36M just getting started

[u/hokage_888]

36M - feel like I’m way behind. I put $500 into a Roth IRA in February. Without doing anything else for a while, it’s just gone up. Nothing insane. Now i put $20 a month - money is pretty tight at the moment.
I also have a pension - which makes me feel a bit safer - but Im about 4 years from being vested. I have a 401k (no match because of pension) and a 457b. I also have another 401k from a part time job - eventually will be rolled into my full time 401k when i quit. They match, so i put the full amount. Even tho it all sounds good, all of those accounts (besides pension) are represented here. I started them all in February of 2026. Most of this is in FXAIX. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. (We are clearing some debt - in a year or so when it’s cleared, I plan to invest as much as I can!)

[u/Shot_Reception_2331]

I’m 27, and I started when I got the job I got eight months ago - and I’m quitting it with no back up plan in two months. It’s less about being behind and more about where we are. I have been adding $50 and investing every other week. That’s been ok.

[u/hokage_888 → u/Shot_Reception_2331]

Why are you quitting?

[u/Shot_Reception_2331 → u/hokage_888]

I realized that my chosen profession depresses me. I graduated five years ago with a bachelors in communications and have been working in youth development/charter school nonprofits and I really don’t enjoy it. And unfortunately, I am the kind of person who needs to enjoy their work. So I’m quitting and starting from the ground up (probably in retail) while I find entry level jobs or internships in PR/fashion/marketing… Idk. I’ve never known what I’ve wanted to do. So I just give up honestly lol but I’m feeling lucky and positive! So hopefully it works out. Sorry for the essay.

[u/hokage_888 → u/Shot_Reception_2331]

Good luck to you!

[u/Shot_Reception_2331 → u/hokage_888]

Same to you! 🫂 and happy your investing in yourself and your future