Search found 509 matches

by LuigiLikesPizza
Thu Dec 31, 2020 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of sunglasses?
Replies: 110
Views: 9662

Re: What kind of sunglasses?

Another thought - I am surprised that people aren't bigger fans of wrap around sunglasses (so many recommended have a Way Farer type design).

My understanding is that many of the rays that are potentially troublesome for eyes and skin, enter not just head on, but through the sides of the frames.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Thu Dec 31, 2020 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of sunglasses?
Replies: 110
Views: 9662

Re: What kind of sunglasses?

Do any of you use that type of sunglasses that fits over a prescription frame? any suggestions?

PS/ Lost sunglasses are a running joke among human beings. How odd though that for all the lost sunglasses (and umbrellas)....I never see them lying about when I am away from home. LOL
by LuigiLikesPizza
Tue Dec 29, 2020 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is There a "Bogleheads" for Health and Medical Issues
Replies: 31
Views: 3329

Re: Is There a "Bogleheads" for Health and Medical Issues

I can vouch for www.medhelp.org. It is a discussion based community.

What I've done is seek out discussion boards related to whatever the health issue that I want to discuss. The input and advice of others has been invaluable to me...much more than the standard textbook snippets found on WebMD and the like.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Tue Dec 29, 2020 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Olive Oil
Replies: 23
Views: 3436

Olive Oil

Do you have a favorite olive oil to recommend? preferably peppery, earthy, full of flavor?
by LuigiLikesPizza
Mon Dec 28, 2020 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reading Glasses/Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Replies: 6
Views: 815

Reading Glasses/Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Please suggest a well made brand of over the counter reading glasses?

I see some that are also blue blocking - usually the blue blocking glasses I have seen have amber lenses - so do the clear ones work as well?

Thank you
by LuigiLikesPizza
Mon Dec 28, 2020 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical Tax Deductions Vis a Vis HSA account?
Replies: 1
Views: 232

Medical Tax Deductions Vis a Vis HSA account?

I expect to have medical expenses in 2021 that are likely to exceed the current threshold and therefore, I may be eligible to deduct them on my 2021 tax return.

Is there any relationship between taking the deduction and having an HSA account? Anything to be aware of?


Thank you, Luigi
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Dec 25, 2020 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Small Overcontribution to HSA for 2020
Replies: 3
Views: 429

Re: Small Overcontribution to HSA for 2020

If you do it by April 15 you will pay tax on the gains but no penalty.

I am sorry if this is an ignorant question - but the gains you are referring to are the gains only on the overcontribution amount? so in my case, proportionate gains on about $70? thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Dec 25, 2020 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Small Overcontribution to HSA for 2020
Replies: 3
Views: 429

Small Overcontribution to HSA for 2020

I see that I have overcontributed to my HSA for 2020 by less than $70.

Is there anything I should do before the end of the year? or is this something I can account for when I prepare my 2020 tax return?

If it matters, I am not contributing to the HSA account in 2021.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Dec 25, 2020 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Health Trackers?
Replies: 10
Views: 1087

Health Trackers?

Do you use any health trackers - wearable devices or phone apps to track any health parameters? heart rate, bp, miles walked that day, etc.? any you recommend? I am working on improving overall physical condition, all aspects...
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Dec 25, 2020 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: W4/attempting to adjust withholding for 2021, advice?
Replies: 1
Views: 518

W4/attempting to adjust withholding for 2021, advice?

I am retiring from my longtime career in late February or March of 2021.

My income will be much lower in 2021 than 2020.

I have been looking at the new 2020 federal W4 form. I'd like have less withheld to reflect my lower income status in 2021. It appears that now that we can no longer claim exemptions, this is no longer possible?
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Nov 27, 2020 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tools and Products for tooth and gum hygiene
Replies: 12
Views: 1063

Tools and Products for tooth and gum hygiene

It seems I need to step up my oral hygiene... my gums seem to be more prone to gingivitis as I age.

I follow my current dental office protocol....drugstore toothpaste and floss.

Do any of you use an irrigator? does that seem to help?

My dental hygienist mentioned adding Listerine to the reservoir for extra bug killing.

