> What would you do with extra income per month?

What would you do with extra income per month?

Posted at: 2015-05-24 
My husband and I are recent newlyweds. We have combined our home and finances. After all bills and expenses (food , gas) we have 4k left over a month. We are 27 and 33 and no debt. We have a paid off mortgage for our small condo. We do plan to move to a bigger house and hope to pay half for the house by selling the condo. Do we save for the other half so we have no mortgage again? Do we just keep putting most into retirement? Thats what we have been doing. Or what would you do? Neither of us are big spenders.

All good answers so far. You got where you are by being deliberate. And since you are deliberate, there is nothing major to be concerned about. Maybe term life insurance as in how would things change if one or the other. You are young and can assume higher risk.

You are smart and don't need someone handling investments. On both counts consider an investment management company with discount brokerage accounts to invest in any stock or fund you choose. Those companies also can set up your Roth IRAs which you really need. Maybe you already have that covered. If not, Fidelity or USAA. A line of credit against your home might be good. Costs maybe $500 appraisal up front but then you have a large fund to borrow on at current prime rate frozen for about 20 years. Prime is always far less interest than car loans, home equity loans, etc. The line of credit costs nothing if not used. Same investment management companies can set that up too.

Yes, it would be great to pay for your next house & have no mortgage! But even if you pay half with proceeds from the condo sale, you're still in good shape with a 15 year (or less) mortgage.

Put 15% of your combined income into your retirement accounts.

Make sure you have a good emergency fund in place in a savings account or money market - 6 months worth of expenses.

Evaluate your insurance needs & make sure you're covered - health, disability, life, and auto.

You guys are doing great! Keep on the same page financially, communicate with each other to keep shared goals, and be open with each other.

Here are my personal priorities for what they're worth:

Max all retirement plans that I qualify for. I use the ROTH option for my 401k.

Build a non-retirement portfolio of investments so that I can pay cash for things like major home improvements, vehicles, vacations, school (if I ever decide to go back), etc, and so that I can weather an economic disaster such as job loss, major illness/injury, etc.

College fund for any future kids (Nah, I'm childless by choice but you may be different)

Charitable giving

I'm not a big spender either (in terms of a lavish lifestyle such as clothes, jewelry, cars, "things"), but I do have two hobbies that I allow myself to spend quite a bit on. They're fun, good for me and enrich my life daily so why not?

Everyone has their own priorities, but I think you'll find that funding your retirement when you're young is one of the best financial decisions you will ever make.

Invest

Vacation

In 12 months you can have $48,000 saved.

I would keep putting it into retirement accounts. But also keep plenty in savings so it is accessible if you need it.

I would def save half of whats left and maybe use the rest to travel :)