I spent the last 3 months "growing up" & now I'm ready to go. 1st thing is for me to get my own place. I'd like to buy instead of rent because I don't want to pay someone else's mortgage.

I'm thinking of selling my car & cash out some of my 401k to buy a house. My thought is to put down 3.5% for a FHA loan then make a big payment towards the principal to reduce long-term interest.

Anything wrong with this thinking or anything else I should consider?

Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Preface this by saying I tend to be conservative with my finances which mY not align with some folks here who don’t value living below their means as much.

Buying a house still means you pay property taxes, repair, renovation, and many other things. It’s not just mortgage and you’re done, month after month. And with 3.5 percent down you’ll also pay PMI, I believe. You don’t just put everything straight into equity, in other words and that will eat up your savings. Granted I don’t know where you are. If a high cost of living city versus, say, rural Kansas, this advice may not be relevant.

Don’t cash out your 401K. Just keep renting until you can afford a bigger down payment.

Definitely shouldn't be cashing out your 401k. You'll have to pay fees and taxes if you do. Might as well just be a bit more patient and rent for another year while you safe up.

What's your reasoning for putting 3.5% down and immediately making a large principal payment? Why not just put more down to begin with?

Yeah sorry, I dont have my spreadsheet open, I was doing the rough math on my phone, I’ll get a screenshot and show the detailed comparison tomorrow

Related Posts

Would ETH be the next BTC?

like

Hi fishes, I am a dentist and did Masters in hospital administration from IIHMR B. Currently I am working as Cerner EHR support analyst since Aug2021. Can someone refer me to ZS, healthcare solutions. Thanks in advance

like

Personal finance book recommendations?

like

I stopped contributing to my 401K for the last three months in order to pay off credit card debt. I am 28 and have about 68K in my 401K. Was this a smart decision? I want to get out of debt as quickly as possible and I have no student loans or car debt.

like

Has anyone here considered leaving healthcare altogether? I am really drawn by a role in tech, but I know it's such a big leap. I have a friend who did this though, and she is making even more than I have made as a travel nurse. Is it an anomaly or a real possibility?

like

I just joined Robinhood, am new to stock market.. can you recommend some shares I should buy so I can make some money in next 6 months to 1 year. My financial situation is not great currently and was reading some blogs that this is right time to enter market, thanks

likehelpful

Bankruptcy folks: I read that Alex Jones was able to put himself into bankruptcy by claiming he owed a giant debt to a company he controls. Is it really that easy? I would have thought bankruptcy laws would be smarter than that.

like

High risk, low reward investment ideas?

funnylikesmart

Any good apps or websites to track your net worth across all accounts (investing, banking, retirement, house) without sharing your information?

Let’s finish this up strong! What are your year-end self development plans?!
We have our last session of the year of our group/guest financial education cycles at our Downtown Toronto office this Saturday. We go through our first financial education session that we talk about basic to higher level of financial information; from saving, investing, risks and returns, registered accounts, etc. There is no cost and no obligation. If you are interested to attend in-person or via Zoom, let me know.

Post Photo
like

What stocks are you guy guys buying right now in this market?

like

Anyone have a contrarian opinion on a trend / investment theme going on in the private investing world, particularly tech investing? Feels like everything is painted in the “huge growing market with tons of white space” lens.

like

I have $400k in student loans, half of which are private. I want to quit my job and this career entirely but there’s nothing I can possibly do to make these damn loans go away without strangling myself financially for the rest of my life or literally dying.

like

Hi! In the process of switching from South FloRida to PA again to work at a hospital but making the same money? The switch would open me to be closer to family for support and the have a nursing prog,since the benefits are attractive and I’m looking forward to the future growth. The thing is they claim i only have experience of 7 years and offering me less than what I make now. I wanna go, but any suggestions on this negotiation cause I would still need to pay for a place to live and expenses.

like
like

Hi all-my idea pool has officially run dry. Trying to explore new ways to market per diem
nursing. Besides, clinician spotlights, social posts, and video interviews, any other thoughts?

Hi all, I recently purchased a commercial property at WTC, Noida. As I look to grow my portfolio, I spoke to my consultant to see if I could get better prices. He worked with the sales folks at WTC and said that if multiple buyers come in, he could work out a deal. Wanted to check if anyone is interested? I could potentially get him to set up one-on-ones to help explain the commercial real estate market. Even if this property doesn’t seem interesting, I think an interaction wouldn’t hurt.. contd

like

Hi guys.
Can anyone please share company perks and monitory benefits and JPMC for software engineer

like
like

Do I need to report my crypto holdings to EY?

More Posts

How many of you are going to IIFA New York, being held in Jersey? 😂

Boston Consulting Group BCG interview coming up. What are compelling reasons for answering reason looking to move when coming from competitor?

like

Any insight into Ogletree Atlanta?

like

What laptops are given to a new joiner Senior Consultant at EY GDS?

like

How is Christmas like your job? You do all the work but some fat guy in a suit takes all the credit.

like

Hello everyone!!! I am a fresher and got an offer as a trainee at aurobindo pharma. How much salary can I expect?

likefunny

Partners asked me to start interviewing mid-level laterals to join our M&A group. What are your go to questions? Behavioral or substantive.

like

Bain & Company PPO health insurance only! Post your firm's biweekly premium (employee deduction) and whether it's employee, employee+spouse or employee+family.

