Great accomplishment OP. You should feel proud.
You talked about saving but you need to talk and think about investing.
$100k in a HYSA for a single dad who is very frugal is a waste. You don’t need that much money in emergency funds. You should invest at least half of it in a good index fund and watch it grow. Saving won’t make you rich but investing will.

Anonymous wrote:OP do not ever buy a house because if you do, your 100k saving will go down to $1 because you even realize it.

Unless you have a spouse so combined income or blessed with family money home ownership will ruin you.

This. I didn't realize how expensive gone ownership was until I sold my house and went back to renting. I have so much disposable income to invest, travel etc.

Yes I live in a s**ty apartment in an old building, but I feel safe. And most importantly I no longer have financial stress.

I have an extra $3000 month to invest save after all my expenses. And at a salary of $120k that's a lot.

I'll never be a homeowner again.

My dad looked at me me like I was crazy. The man owns 5 homes crazy

Anonymous wrote:I’m differently balanced. I won’t go to Starbucks, DoorDash or buy expensive new clothes (yes to consignment though). But I’ll plunk down a lot to take the family skiing.

That’s my line of reasoning also.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started heavily investing beyond just my 401k about 4-5 years ago when I had some extra cash due to covid shutdowns. Its become such an ingrained habit to track every penny in my investment accounts that ive become really cheap when it comes to spending. All I think is how much that $7 cup of coffee would be worth in 20 years in my brokerage account.

Lmao, your $7 coffee would be worth $27. Buy the damn coffee if you want it.

Right!! I was thinking what nonsense is this?!!

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't call it cheap and at $100k you have a long way to go to be comfortable in retirement. Just keep plugging away. No one needs Starbucks.

Good job, OP!
Everyone talks about Starbucks, but avoiding that is not what creates wealth in people with regular incomes. It’s low base expenses - low mortgage/rent, no/low car payments, a partner who helps cover expenses.

We can invest an extra $4k each month because we stayed in our starter house and haven’t had car payments for the last three years. Can’t make that up with Starbucks or even carryout dinners.

OP do not ever buy a house because if you do, your 100k saving will go down to $1 because you even realize it.

Unless you have a spouse so combined income or blessed with family money home ownership will ruin you.

Anonymous wrote:I’m differently balanced. I won’t go to Starbucks, DoorDash or buy expensive new clothes (yes to consignment though). But I’ll plunk down a lot to take the family skiing.

You can splurge to create memories for the family. We still talk about past trips. Today is promised and tomorrow is not.

I wouldn't call it cheap and at $100k you have a long way to go to be comfortable in retirement. Just keep plugging away. No one needs Starbucks.

OP, I know the feeling. I have more money than ever in investments and income but my desire to spend has declined. Because I sleep easily at night knowing I have this big rainy day fund. It is amazing how much of a peace of mind it is. And I don't have anything like the massive investments some people boast about on here.