Never take money out of your 401k. If you can find a scenario worse than that, it would be during a market downturn, like now.

But I agree with you, get out of rent. It's a zero-sum game. Even if someone tries to justify it to you, in the long-run, you never win.

I always take "others" perfect plans with a grain of salt. $330,000 is an awful lot in student loans, like a shit ton.

Many people fall into the trap that a big salary means you buy big things. If you truly will make that much money upfront, stay focused on paying your debt. You can also reasonably enjoy yourself, but don't overdo it.

While you aren't yet a billionaire, there are (many) people 20 years older than you that don't have as much saved up. Keep doing what you doing.

Tough to say. The internet is a great place to say. "Pay 3% now to earn 10% later." It doesn't always work out that way, and often, there is more context. Like, is the car even worth it in the first place? What is your salary? What is this "low rate?"

What I do know is I see few posts along the lines of "Help, I paid off reasonably priced purchases and have no debts."

You have 68k in retirement in socal by early 30s. I don't see any indication you can retire early. If you continue to invest a lot and grow you salary, I am hopeful for you. Sometimes plans are more aspirational than reality. You'll need 1-2 mil type of numbers to retire early.

While it's possible, it's hard to imagine such a life where you deprive yourself of everything. Need a careful balance.

My friend's dad's best friend really never spent anything in life. He never went anywhere, he never bought a single thing nice, etc. He died with 6 million in the bank. While it is an extreme case, he never saw one moment of enjoyment.

Today's people have the totally opposite problem. I don't meet too many people that save "too much." I think one unhealthy trend that I tend to notice on this forum, is putting saving/investing on a huge pedestal, while home ownership is ignored, or even renting favored almost as a form of investment. Where you can take the "difference" of a mortage of a larger home and invest. I don't know anyone who retired comfortably, only with a rental to their name. That is a home payment in perpetuity. What is also lost is the inflation. My 15 year mortgage costs the same as day 1. You'd be hard-pressed to find any rent that is the same as 15 years ago. While I agree this may not be the most opportune time to buy a house, many will never find that right time.

The S&P 500 has returned 11.88% since 1957. I think the intent of diversification has stayed the course. 66 years of great returns isn't some fluke.

The biggest risk I'd say, is when you plan to retire. As it is volatile, it takes big swings. Many funds down significant amounts right now would be rough if you are looking to retire. However, historically, it returns.

Obsolete? It has traditionally delivered a 10%+ return per year for decades.