How does something like Mega Backdoor Roth sit vs saving on 529?
Right now our order is: 1. Company Match 2. HSA max 3. Max 401ks 4. 529s I’ve always assumed 529s before Mega Backdoor Roth (plus it’s just easier) but haven’t really done the due diligence on it. If I’m thinking about it right, both contribution are after tax and both let you withdraw gains tax free. But 529s also give you a state tax break on the front end, so as long as you feel confident you’ll need it for college, 529 should be the way to go?  Previous Message Previous Message we double up in even years, take the standard deduction in odd years, and use the DAF to evenly spread our donations across those two years while still seeing growth in them. Previous Message I consider myself pretty on top of personal finance things, but these had slipped past me. 1. Max out your HSA. It can be turned into an IRA when you're old enough. Order should be 1. Get full company match 2. Full HSA contribution 3. Anything else you want to put into IRA/401k. 2. Always donate appreciated stocks before donating cash. Gets you out of capital gains taxes, charity doesn't have to pay them, etc. 3. You actually don't have to pay capital gains taxes if your income is low enough. Something to consider should you retire early and not have normal income. Previous Message
Been watching a ton of financial planning and related YouTube videos, along with places to retire in Italy content. (I don’t think I’d want to move there full time, but real estate is so cheap I’d definitely consider a vacation place there.)
I’m probably spending 30+ minutes most days actively thinking about and looking forward to retirement. Which is not great since I’m 6 years away from being able to actually do it. I think it’s definitely sapping my motivation for my current job.
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Message Thread | This response ↓
 It is not healthy how much I’m thinking about retirement - DT June 23, 2026, 7:49:55
- LAM having a 1) self employed 401k limit and 2) available 401k Roth is - gvibes June 24, 2026, 21:00:36
- Trying to move up the date by selling LBK on all the things I'll do as her personal valet... - KingTalkyTiki June 24, 2026, 14:08:13
- I've never been eligible for Roth IRAs (LAM!) and can't do mega backdoor Roths. Anybody look into - ATL June 24, 2026, 7:31:06
- I’m on the 65-67 trajectory. 3 kids going to college soon is expensive. We also made a conscious - voiceofreason June 24, 2026, 7:27:20
- I’m with you VoR, though hopefully on closer to the 62-65 timeline than the 65-67 one. - DocWalk20 June 24, 2026, 13:54:23
- Yeah—it’s all a balance, and the goal is to have the happiest and most fulfilling life - DT June 24, 2026, 8:06:38
- As Ive said previously, my kids’ college set me back $500,000* - Stu June 24, 2026, 8:02:07
- Same. I can retire at 55 so I have 3 years. I will have to do something part time - Tbag June 23, 2026, 14:00:19
- same. i play out several scenarios far too frequently vs what is realistic with the ages of my kids - lcubed June 23, 2026, 11:59:19
- I am mostly just fixated on the fact that like half my net worth is in real estate. - gvibes June 23, 2026, 11:49:29
- Thinking about it stresses me out way too much. - OB25 June 23, 2026, 11:44:31
- I just put in my 4 year retirement notice to my school, so my clock is ticking. Met w/my financial - OWWDig June 23, 2026, 11:43:18
- I've just been thinking about where to live once we retire - ISeeDeadHawkeyes June 23, 2026, 11:21:04
- There are days where I feel like i'm way ahead of target and peers by age 40 - John Coctostan June 23, 2026, 10:40:58
- It’s very healthy how much we’re enjoying retirement* - TarheelIllini June 23, 2026, 10:17:29
- Been reading up on Bogleheads and FIRE (and derivatives) - Dilbert June 23, 2026, 10:16:15
- I love what I do, so I'd probably be doing it in retirement without pay -- so why retire?* - Quiz June 23, 2026, 10:09:29
- Some random stuff I learned that may help people here - Carl Spackler June 23, 2026, 9:47:06
- Late night, come home, work sucks, I know* - Sounder June 23, 2026, 9:41:52
- I think about it all day every day* - Stu June 23, 2026, 8:57:43
- ADIDAR* - Sammich June 23, 2026, 9:25:17
- I'm trying to not allow myself to do that. - EffinIllini June 23, 2026, 8:33:13
- I put everything into SPCX, so I'm sure i'll be able to retire soon. I haven't checked it lately, - doubledown June 23, 2026, 8:32:13
- 30 minutes doing that is much healthier than 30 minutes of doomscrolling. * - ghost_of_clt June 23, 2026, 8:32:09
- It is not healthy how much I’m thinking about a life of crime. - Sammich June 23, 2026, 8:16:35
- I feel you. I have about the same amount of time left and think about it every day. - PapaDels June 23, 2026, 8:14:57
- same, but I've got 20+ years to go - IlliniSax05 June 23, 2026, 8:07:07
- I'm in the same boat but a few years further off. - Carl Spackler June 23, 2026, 7:52:55
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on June 24, 2026, 8:17:37, in reply to "Oh and 1a, if your 401k (and your income) supports it, mega backdoor roth*"