TDLR: Advice balancing $$ on luxuries now vs investing for fatFIRE

Early 30’s DINKs (for now), $700k+ combined. We’re pursuing fat-fire, saving 50%+, on track to 25x annual expenses in after tax brokerage by 45. Just bought a condo, want to invest in it to update/make it our’s. Price tag = $250k for upgrades on a $1mn condo. We’re struggling on how much is too much to spend now, vs the $250k that could just be invested. Any tips/advice/rule of thumb on splurging today vs saving for tomorrow?

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Revising because I reread and it looks like you are saying you are going to put $250k into Renos for your condo. It honestly depends on the price of the condo and what you think you can sell it for after. Also, how much will you enjoy the renos. You don’t always have to make a maximum return on investments if it’s something you’ll enjoy. Y’all make a ton of money together, $250k is a drop in the bucket for something that will make you happy and likely appreciate the same price of your home substantially. But it obviously depends on the location, price of other condos, when you plan to sell, etc.

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Seems like it can only help the value from what you’re telling me. And if you’ll enjoy it for a while, seems like an easy choice.

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To don't long read

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Too* lol..

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In summer 2020, I bought a house in an affluent suburb of Dallas, TX for $380k. It needs work and I plan on spending $150k in summer 2022 to update it, including putting a pool in which had a terrible ROI but summers in Dallas are a b*tch. Average home listing in the area is over $600k and there are many $1M homes. Although the house needs an update badly I have also been thinking how much I’m going to hate liquidating my brokerage account by $150k next summer.

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Then I think it’s much different than liquidation from a brokerage. Savings is earning next to nothing. No worry on liquidating positions in your case. Cash for the reno that makes you happy abd increases your home value.

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I would reconsider investing heavily in a condo. Seattle resident here and condo market is not doing as well as townhouses and single family homes.

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I’m in a quickly growing market as well and any investment to increase value more than j creases the sales price. My guidance would be spend the money you earn to enjoy the place you spend most of your time because of the market you’re in. Don’t make silly investments - like an expensive tile no one but you will like. Make smart upgrades.

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