Not really sure how to ask this question without possibly of backlash but I’m going to do my best to ask this question with hopes of receiving some good advice from some experienced nurses here.

    I’m 31 years old turning 32 in the next couple of months. I recently graduated nursing school and I’m currently on week 10 out of 16 weeks of my registered nurse ICU residency. Prior to becoming a registered nurse I functioned and worked as a paramedic full time. I’ve been contributing 15-25% of my income to my retirement. Currently have a 401k, HSA and Roth IRA. Goal is to retire in my mid 50s with around 1.5-3 mill in my retirement. Right now I am on track for this considering I do not have any debt. I currently have 6 months saved up for an emergency fund and plan to save a years worth of emergency fund that I keep in a HYSA.

    My next goal is planning on saving for a down payment on some land and build me and my wife’s dream home in the next 3-5 years.

    Here is my current situation, everyone sounds great and you would think what is this person complaining about because it seems as if this person is doing better than most and while I’m not here to seek that approval or try to come off like I’m bragging because I’m not, I’m struggling with money mental fatigue and I’m not sure how to get out of it.

    Ever since I went on this retirement “early” with a specific number I’ve been so focused on money. I don’t have any kids and even though me and my wife are “comfortable” I can’t seem to want more and I know that’s wrong because I am blessed what I have.

    All I do now is every day I’m constantly trying to find ways to make “passive” income so I can work less hours by making more money. I’ve considered getting my real estate license and doing that part time. I’ve considered buying rental units and hiring a company to manage it for me but then I heard that’s not as good as it seems. Now I know I want to leave bedside nursing and there are things I’ve always wanted to do but being 32 years old I live in constant fear that I won’t achieve it. I’ve always wanted to get my critical care paramedic and flight certifications. Now I want to get my CCRN and flight nursing. I’ve always wanted to join the military but never joined. Still consider going in part time to do flight nursing.

    I’m currently enrolled in school to finish my ASN to BSN program/degree.

    This is where I’m struggling though. There is a part of me that wants to pursue the CRNA route but then I don’t want to do it because of two factors. My age and the amount of debt that I would need to take on just to get through the schooling and that’s “if” I pass. The only way I would do CRNA would be if I actually got enrolled into the Armies program which at my age is unlikely.

    Now I’m considering getting my NP degree in the next few years after 3-5 years of nursing experience minimum. I know I won’t be making anywhere near a CRNA salary but I figured I could possibly get into a speciality that I enjoy making 120-140k a year. I’ve even considered doing some form of entrepreneurial with my NP degree. I just don’t really know what to do in all honestly and I know you won’t be able to give me a passive income idea and I don’t expect that. I guess what I’m trying to figure out is am I just getting old? I can’t seem to enjoy myself or things I used to enjoy anymore because I’m so focused on trying to make money work for me now.

    Am I overthinking this?
    byu/Seektruth2146 infinancialindependence



    Posted by Seektruth2146

    2 Comments

    1. Find a balance between saving and spending. That’s the best advice I can give.

      Financial independence is about spending for today while saving for tomorrow. It’s not about saving everything today or saving everything today. Life is not certain tomorrow.

      My wife and I are planning on a mid 50s retirement with many adventures taken.

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