The six-figure club.

My dad turns 73 this month, draws a nice SS check, a union pension and runs anywhere from 2600-3000 miles a week hauling a hopper bottom. He has always enjoyed working and he and mom have 7 figures in the bank

It's a stark contrast from today's generation that wants everything handed to them for free. I'm just like him.

 

I'm 66 2 pensions, ss. Company driver. But my wife burns though money for various reasons.

 

I just thought I'd add my worthless 2 cents..... I'm 51+ and didn't manage my finances in my early 20's.... Had great job as a fire fighter/paramedic and within 3 years was promoted to the Engineer (the guy who drives the big red trucks and runs the pumps.)..... I loved my job, and have been a work-aholic since age 12.... So I worked multiple jobs and a few businesses. Did ok but kept my wife home with the kids and never got over the debt we accumulated the first 5 years of our marriage. Fast forward 15+ years and we divorced I kept her home still paying enough in alimony and child support so she could remain at home with kids (by my choice no ORS involved). Then I made some stupid choices and lost my career in exchange for a felony record and 5 years in a federal prison (3 years shy of retirement with state pension). Been out (on probation) for just over 4 years Found a great small company running agriculture belt trailers, and showed my work ethic..... And I'm on track for $120k this year. Guess what I'm trying to say is that the young guys who seem to have no work ethic (we've hired and had 3 quit in last 90 days) are missing point of real life. There are opportunities out there, and you can have the success you want if you're willing to bust your ###, be smart and live within your means. I love Mike Rowe's (the dirty jobs guy) "Sweat Pledge".... Some key points: Show up early and leave late; eat the #### sandwich; practice Delayed Gratification; and be willing to learn anything and everything from those who've been there and done that. I really never dreamed I'd be back in a career I love and making the $ I am. It's still tight with the cost of living lately and a family of 6 and still paying my ex and my older children. But I know I'm doing better than most. The lessons I've learned are that family is most important, you really don't need all the "stuff" and that if you work hard and network while being disciplined on how you spend what you make you can be successful. Thanks for each of you sharing your successes with all of us.

 

Old picture of the house when we moved in 2 years ago. We've since redone the front yard a bit and widened the driveway. Backyard is current, stamped concrete with turf in the middle.

YTD isn't too bad considering the 5.5 weeks of paid paternity leave I've taken so far doesn't count in here. Would probably be $92k otherwise.

 

Where y'all at boys? I'm at 114k and some change.

 

As of 11-27 i was at 91k i might make it this year. I've got 4 weeks left and I'm still inline to cash a week of vacation out.

 

Another month of pay and a bonus to go. Should be around $115,000. Plus ~$8400 from another job

 

95k as of end of Nov….not bad for 4.5 day weeks an no wknds
Took either 7or8 weeks off really can’t remember

 

NOT BAD AT ALL THAT'S LOVELY. 114.6K here so far. Earlier in the year wasn't too good so nice recovery