Budget Critique Please and Thank You. Goal is a house!

Budgeting

Hi PF, I've used you a couple times and loved the results. I just want a critique of my budget and where I should be for saving for retirement and home ownership.

Me - 26F SoCal/Orange County area

Income - $70k/yr

401k - 7% (no match offered by the company)

ESPP - 15% (we get great discounts on stock this way)

CD - $16k (Locked in for 3 months at .45%)

Investments - $53k (Raymond James)

Savings - $4k

Debt - $500 credit card (I pay it off monthly and is used for expenses listed below, not additional)

Rent - $575

Utilities - $75

Cell - $0 Family plan

Food - $200 in groceries ~$200 in eating out, coffee, snacks, etc.

Car - $75 (Fiat lease DON'T DO IT!)

Insurance - $238 (2000 Mazda Miata, 2016 Fiat 500e, 2008 Suzuki GSXR600)

Health Ins - $0 (through my company)

Gas - $50/mo (motorcycle really helps and the fiat is electric)

Tuition - $4,000/semester (includes books and supplies)

Cat - $20 ($75/6 months for vet check up)

Audible - $23

Spotify - $10

I'm always interested in saving more and making sure I'm set for retirement. I came for a poor family and I never want to be in that situation again. I also know houses in the SoCal market are insane. I would love to put 30% down minimum. Can you just take a look at my budget and let me know if I'm on the right track. I would like to purchase in the next 2 years. Also, if I've missed any budget please let me know and I can adjust. Thank you so much PF.

Edit: Formatting

Edit 2: Added info about my car insurance/health. I have a vehicle problem I know, but I use them all I promise! Ha. I'm also in process for lemon law on my Fiat. That should be gone in 3-5 months with an $8k check waiting.

Posted Apr 5, 2017, 12:36 AM UTC · edited

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