Thoughts? any of you keep gingivitis or perio problems at bay through something I have not yet heard of? Thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Thu Nov 12, 2020 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Health/Exercise Fitness Monitors?
Replies: 16
Views: 1445

Health/Exercise Fitness Monitors?

I have started a fitness program involving walking and some resistance training. I am retiring very soon and plan to join a gym to get a wider variety of exercise and training options.

What heart rate/fitness/related monitors might be helpful or motivating? Thank you.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fed Emp - Health Plans for 2021, HDHP or Regular?
Replies: 25
Views: 2265

Fed Emp - Health Plans for 2021, HDHP or Regular?

I have been receiving health care via the GEHA HDHP, but was recently found to have a couple underlying health issues that I need to work on reversing. These will require more frequent doctor visits, tests and medications.

It seems in this scenario I would be better off going with more traditional coverage so I can get more of my costs covered..maybe at least for 2021.

Of course, this cuts me off from contributing to an HSA in 2021.

Has anyone else been in this position? what did you decide? what factors did you take into consideration? Thank you.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sat Nov 07, 2020 6:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Supplements for Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
Replies: 15
Views: 1318

Supplements for Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

I am not seeking a discussion of health benefits.

I am looking for feedback on a reliable source for Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

I already eat sardines and occasional salmon, but seeking fish oil for times when I am not able to easily obtain or have access to fish, for whatever reason.

I am concerned about fish oil pills due to concerns over oxidation/rancidity as I under this type of oil is quite fragile and processing and shipping could be problematic.

Do you consume fish oil? any recommended brands? thank you
by LuigiLikesPizza
Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find the cheapest motel along an interstate?
Replies: 60
Views: 4716

Re: How to find the cheapest motel along an interstate?

Ah cheap mo/hotels! they're not what they used to be....now you risk no sleep (partying on the other side of the wall or parking lot) vermin, poor lighting, filth - you name it. Most are now making an income providing housing to domestic abuse victims or the homeless via agreements with local social service agencies. Expect to see cops taking statements.

As if that's not bad enough, the "sex trafficking" stickers and warnings everywhere.

Life's short. Once was all we needed to learn nothing is cheap. An extra $30-$40 is worth it or just sign up for the chain loyalty programs - something for nothing.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Wed Oct 28, 2020 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Audio Books?
Replies: 16
Views: 1088

Re: Audio Books?

[i]My attention span is helped by running the material at double speed. Tends to keep the mind from wandering.
[/i]

Can I ask what type of device you use? Thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Wed Oct 28, 2020 1:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4650899

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

I reached the conclusion some time ago that the replacement of defined benefit Pension funds by defined contribution 401(k)s and IRAs was a huge mistake by society at large. This basically put all the risk on individuals who were ill equipped to deal with market risk. It also made tens of millions of people targets for being ripped off by expensive, high-fee investment vehicles. At the very least, the federal government should have opened up TSP to the general public, many of whom don't even have access to a 401(k) plan at work. I totally agree but - with one qualification. "Society at large" did not decide to migrate responsibility for management of retirement savings from corporations/governments to individuals. Individuals wer...
by LuigiLikesPizza
Tue Oct 27, 2020 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Audio Books?
Replies: 16
Views: 1088

Audio Books?

Do you listen to audio books while on long drives? do you find them distracting? or I guess that depends on the topic lol.

If not while driving, when do you listen to them? at home with your eyes closed?
by LuigiLikesPizza
Mon Oct 26, 2020 6:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Timing of an HSA move?
Replies: 1
Views: 202

Timing of an HSA move?

I have decided to close out my HSA account with HSABank and move it to probably, Fidelity.

I have already contributed the max in 2020. I understand that my insurer will make two more monthly contributions - one in November and one in December, so I think I will wait until after mid December. Is there any need to wait until the end of 2020? I seem to vaguely recall that perhaps the insurer contributions are made in arrears? I will try to look that up to verify.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sun Oct 25, 2020 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Strategies, going from high income to low income
Replies: 11
Views: 1680

Re: Tax Strategies, going from high income to low income

Consider Roth conversion starting in 2021, in order to get pretax money over to post tax bucket prior to interest rates increasing down the line

I already plan to contribute as much of my 2021 income as possible (as much as my employer will allow)....starting January 1, to my 401K Roth.

