Advice on budget

You’re in a great financial position, and it's impressive that you’re tackling debt, contributing significantly to retirement, and planning for your future. Here's a thoughtful review with some suggestions for tweaking and optimizing your budget:

Overall Assessment

  1. Strengths:

    • High retirement contributions: Your 20% 401(k) contribution is stellar, and your fiancée’s match strategy is smart while focusing on debt.
    • Proactive debt management: Paying off $10K in student loans soon positions you well for building long-term financial security.
    • Emergency fund priority: Planning to rebuild this after the loans is a solid step.
    • Disciplined spending: Your budget categories are realistic and show careful consideration of priorities.

  2. Potential Weaknesses:

    • A few areas could be optimized (e.g., groceries, streaming services, and your nicotine expenses).
    • Your charity budget is low relative to your income—this isn’t a flaw but could be revisited if giving is a priority for you.

    ### Opportunities for Improvement: 1. Groceries ($850): High for two people. Try meal planning, bulk shopping, or focusing on essential organics to save $50–$100.

    1. Cell Phones ($100): Switch to budget carriers (e.g., Mint, Visible) to save $20–$30/month.

    2. Car Insurance ($177): Shop around or use telematics programs for potential savings.

    3. Pets ($175): Reasonable, but consider pet insurance to manage emergency costs.

    4. Zyn Addiction ($100): Cutting back could save up to $50/month over time.

    5. Streaming/Subscriptions: Consider reducing Spotify or bundling services for savings.

    ### General Notes: * Housing: Your mortgage (31% of net income) is slightly above the 30% rule but manageable given your income. * Charity ($25): Reassess if this aligns with your goals; a small increase could have a meaningful impact. * “Forgotten” Items ($75): Great foresight—keep this for flexibility.

    Plan for Savings After Debt: Once loans are gone, allocate freed-up funds ($2K/month) toward emergency savings, increased investments, and a house down payment fund.