a while to come up with something.

In 1990 I bought a Craftsman socket set on sale. Still use it.
That's all I got.

Great quality and they have a lifetime warranty - good call!

I had to stare at this thread for a while to come up with something.

In 1990 I bought a Craftsman socket set on sale. Still use it.
That's all I got.

shopping at costco - ah well maybe not ... but I have bought some cool shit there.