I truly cannot wrap my head around our HHI jump from $150k to $260k

[Anonymous]

If DH's car is unreliable, costing a lot in maintenance, or is not fuel-efficient, a new car may be in order. This is a terrible time to buy a car (low supply, high inflation) but if you need it, you need it. Maybe consider an electric car with the new tax credits.


I would not buy a boat. This isn't that high of income and the costs of owning and maintaining a boat are likely beyond your means. The purchase price of the boat is so much less important than the costs to maintain and insure.

Vacation, sure, but they are often not that fun or memorable with very young children. Do something inexpensive now (driving to an airbnb in a nice location), but set up an earmarked vacation fund that you will regularly tap into when your youngest turns 5 or 6 and the vacations are more enjoyable and the kids will actually remember them.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We made 300k and never went on vacation for 10k or bought anything expensive like a boat. You don't make enough for a boat and ongoing expenses. Take a modest vacation. There is no need to upgrade your car.

Airfare alone for a family of 4 is going to be 4k. Then let's say you spend 10 days somewhere accessible and easy in Europe. On 6k as a family of 4 for hotels, food, etc. That's not exactly living in the lap of luxury or being overly extravagant!!

I think 10 days in Europe is extravagant! Or 10 days anywhere. I have never taken a 10-day vacation in my life.

Seriously? Why not? Honest question. Do you have no PTO or vacation time? A week is never long enough anywhere besides the beach. By the time you've settled in to wherever you're visiting, it's time to pack up.

I have vacation. I never use all of it. I do not even do 7 days anywhere. I use my vacation to visit family. Occasionally 3 nights at the beach with kids. 10 days is extravagant. Many many people do not even take annual weeklong vacations. You live in a DC bubble.

this is so so sad- maybe lots of people live this way but it isn't a happy or satisfied way to live. I know people who cant take vacations- they do domestic or retail labor but they don't want to live that way-its part of their hard lot in life and they think that they have a hard lot in life and these people live in developing countries or have moved here from developing countries and are struggling to establish themselves. I don't think anyone willingly never takes a week long vacation in a year. I mean, ppl cant afford fancy vacations and take camping trip or something..

Anyhow- Op, stash the extra cash away for a whole year and then reevaluate.

Most people in the United States can't afford annual family weeklong vacations. Almost no one took them growing up. You live in a coastal bubble that is completely different from average college-educated people.

I make near 200k divorced and single and think a weeklong vacation is an incredibly stupid waste of money. A long weekend, okay? But a week? No. Maybe once a decade. The last vacation I went on like that was in 2009. It was not worth the money.

This is really depressing. I can't imagine not having taken a week away with my family in 13 years when I could afford it, and had the vacation time to do so to boot. So sad

It’s horrifying to me. I can’t imagine the lack of interest in seeing more of the world. When I was young, my family had very little in the way of savings, but we still took a few camping/fishing trips every year, which we all loved. We were comfortably MC by my HS years and upgraded to driving vacations to national parks or other sight seeing destinations and would stay at Holiday Inns along the way—also super fun. I think it’s quite worrying that OP’s family has never taken a family vacation. I hope they don’t end up like the PP.

I said we did not go for a week. 3-4 days max. There is nothing sad about it. And btw, when I was a kid, we did it every few years and it was completely miserable. I lived abroad for a summer and that was not a vacation. I was an adult. My kids can do that if they want. There is no reason to schelp around spending tons of money for weeklong vacations. People in other countries don't do this.

You're right. People in other countries are sensible enough to splash out for 2 week vacations. My husband grew up middle class in Germany, and it was very common for them to head off to Mallorca or Greece.

Europe is not the only place on earth and very different than United States. Many people have plenty of vacation time and countries are geographically close so you’re not impressing me. It’s not comparable. Most countries (not in Europe) do not have people going on vacations on an annual basis at all.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We made 300k and never went on vacation for 10k or bought anything expensive like a boat. You don't make enough for a boat and ongoing expenses. Take a modest vacation. There is no need to upgrade your car.

Airfare alone for a family of 4 is going to be 4k. Then let's say you spend 10 days somewhere accessible and easy in Europe. On 6k as a family of 4 for hotels, food, etc. That's not exactly living in the lap of luxury or being overly extravagant!!

I think 10 days in Europe is extravagant! Or 10 days anywhere. I have never taken a 10-day vacation in my life.

Seriously? Why not? Honest question. Do you have no PTO or vacation time? A week is never long enough anywhere besides the beach. By the time you've settled in to wherever you're visiting, it's time to pack up.

I have vacation. I never use all of it. I do not even do 7 days anywhere. I use my vacation to visit family. Occasionally 3 nights at the beach with kids. 10 days is extravagant. Many many people do not even take annual weeklong vacations. You live in a DC bubble.

this is so so sad- maybe lots of people live this way but it isn't a happy or satisfied way to live. I know people who cant take vacations- they do domestic or retail labor but they don't want to live that way-its part of their hard lot in life and they think that they have a hard lot in life and these people live in developing countries or have moved here from developing countries and are struggling to establish themselves. I don't think anyone willingly never takes a week long vacation in a year. I mean, ppl cant afford fancy vacations and take camping trip or something..

