Advice you'd give your son

What is really well? What I used to think is really well is not as good as I thought it would be now that I am there.

Do they have a 403(b)? If not, just open an IRA, using the 30k from the previous 401(k), and schedule automated deposits every two weeks. Look at the ten year returns on the mutual funds, and split the funds between 3-5 of them.

At 40k, you're pretty much screwed as it is with 30k in retirement. If it makes you feel better, I started when I was 20, and due to inflation, the money in there is going to be nearly worthless in 20 years.

Real estate is a much better investment, but you're absolutely not ready for that. You need to prepare for when the real estate market pulls back by learning what other property owners do. You'll make far more money in perpetuity with property ownership/rentals than you're likely to earn in an IRA or 401(k).

If you can get a high deductible health care plan, using the medical savings account (it can't be a flexible spending account, because those "expire" every year) can also be a vehicle for retirement savings, since your medical expenses are expected to increase in the next 15 years, for the duration of your life.

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ETA: saving now doesn’t matter we’re all gonna be in the fema camp soon

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dude you're such a consistent and good troll

Start simple, max the 401k match from whichever spouse (or both) that has one. That is free money.

After that either pay off high interest debt or max roths. If you have no high interest debt.

ETA: that is assuming you have an emergency savings. If not, start there.

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What's the best advice for someone like me who's still learning (albeit a little late?)

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I’ll be honest. The numbers you have are not good. Out of curiosity, if you were to retire at 65, how much do you think you need to have in retirement savings to live comfortably? What’s the dollar amount?

Also what’s your annual income?

MT folks can give you some good advice.

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MT folks can give you some good advice.

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I will say that contrarian but correct opinions aren’t looked upon favorably here

#1 live on much less than you make. You've been spending most if not more than what you bring in for years. Now that your "job pays really well" you need to be investing a very high percentage to make up for those years you lived at or above what your income could support. You've already inflated lifestyle beyond what you could actually afford. Now, keep that lifestyle in check now that you may be able to afford it.

2. Max tax advantaged investment accounts. Fund Roth IRAs for both you and spouse (if you dont already have traditional IRA that will complicate it.) Backdoor Roth if over the income limit. If wife works max her work retirement accounts.

3. Dont try to outsmart the markets. Even most professional fund managers underperform. Just buy and hold low cost index funds. You'll be less tempted to sell at wrong time and avoid huge timing mistakes.

Powerball, poker, crypto

VOO isn't going to work with 50k.

Get one that can cook, because they all can F%$#.

If you can’t get into a 401k then open an IRA. Save 20% of your income. Cut expenditures. Cook instead of eating out. Keep your cars longer. Don’t worry about having what those who sell it tell you you should have. Forget about the Jones and make your time on earth with family and friends meaningful.

And save save save. So you can get to a nest egg making over 5% that is 9-11x your annual salary now and at age 60. Invest in cheap low cost but quality mutual funds that you find using Morning Star.