I think you are referring to my existing Roth account...yes, I need to look into how to do conversions starting in 2021 when my tax bracket will go down....but not sure of the tie in to interest rates?

Would love more details here. Thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sun Oct 25, 2020 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Strategies, going from high income to low income
Replies: 11
Views: 1680

Re: Tax Strategies, going from high income to low income

You say you already max out pretax but can see if can accelerate contributions so most of income in 2021 goes towards annual max. Thus even less taxable income in 2021

Thank you but I am not following you here. Which contributions are you referring to? Thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sun Oct 25, 2020 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good quality face mask recommendation, please
Replies: 106
Views: 13623

Re: Good quality face mask recommendation, please

Does anyone have any new or recent recommendations (because this situation continues to evolve) for masks? - effective, not uncomfortable, good fit?

Debating their use will only serve to get the thread locked. Please don't.

Some of us want or in my case NEED, the protection provided.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sun Oct 25, 2020 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good quality face mask recommendation, please
Replies: 106
Views: 13623

Re: Good quality face mask recommendation, please

Watching major news channel this morning, medical professional commentator indicates a cotton/polyester blend is best for protection against virus....
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sun Oct 25, 2020 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Home Blood-Pressure Monitor for Accuracy?
Replies: 33
Views: 4815

Re: Best Home Blood-Pressure Monitor for Accuracy?

Yes, I'm starting to wonder if it makes more sense to focus on relative BP readings. It reminds me a bit of weight measurement, which can vary by time of day and sometimes moments, lol.

The larger issue is the upward or downward direction of the measurement(s) (an average) over time.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Oct 23, 2020 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Items that are worth the money for the quality
Replies: 553
Views: 64825

Re: Items that are worth the money for the quality

Perhaps an outdated concept, but I recall when applying for college, that higher education was considered a path for developing advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills well beyond just the subject matter....as well, a way to acquire common knowledge of sciences, arts and humanities.

I suppose that's a luxury now, lol i
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Oct 23, 2020 5:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Strategies, going from high income to low income
Replies: 11
Views: 1680

Tax Strategies, going from high income to low income

I'm retiring in the first quarter of 2021.

2020 will be my last year in a higher income bracket. Looks I will be dropping from 32% to 12% and will not be generating much income in retirement- living on pension and withdrawals until SS.

That said, are there any beneficial tax moves I am forgetting that I should employ in 2020 before the year ends?

I am already maxed out on pretax retirement and HSA contributions and have been TLH during this rollercoaster ride this year.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Thu Oct 22, 2020 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Home Blood-Pressure Monitor for Accuracy?
Replies: 33
Views: 4815

Re: Best Home Blood-Pressure Monitor for Accuracy?

Does anyone know whether wrist or upper arm monitors are known to be advantageous, one vs. the other? (in terms of accuracy).

Also, question of ignorance, if one wanted to calibrate their device outside of a doctor's office, do pharmacies or other places offer such a service? perhaps a silly question.

Thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Wed Oct 21, 2020 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Meditation Guides?
Replies: 58
Views: 4116

Re: Meditation Guides?

I am eternally grateful (and gratitude is stress reducing ;) for all the books & tools (in any form) I have read and/or used in my life to obtain new information, whether or not I ever needed the book/tool again.

Opinions are set aside, but all concrete suggestions here have been much appreciated. Thanks all!
by LuigiLikesPizza
Wed Oct 21, 2020 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wealth and Well Being?
Replies: 31
Views: 5625

Wealth and Well Being?

Growing up poor (as defined by the govt for a family of 7), we were grateful to eat whatever we were given by family members or whatever we could find on sale. Thankfully, exercise came free in the form of household or yard work. This framework has shaped my entire adult life of frugality, although as my net worth grew, I upgraded the quality of food and healthcare services - finally, dentistry! LOL But I realize that I don't know what I don't know, from having been raised near poverty. As I enter my 60s, and have achieved a comfortable level of net worth/wealth, I have increasingly started thinking about longevity - at the risk of sounding obvious, what was all that working and saving for, anyway? Toward that end, I am increasingly attenti...
by LuigiLikesPizza
Tue Oct 20, 2020 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Items that are worth the money for the quality
Replies: 553
Views: 64825

Re: Items that are worth the money for the quality


I would like to hear more about mattress' and pillows.


seconded! more pillow and mattress suggestions are much appreciated
by LuigiLikesPizza
Tue Oct 20, 2020 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Meditation Guides?
Replies: 58
Views: 4116

Meditation Guides?

