I’d put every dime in VINIX and forget about it for 15 years.

You should try to max both at $22,500 for 2023. This is the way. Also, make sure you’re invested in index funds.

Do. All. Of. This.

Yes, you are. Taxes would have to be included in your annual expense estimate. Keep in mind, if your income is low Social Security will not be taxed.

Yup, usually. Although, pension plans have healthcare that is greatly reduced in cost. So you just need to know what you are eligible for specifically.

Listen, if you can withdraw 2.5-3.5% per year and cover your expenses, you can likely retire. Remember to plan for things like Social Security, and pensions, and healthcare, and you’ll be just fine. Don’t overcomplicate this. EJ advisors are just salesmen.

So what’s the problem?

Average out your expenses over a couple years, inflate by 1.5% per year, multiply by 25, aim to save that amount by retirement.

Okay, so it’s not that easy, but it’s really damn close.

Start tracking your expenses and identify what you need to save for retirement. Whatever you do, don’t give the con artists at EJ 2% to do it.

Having an emergency fund isn’t as important for you considering you’re active duty, an officer, and highly employable regardless. I’d maybe keep an extra month or two of living expenses, but that’s it.

So you’re in your lowest earning years right now assuming you’re a first year Army doc? For 2023, I would do $22,500 in Roth TSP and $6,500 in Roth IRA. You can probably try to do this throughout your obligated service. Once you leave the military and become a civilian physician, you’d probably switch to Traditional 401k contributions to keep your taxes low and then use the Backdoor Roth IRA process.