Anyhow- Op, stash the extra cash away for a whole year and then reevaluate.

Most people in the United States can't afford annual family weeklong vacations. Almost no one took them growing up. You live in a coastal bubble that is completely different from average college-educated people.

I make near 200k divorced and single and think a weeklong vacation is an incredibly stupid waste of money. A long weekend, okay? But a week? No. Maybe once a decade. The last vacation I went on like that was in 2009. It was not worth the money.

This is really depressing. I can't imagine not having taken a week away with my family in 13 years when I could afford it, and had the vacation time to do so to boot. So sad

It’s horrifying to me. I can’t imagine the lack of interest in seeing more of the world. When I was young, my family had very little in the way of savings, but we still took a few camping/fishing trips every year, which we all loved. We were comfortably MC by my HS years and upgraded to driving vacations to national parks or other sight seeing destinations and would stay at Holiday Inns along the way—also super fun. I think it’s quite worrying that OP’s family has never taken a family vacation. I hope they don’t end up like the PP.

I said we did not go for a week. 3-4 days max. There is nothing sad about it. And btw, when I was a kid, we did it every few years and it was completely miserable. I lived abroad for a summer and that was not a vacation. I was an adult. My kids can do that if they want. There is no reason to schelp around spending tons of money for weeklong vacations. People in other countries don't do this.

You're right. People in other countries are sensible enough to splash out for 2 week vacations. My husband grew up middle class in Germany, and it was very common for them to head off to Mallorca or Greece.

Europe is not the only place on earth and very different than United States. Many people have plenty of vacation time and countries are geographically close so you’re not impressing me. It’s not comparable. Most countries (not in Europe) do not have people going on vacations on an annual basis at all.

Going from Germany to Greece or Spain is distance-wise is like a MC family going from Chicago to Florida. Not a wildly luxurious vacation.

[Anonymous]

Where do you live?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Under no circumstances should you buy a boat. That would be really unwise due to the ongoing expenses.

What kind of shape is the car in? If it’s unsafe or likely to die soon, I’d prioritize getting a few or good used one. If you expect it to last a couple more years, I’d definitely start planning a vacation. Doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but your older child is at that age where there is a lot of wonder and excitement about exploring new places, and it’s past time for you all to start making good family vacation memories.

This a ridiculous comment. Not every family goes on vacation. It is a luxury. And no such thing as "past time"--vacation is not any better than spending regular time together. No one needs a 10k vacation. Maybe once in a lifetime but regularly? No way.

When my DH and I were 35 with no kids we took a European vacation every year and had an HHI of $200,000. I have no idea why a couple making $265,000 would drive a car with 300,000 miles. I also don’t know how daycare for 2 kids is 1,400 a month total.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We made 300k and never went on vacation for 10k or bought anything expensive like a boat. You don't make enough for a boat and ongoing expenses. Take a modest vacation. There is no need to upgrade your car.

Airfare alone for a family of 4 is going to be 4k. Then let's say you spend 10 days somewhere accessible and easy in Europe. On 6k as a family of 4 for hotels, food, etc. That's not exactly living in the lap of luxury or being overly extravagant!!

I think 10 days in Europe is extravagant! Or 10 days anywhere. I have never taken a 10-day vacation in my life.

And you and your kids will remember it for the rest of your life while these cheapskates on here will lie on their death beds with no memories like that because they chose to privilege amassing money over experiencing all that the world has to offer. I’d maybe skimp in a boat or car but never deny yourself and your family the joy of exploring the world.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We have similar numbers to you. I would do $500 per kid in the 529 not $500 total. You can definitely take a vacation but I eould cap it at $5K max. If car prices weren't sky high I'd say replace the old car too but if you can I'd try to hold off until the chip situation evens out hopefully in a year or so and prices come down a bit.

Where can a family of 4 go for 5k? Honest question!!! Can't get a beach house in the OBX easily for under 5k (leaving money for food, beach chairs, etc). Certainly can't fly anywhere and still have money leftover for lodging.

We are renting a 3 bedroom condo in Sandbridge, VA (just below VA beach, great place for little kids...I'd probably be closer to the boardwalk with older kids) and our condo rental for the week is $2K. It's not directly on the beach but it's one row in so the beach is a 5 min walk. I think the unit comes with beach chairs so no need to rent them. This trip is well under $5K.

We are also going to Orlando FL and the flight is $200 each ($800 total). The hotel/villa we stay at is $1500 for the week and the car rental is $500 for the week. We only do Disney once because it is so hot and crowded that's all I can stand but the hotel we stay at has a few pools and a pirate ship the kids love. We don't go out to eat for every meal just because it's so much food when you eat out and I wouldn't want to eat out all the time like that so it's not crazy expensive. This trip is probably closer to $5K.

