Hi all! This is not really law related but I feel like this is the only bowl that may be able to relate. I am a first gen everything! I’m also an immigrant to this country. This is my second year practicing and I make $140k, I have $126k in student loans, a $130k mortgage, no kids, no partner. I am doing my best to invest into my 401k, save cash for emergencies, and pay off my debt. Is there something else I should be doing? I feel like I’m going to look back in a few years 1/2

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I’m also a first generation everything and make substantially more than my family members, so I never really had a lot of guidance regarding financial matters. After about 6 years post law school and now working in big law, I would say: 1. I wished I lived well below my means. It’s easy to start balling out when you start making more money but it’s better to act as if that money isn’t available for frugal spending. I have lived off of a 40k a year salary before I became a lawyer, so it is possible! 2. I wished I had maxed out my 401k and looked into making more investments. 3. I wish I had paid off my student loans more aggressively. You will make substantially more money throughout your career, so a few years of discomfort will be 100% worth it once you’ve paid off your student loans. One thing i think I did right was saved a years worth of emergency funds in a high yield savings account. Some say 6 months is sufficient but I am personally more comfortable with a years worth of savings.

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I think you’re already doing the right things so you should be proud of yourself. The only other thing I can suggest is to also have a ROTH IRA so that your retirement income will have more tax diversification.

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and be mad that I didn’t do XYZ with my money to grow it or invest better or…? I just can’t help feeling like I’m always behind the ball and really don’t want that to be the case with my finances. I know $140k is not a lot but it’s the most anyone in my family has ever made.

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Agree with all the above. I have also established my estate plan so that my assets aren't diminished in probate.

Max out your 401k, invest in a Roth IRA, live below your means, meal prep, save 1 years expesbes in a savings account, like SoFi, and invest.

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If your student loans are fed loans (or other cheap loans), I’d rather invest at a higher rate (HYSA, etc.) than pay back the loans more aggressively.

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Hi fellow fish need some advice.

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Additional Posts in Attorneys of Color

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Post Photo
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