All Forum Posts by: Aaron Zimmerman

@Lisa Irimata that's great that your significant other is supportive of all of your goals and aspirations. Is he into FI and REI as much as you?

And thanks for the tips! I'll try to implement some of the stuff I hear on that. I do try and write down relevant action items such as things to convince my gf about REI. To her credit, she is on board with FI!

I’ve basically listened to and read a lot of stuff from the mad fientist and JL Collins and ChooseFI. Are there any other sites that you like? I feel like there’s just so many out there to read/listen to

@Lisa Irimata Also, sorry I didn’t get this in the original message but my best ways of saving have just been being intentional. I typically don’t go out to eat all too often and my food bill has been super low. Finding car insurance that was affordable saved me about $1,600 per year. Tax optimization has been helpful as well. My tax rate last year was about 3-4% for federal by maxing out my 401(k).

@Lisa Irimata that's awesome that you were able to find something on the MLS and then also get creative with converting the bedroom. I'm glad everything has worked out so far and hopefully everything goes smooth sailing.

My plan is to continue to self-educate for a couple more months and then perhaps get ready to buy a place late this year or early next year. The Chicago market is pretty pricey at the moment and I need to get comfortable with having leverage. Also, my gf and I are considering moving in together and she’s not as into RE as I am. So finding a house hack may not be as easy and also would have to be in a relatively safe area (some parts of Chicago are pretty high crime). But either way, I’m looking forward to enjoying the journey and really hoping to make the house hack a viable option. Otherwise, I’d consider doing a live in flip!

@Lisa Irimata you are very encouraging! I just read the book as well and have yet to take action so far- although I do have a 45% savings rate at the moment. Would you mind walking us through your first deal? That’s awesome that you were able to house hack successfully and take action

@Ruslan Pislar

Before I heard about BiggerPockets, I was making out my 401(k) and Roth. Now, im really reconsidering my strategy and thinking I may keep some assets liquid! My rule has been that as long as I’m in the 22% tax bracket, I’m going to contribute to my 401(k). I know stocks a bit better than real estate, so I feel a bit safer there.

Like other people have said before, there is no right answer and ultimately you need to do what’s best for you!

@Trace Allard to add here as someone who works at a CPA firm that does taxes, typically you get charged based on the amount of hours it takes to complete and for someone to review the return. So, the cleaner your records and the more you have everything together, you’ll spend less.