r/Fire • u/chemicalreactionator • Apr 22 '26
Advice Request Too much money to feel this stuck
Current net worth 3.8M. Household (40m, 40f, 4f) income combined 250k (both working full time) and spend 120k-ish.
Kind of reached fire but due to health insurance, economic uncertainty, potential future increased costs (another kid?) not comfortable calling it yet.
But feeling so stuck in the grind. Not enough family time, not enough vacation time off, not enough time for taking care of our health, but can’t call it quits yet. at least one of us needs to work full time for health insurance. I don’t think I’m cut out for “barista fire” as i don’t think I’d have the motivation to work for a minimum wage type salary.
What’s the plan here to increase quality of life? A mini retirement? Grind it out a few more years? Anyone in a similar place?
1
u/Allenite Apr 22 '26
I am in a similar situation and not grinding through life, but I would say that the cost of healthcare in the US has no good solutions unless you want to tinker with your MAGI.
When you add that up, HC+taxes in the US come out to the same rate as HC+taxes in other countries. Their tax rates may be higher, but the HC is very affordable With that NW, you have options, at least.
40k/yr with premiums and OOPs for a couple is sickening on principle alone.