Meditation has been suggested to me as a stress management tool.

Do you have a favorite source for guidance on how to learn meditation? an app? something else?

Thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Tue Sep 29, 2020 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Music for a camping trip
Replies: 66
Views: 5308

Re: Music for a camping trip

Small JBL speaker + downloaded music on your iPhone + a small battery pack

- when camping, you aren’t obligated to take a vow of silence for weeks on end

- no one in the woods is trying to kill you and you don’t need to skulk around like some Hobbit on a Quest to stay safe. If you think you do, just don’t go camping


Thank you. This is a spot on helpful, applicable response. Wow, had to weed through quite a bit to get a direct one.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sun Sep 27, 2020 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Music for a camping trip
Replies: 66
Views: 5308

Re: Music for a camping trip

wow! thanks but no thanks.

Shaking my head, not sure how people can presume to know how others enjoy their art and in what surroundings.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sun Sep 27, 2020 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Music for a camping trip
Replies: 66
Views: 5308

Music for a camping trip

We'll soon be taking a camping trip in a state forested area where camping is allowed...there are no designated camp sites or services.

We'd like to listen to music while there and not necessarily from our phones only...not crazy about running down the phone battery nor relying on the phone speakers for sound quality.

Should we get an old fashioned portable radio? maybe connect our phones to external speakers and attach to battery packs?

Suggestions? Thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Wed Sep 23, 2020 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PODS or ABF/U-Pack or Similar?
Replies: 12
Views: 1294

PODS or ABF/U-Pack or Similar?

Can anyone personally vouch for any of these moving services for an interstate move?

Looking for comments on any positive or negative experiences with using them (or their competitors)?

Thank you.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Wed Aug 05, 2020 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snowbirding on the AL/FLA coast?
Replies: 14
Views: 1543

Snowbirding on the AL/FLA coast?

My sister works in Knoxville TN, but now due to the pandemic, she is teleworking full time and thus able to work from anywhere. She's considering giving up her apt at the lease end and spending the winter along the gulf coast - a snowbird condo somewhere between Gulf Shores, AL and Panama City, FL.

Have any you snowbirded (is that even a verb?) in that area? any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks - she is look for a 4 month lease - December through the end of March.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sat Jul 11, 2020 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Condo Hotels or Condotels?
Replies: 0
Views: 394

Condo Hotels or Condotels?

Have any of you owned a unit in one of these buildings?

Was your experience positive or negative or any comments you care to share? Thank you!
by LuigiLikesPizza
Thu Jul 09, 2020 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your budget
Replies: 152
Views: 12755

Re: Share your budget

based on the title, I was planning to respond, then I saw from the details that I have nothing to offer. You are likely what they call an extreme outlier. lol...and I am single and closing in on $200K/year income.

I suspect you need to post this on an even higher income forum.

I have none of your expenses except food/dining out - which run me probably $700/month and would be much lower if I wasn't so nomadic.

your expenses look to be pretty much baked in, so there you go, enjoy and relax!
by LuigiLikesPizza
Wed Jul 08, 2020 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How would permanent WFH reshape Silicon Valley?
Replies: 79
Views: 8128

Re: How would permanent WFH reshape Silicon Valley?

I'm getting a laugh from comments that older workers are struggling more with teleworking.

Just who do you think the first generation of teleworkers were? lol It's roughly been in vogue, more or less, for the past 2 decades. Those 30 and 40 something original teleworkers are in their 50s, 60s or retired now.

If some staff are having problems with digitization, I'd say that's an organizational issue.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sun Jul 05, 2020 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Least Expensive Way to Have a Cellphone for emergency use only?
Replies: 59
Views: 5771

Re: Least Expensive Way to Have a Cellphone for emergency use only?

It looks like the Tracfone route would work best in my situation.

I do have a question regarding the add-on for 365 days of service for a set fee.

Does anyone know if this is a standard feature and not an occasional promotion?

In other words, if I go ahead and buy one of the Tracfones, it is very likely I will get the same (or very similar) offer?

