| Category | Budget | Actual | Variance | Status | Variance Driver / Notes |
|---|
2025–2026 · Ages 42–43 — Crisis stabilization
Resolve IRS · negotiate charged-off accounts · SAVE plan for student loans · $1,000 emergency fund · one shared financial plan
2026–2027 · Ages 43–44 — Build the foundation
Pay off IRS · settle charged-off cards · emergency fund to $10K · begin 401(k) at minimum match
2027–2029 · Ages 44–46 — Debt avalanche in full swing
Settle charged-off loans · income-based student loan payments · emergency fund 3 months · open Roth IRAs · start son's 529
2029–2031 · Ages 46–48 — Debt freedom approaching
Mortgage only debt · extra cash 100% to retirement · emergency fund 6 months · net worth $300K+
2031–2035 · Ages 48–52 — Wealth acceleration
Max both 401(k)s + Roth IRAs · net worth $500K+ · son in middle school · invest beyond retirement
2035–2045 · Ages 52–62 — Compounding takes over
Net worth $700K–$1M+ · son's 529 ready for college · Social Security planning · consider early retirement