Just making the rounds to those in it for the long haul...do these and your net worth will be north of $1M, easily, if you are going to ride it out...until your LR card is drawn:
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Max out your 401k.
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Max out your ESPP.
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Sell ESPP original cost (your cost), and sell the amount that was your salary contribution, when the ESPP amount is fully qualified. Don’t sell the percentage the company percentage as discount; that’s free money.
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Get a 15 year mortgage on a realistic property. Smaller newer house. Don’t buy a mansion.
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Each time you cash in your ESPP, buy a Roth IRA. If your spouse works, watch the contribution allowance. Most folks reading this will be Roth eligible even with the above ESPP cycle. You want to do this as a cycle, you will never be taxed again on the Roth’s.
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Make one extra mortgage payment a year. You will be able to pay off the house in ten years.
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Don’t buy Tesla or BMW. Nice cars but get a commuter car.
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Get a good financial planner and a good accountant to do your taxes.
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Live frugally while at your time at Cisco.
I was LR’d at the 18 year mark, salary was just barely north of $100k at end.
Doing the above, was able to pay off a now $350k home, get 401k, ESPP, and Roth IRAs up to $1.5M. Hired on with $30k savings in 2000.
Cisco was great company for me, I know it can be a political pain to work there but it does have perks. If you remember where you are going long term, and most likely someday your LR paperwork will arrive.
Don’t waste your money, do the above, and you’ll easily be a millionaire when you leave...and on to the next part of your technology career.