Thank you!
by LuigiLikesPizza
Sun Jul 05, 2020 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spiked Seltzers?
Replies: 46
Views: 4018

Re: Spiked Seltzers?

I, wife, son and grandson drink bottled water and milk

Have you tried tap or filtered water? less waste, right?
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Jul 03, 2020 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spiked Seltzers?
Replies: 46
Views: 4018

Re: Spiked Seltzers?

Yes, using seltzer as a mixer is already a favorite at home.

I was seeking opinions on packaged hard seltzers for carrying to barbecues.

thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Jul 03, 2020 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Face *Shields*?
Replies: 14
Views: 2578

Re: Face *Shields*?

There was no protective film on the first ones. I made sure of that.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Jul 03, 2020 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Face *Shields*?
Replies: 14
Views: 2578

Face *Shields*?

I am looking to purchase some face shields. Two orders so far via Amazon - what a waste. First order? shields so blurry you cannot see see through them. Second order? Shield portion so small it does not cover the sides of the face and barely the chin.

Does anyone have a place to order decent shields? Thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Thu Jul 02, 2020 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Least Expensive Way to Have a Cellphone for emergency use only?
Replies: 59
Views: 5771

Re: Least Expensive Way to Have a Cellphone for emergency use only?

Appreciate the suggestions. We're actually referring to a second physical phone. I believe there are inexpensive cellphones...just have to decided between adding a line or prepaid?
by LuigiLikesPizza
Thu Jul 02, 2020 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Least Expensive Way to Have a Cellphone for emergency use only?
Replies: 59
Views: 5771

Least Expensive Way to Have a Cellphone for emergency use only?

For various reasons not worth going into, we're considering getting a cellphone for emergency purposes.

We already have a cellphone on a plan, so not sure whether it would be cheaper to add a line or go the pre-paid route? (looking into this)

Also, can you suggest an inexpensive, but reliable - very simple phone that would be used almost exclusively for voice, perhaps text? no other features or services required.

Thank you!
by LuigiLikesPizza
Thu Jul 02, 2020 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spiked Seltzers?
Replies: 46
Views: 4018

Spiked Seltzers?

I see many brands of spiked seltzers in the local groceries?

Are any of these good tasting?

good tasting as in not cloyingly sweet, or if they use alternative sweeteners, no aftertaste?

flavor true to form, as in, mango tastes mango-like?


Do you recommend any? Thanks
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Jun 26, 2020 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone - puzzling problem
Replies: 13
Views: 1331

iPhone - puzzling problem

I've had an iPhone 6 for some time. I recently purchased a new iPhone XR.

I am quarantining in a rental home. I have no reception or clarity issues using the 6, either WiFi or using Consumer Cellular, the people I call say they can hear me just fine.....and yet when I call out on the XR, I am told by people I call that the sound is weak and they can't hear me well at all.

Why would two phones, using the same network, in the same room, give such different experiences on the receiving end of a voice call?

Any clues much appreciated.
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Jun 26, 2020 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about healthcare careers
Replies: 10
Views: 956

Question about healthcare careers

The short version of a much longer story is that my 30 year old daughter is recovering from a serious illness. Because of the illness, she had to drop out of nursing school. She had made it far enough for an Associates Degree in Science. Her health and circumstances are such that it could be years before she would be able to continue with the rigors of finishing. In the meantime, she needs to earn an income. She is interested in healthcare and curious about some kind of paraprofessional or lower skilled entry level field - one that would have steady hours and not high stress. I suggested looking into becoming an X Ray technician since their hours look steady and they just administer the tests and are not involved beyond that point, but she ...
by LuigiLikesPizza
Fri Jun 26, 2020 6:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Going Thru Divorce
Replies: 41
Views: 7233

Re: Going Thru Divorce

Once the horse is already out of the barn, it seems somewhat unhelpful /uncaring to tell the guy he should have picked a different horse. Hindsight is always 20/20.

You can have the discussion on the first date and they can still change later on. There are no guarantees in life and in particular, marriage.

As for a second marriage, I guess a pre-nup might work.


As for the situation of the OP right now? I second the suggestion to read the Bogleheads wiki and start the steps to wealth building - people can build wealth under all types of situations.

The best news? You are here now and learning and asking questions and young enough for it to make all the difference in your life!

WIshing you the very best!