Originally Posted by flybye
Lets face one other fact. This career is difficult and stressful even in the best of times. My concern is the direction the industry is headed towards a low-cost model. This is not a temporary change.
Flybye, I must respectfully disagree with the above statements. A fact is an absolute. It appears that your opinion is that you think this job is difficult and stressful.
This is the easiest job I've ever had. Beats landing on a pitching, heaving carrier deck at night in a rain storm and working 18 hour days on a ship. Beats a high speed pursuit or a building search for an armed suspect. Beats Marine OCS boot camp. Apparently you've not experienced stress. Your point about the low cost model is what? I make more flying a 737 than most heavy drivers....darn the low cost model.
FOTGTD excellent post. I use 10% to the LORD, 20% to Uncle Sam, 20 retirement savings, 50% household budget including short term savings. Used this model all my life. Basically pay God, Pay yourself (investment) and don't spend more than what's left over.