Agreed with Bain. It'll get easier, too, as you get promoted as the pay bumps shouldn't exceed average cost increases (at 120k, I'm assuming you're in consulting, a 2nd year consultant, and should be making manager soon which will take you to around 150k). To the extent you can keep costs low, do it.
yes you can, but you won't be living an extravagant lifestyle. I'm assuming you take home around 7.5k a month. 40% on housing is a lot, even if you're including property tax, HOA, utilities, maintenance in there. you'll have 4-4.5k left on other saving and spending which is doable but not a lot. a few suggestions: 1. set up a budget and track spending. 2. if your 180k is all in checking/savings, you should be investing most of that instead. 3. I'd open a Roth IRA and contribute to that after getting your employer match on 401k. your marginal tax rate is pretty low now so taking the tax hit and getting tax free growth will likely be better. plus you can withdraw contributions penalty free. 4. I'm assuming you have a 3br at that house price point? might not be ideal with a kid, but you can rent that extra room out to recoup some of your housing costs
Agreed with Bain. It'll get easier, too, as you get promoted as the pay bumps shouldn't exceed average cost increases (at 120k, I'm assuming you're in consulting, a 2nd year consultant, and should be making manager soon which will take you to around 150k). To the extent you can keep costs low, do it.
Thank you a lot
yes you can, but you won't be living an extravagant lifestyle. I'm assuming you take home around 7.5k a month. 40% on housing is a lot, even if you're including property tax, HOA, utilities, maintenance in there. you'll have 4-4.5k left on other saving and spending which is doable but not a lot. a few suggestions: 1. set up a budget and track spending. 2. if your 180k is all in checking/savings, you should be investing most of that instead. 3. I'd open a Roth IRA and contribute to that after getting your employer match on 401k. your marginal tax rate is pretty low now so taking the tax hit and getting tax free growth will likely be better. plus you can withdraw contributions penalty free. 4. I'm assuming you have a 3br at that house price point? might not be ideal with a kid, but you can rent that extra room out to recoup some of your housing costs
Thank you a lot !