Deloitte Accenture EY PwC Boston Consulting Group McKinsey & Company Bain & Company KPMG

like

Is 2023 the return of sales?
Covid has completely changed buying strategies of big corp as companies looked to retain and reset with what they have. What type of change do you see big corps taking this next year to drive growth?

like

Anyone successfully book a flight with sky miles to the Maldives from the US? Based in ATL and every time I switch to the sky miles option I get no results. Thinking it’s due to airline partners

Would you report a neighbor that hit another neighbor's car or mind your business? New to Seattle and not sure what the code of conduct is around here - mind your business or be a good neighbor 😅

like

I am in my mid 30. Is target fund 2040 a good option to use for my pre-tax 401k account? Thanks

like

@ those who have gotten their H1 stamped - Can we use the auto generated employment verification letter from ToD for H1B stamping Interview? Or do we have to get a separate letter signed by a Manager?

like
like

Working as an analyst in Energy Practice assisting case teams with renewables, utilities, O&G, digital strategy. Net experience 2 years! Want to go for higher studies.

Should I
1. Go for technical masters? (if yes, do recommended some good courses)
2. Wait to gain enough experience for a MBA in US/EU

Thanks!

like

How do your companies track talent and music usage, are there any good software applications for this?

like

Hello Fishes..

How is Stefanini for Hikes WLB and pressure.. I've completed three rounds just for screening tech round is still pending different experience compared to other tech companies.. Currently in a product based company one of the best I've seen in my life.. But getting 40% hike in Stefanini should I consider or look for other opportunities

like

Anyone familiar with Comvest Partners’ direct lending team?

like

Snowflake people - how many shares did they give you pre-IPO, how long before IPO did you join, and what was your level of experience?

like

Need help settling a debate with my friend. She thinks I will have an easier time getting research grants because I'm male. I think it's the opposite because companies are trying to change the status quo and get more women involved (which I'm not complaining about... please don't attack me.) Which one of us is more right than the other? I'm interested in getting as many viewpoints as possible, whether or not they agree with me or with her. Thanks!!!

like

Additional Posts in Personal Finance Bowl

Has anyone asked for a refund for payments made towards student loans during the pandemic and actually received it yet?

I stopped contributing to my 401K for the last three months in order to pay off credit card debt. I am 28 and have about 68K in my 401K. Was this a smart decision? I want to get out of debt as quickly as possible and I have no student loans or car debt.

like

Best ETF to invest in? I’m 24 looking to invest about $50k and don’t know where to put it. Nothing that’s super high cost or risky please

like

Currently maxed Roth 401k, Roth IRA, HSA, and ESPP at 23 YO, should I consider an after-tax conversion? I’ve read about back-door Roths but I’m still far below the income limit as an analyst. Definitely looking into early-ish retirement, should I just invest the rest in a regular brokerage account until I reach the income limit? Am I even allowed to do a conversion? Any advice is helpful :)

like

In your opinion which is the best target fund to choose in IRA Roth?

Currently maxing out my 401k and HSA and investing about 1k/mo in ETFs. Also recently started buying I-bonds given inflation. What are other things I should be thinking about?

like

Anyone have a recommended tax person in Chicago?

like

I have a LOT of credit card debt. It has just grown over time and I can’t find my way out. I’m considering debt consolidation, specifically a company called National Debt Relief which seems legit but I’m just so hesitant because I’m scared to make my situation worse. Or a personal loan to pay off all the CC debt and then have a smaller all in one payment. I’m intelligent and I work in finance, it’s so embarrassing. HELP.

like

Google stock to buy now or after the split?

like

Invest in roth 401k or traditional 401k and save the difference for a house downpayment?

like

I’ve always been a big saver minimum 15% to maxing out my 401k since I graduated college. I’m married to someone who thinks 6% is enough and likes $$$ cars. Other than the cars, they dont really spend money. For the married 🐠, how do you have the conversation with them that what they are doing isn’t enough? I try to guide them and say you want the $$$ cars but the salary you have won’t get there and you’re going to have to find a job that gets them the salary…. Then the fight starts.

like

Vanguard Digital Advisor ( 4 ETFs, 0.15% fee) vs HSBC Financial Advisor (15-20 funds, 1.5% fee) which one to go for nest egg growth 100k starting

Currently am contributing money into both 401K and Roth 401K. Should I also open up a Roth IRA?

like

My boyfriend and I make 200K combined and live in NJ. We have $1000 in monthly car payments combined. That’s all we owe. Our credit scores are in the 800s. We have 50K to put down on a home. We have done the math and I know we can afford much more but he doesn’t want to buy more than a 400K home. I’m almost positive we can afford 500K and be more than ok. But then he starts to talk about how much kids cost and how we will be house poor and we won’t be able to afford kids. 🤔 Am I insane??

like

What do you think are missing from the personal financial management apps such as emma, yolt, cleo

For those of you that currently pay 30% of gross income towards rent, do you still have money to save? I’m moving to NYC and am used to paying only 15%. Pay is now 125k base so I’m looking for apartments around 2800-3k

like

I racked up about $20k in credit card debt due to a confluence of things happening at once (move, school expenses , etc ). I have a fair amount of paper assets but not a much free cash. Assets are down a decent amount with the current market cycle and I’d prefer not to sell them to cover the debt , although they easily could. Any suggestions how to handle the credit card debt without racking up tons of ongoing card interest?

like

What are your thoughts on buying a house now and refinancing later? (Hopefully when interest rates are lower)

like

26 YO, make make roughly 130k TC and really wanting to get the new 2022 Accord Hybrid Touring trim. Great MPG and reliability. MSRP is just under 40k for the top trim. Good financial move or should I go with a lower trim such as the EXL or Sport which come in around the mid 20k-low 30k area.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal