Coast FI Case Study Update: Frances | MHFI 246

Doug chats with Frances a year after her and her husband’s initial appearance on the show.  She provides updates on her and Peter’s job situations as well as updates on all things financial – current housing situation, savings & investing strategies, spending, and expense tracking.  Frances also shares some personal updates while asking listeners to provide feedback to some questions that she’s working through. Listener Questions: Continue to dollar-cost-average $10k per month from savings into investments or just do a lump sum? With $18k in an emergency fund, is having an additional $40K-$48K in short-term savings practical or too much?  If expenses do come up, is it better to cashflow these items instead of keeping so much in savings? Any suggestions for budgeting apps besides Monarch Money? Looking for a crossover or hatchback with lots of trunk space, 30K-40K miles, ideally $15K-$20K ($30K max), preferably a Honda or Toyota but doesn’t seem to be many options out there.  Okay to buy a new vehicle in this situation or stick with something used?  How much is the right amount to spend on a car? This episode is brought to you by GhostBed.  Doug has the GhostBed Luxe Mattress and loves it!  Take the 3 minute sleep quiz to see which mattress is right for you.  Save 50% site-wide on your new mattress, bed frame, pillow, and bedding over at GhostBed (coupon code: MILEHIGHFI) Save With Mint Mobile! (https://milehighfi.com/mint) New customers can get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for $15/mo.  Doug’s phone bill went from $1440/yr to $360/yr for him and his wife.  It’s super easy to switch and you can use your existing phone.  If you use the MHFI link, it won’t cost you extra and it helps support the show. Buy 2 months, get 1 month free limited time offer available until January 2, 2025 at 11:59pm PST for new customers and at select channels only. “One month free” applied as $15 discount at checkout on 3-month 5GB plan only – upfront payment of $30 required, w/taxes & fees extra. One-time discount applied for first 3 months only. Not combinable/available with certain other promotions/offers. Looking for help with your estate plan?  Trust & Will provides online tools for creating, you guessed it… trusts and wills.  For those who don’t have any estate planning documents in place, this could be a good option to get started.  We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up.  Thanks for the support. https://milehighfi.com/trustandwill Need a fee only advisor?  Nectarine is a network of financial advisors where you just pay for investing & planning advice.  Advisors don’t manage your money, sell products, or earn commissions. We’re affiliates so we can earn a commission if you sign up.  Thanks for the support. https://milehighfi.com/nectarine Help Doug afford a better microphone that doesn’t continuously buzz by providing support at Buy Me A Coffee. Links Modern Bookkeeping Services Frances & Peter on MHFI episode 245