Originally Posted by
notEnuf
Even if I concede $1500 for uniforms and $500 in perdiem increases and $1000 in hotel points it's a drop in the bucket. 20% DC and the MCBP would shelter $15000+ and give me a conservative investment that yields like a CD or muni-bonds that is guaranteed. Granted it wouldn't be the bulk of my portfolio, but it could easily be 10-30% replacing my bonds and utilities.
I think 20% DC is the minimum expectation. An optional MBCBP is a nice addition.
CDs and bonds return a steady loss in purchasing power. MBCBP does the same over a career. That is the reason it should be voluntary. It makes sense for the last few years where you overcome the loss to inflation with tax arbitrage. I like your idea of utilities. Adding a few good dividend stocks rounds out the portfolio nicely.
My preference prior to age 62 would be taxable cash invested in real estate vs MBCBP.