At 36, a Seattle-based woman is finally turning her financial life around. Once making just $27,000 a year in 2020, she’s now earning $71,000 gross — her highest ever — yet has no retirement savings, no assets, and is carrying a $63,000 debt burden. But despite the rocky past, her newfound discipline and a clear repayment plan could still set her up for a stable retirement, she posted on Reddit.
Budgeting for the First Time, With Eyes on 2027
After years of what she admits were “incredibly irresponsible” financial habits, the woman is now budgeting for the first time. “It took me a long time to grow up,” she wrote in a Reddit post that drew support and advice. With $2,100 per month earmarked for repayments, she’s aiming to be debt-free by the end of 2027 — or even by 2026 if she deprioritizes her $20,000 student loan and pays only the minimums.
One key turning point is coming in April 2026, when her employer will begin offering a 5% 401(k) match. She plans to begin saving for retirement then, potentially maxing out the annual contribution limit of $23,500 once her debts are behind her.
Should Retirement Wait for a House?
While her primary focus is on debt repayment, she’s also weighing whether to save for a home next or dive straight into retirement planning. “Should I save for a modest condo, or just delay that and max out my 401(k) aggressively in my 40s and 50s?” she wonders.
With no children and no dependents, she’s in a unique position to pivot sharply once the debts are cleared. Some Reddit users shared their own inspiring stories, including one commenter who retired at 59 after starting at 40 with $33K in debt and a $60K income. “You can do it in 20,” the user said. “Max out the 401(k).”
Income Growth Could Be a Gamechanger
Another part of her plan includes boosting her income further. From $27K to $71K in just four years is already an impressive leap, but she’s aiming for $100K+ in the near future — a necessary goal given Seattle’s high cost of living.
For now, she’s focusing on improving her health through the end of the year and staying the course. “Things are finally starting to make sense,” she said — and that clarity could be the best investment she’s made yet.