OP. Do not do Disney. Go to Europe and see what Disney bases a large percentage of its theme park on and get your kids some culture. Disney is the biggest waste of money ever.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We made 300k and never went on vacation for 10k or bought anything expensive like a boat. You don't make enough for a boat and ongoing expenses. Take a modest vacation. There is no need to upgrade your car.

Airfare alone for a family of 4 is going to be 4k. Then let's say you spend 10 days somewhere accessible and easy in Europe. On 6k as a family of 4 for hotels, food, etc. That's not exactly living in the lap of luxury or being overly extravagant!!

I think 10 days in Europe is extravagant! Or 10 days anywhere. I have never taken a 10-day vacation in my life.

Seriously? Why not? Honest question. Do you have no PTO or vacation time? A week is never long enough anywhere besides the beach. By the time you've settled in to wherever you're visiting, it's time to pack up.

I have vacation. I never use all of it. I do not even do 7 days anywhere. I use my vacation to visit family. Occasionally 3 nights at the beach with kids. 10 days is extravagant. Many many people do not even take annual weeklong vacations. You live in a DC bubble.

You seriously need to get a life. I feel sorry for anyone who might report to you, because you’re going to guilt them into not going away for restorative vacations. Awful life to live. I am an immigrant from Europe and my parents weren’t rich but every summer we went on a 3 week beach vacation to the Mediterranean (various countries), one week in Italy over Easter and 1 week skiing in February. Additionally to visit my great aunt in the mountains for 3 weeks in the summer. This was absolutely beautiful and good for me. I do similar things for and with DCs. People who never travel are either really weird or have very understandable health or financial concerns (in which case I get it).
this is so so sad- maybe lots of people live this way but it isn't a happy or satisfied way to live. I know people who cant take vacations- they do domestic or retail labor but they don't want to live that way-its part of their hard lot in life and they think that they have a hard lot in life and these people live in developing countries or have moved here from developing countries and are struggling to establish themselves. I don't think anyone willingly never takes a week long vacation in a year. I mean, ppl cant afford fancy vacations and take camping trip or something..

Anyhow- Op, stash the extra cash away for a whole year and then reevaluate.

Most people in the United States can't afford annual family weeklong vacations. Almost no one took them growing up. You live in a coastal bubble that is completely different from average college-educated people.

I make near 200k divorced and single and think a weeklong vacation is an incredibly stupid waste of money. A long weekend, okay? But a week? No. Maybe once a decade. The last vacation I went on like that was in 2009. It was not worth the money.

You seriously need to get a life. I feel sorry for anyone who might report to you, because you’re going to guilt them into not going away for restorative vacations. Awful life to live. I am an immigrant from Europe and my parents weren’t rich but every summer we went on a 3 week beach vacation to the Mediterranean (various countries), one week in Italy over Easter and 1 week skiing in February. Additionally to visit my great aunt in the mountains for 3 weeks in the summer. This was absolutely beautiful and good for me. I do similar things for and with DCs. People who never travel are either really weird or have very understandable health or financial concerns (in which case I get it).

Exactly. I will skimp on a car, live in a small house, but will never give up the experience of seeing the world with my family. When you die you will remember your experiences with the ones you love and your kids will cherish these trips forever. You only live once.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:We made 300k and never went on vacation for 10k or bought anything expensive like a boat. You don't make enough for a boat and ongoing expenses. Take a modest vacation. There is no need to upgrade your car.

Airfare alone for a family of 4 is going to be 4k. Then let's say you spend 10 days somewhere accessible and easy in Europe. On 6k as a family of 4 for hotels, food, etc. That's not exactly living in the lap of luxury or being overly extravagant!!

I think 10 days in Europe is extravagant! Or 10 days anywhere. I have never taken a 10-day vacation in my life.

Seriously? Why not? Honest question. Do you have no PTO or vacation time? A week is never long enough anywhere besides the beach. By the time you've settled in to wherever you're visiting, it's time to pack up.

I have vacation. I never use all of it. I do not even do 7 days anywhere. I use my vacation to visit family. Occasionally 3 nights at the beach with kids. 10 days is extravagant. Many many people do not even take annual weeklong vacations. You live in a DC bubble.

this is so so sad- maybe lots of people live this way but it isn't a happy or satisfied way to live. I know people who cant take vacations- they do domestic or retail labor but they don't want to live that way-its part of their hard lot in life and they think that they have a hard lot in life and these people live in developing countries or have moved here from developing countries and are struggling to establish themselves. I don't think anyone willingly never takes a week long vacation in a year. I mean, ppl cant afford fancy vacations and take camping trip or something..

Anyhow- Op, stash the extra cash away for a whole year and then reevaluate.

Most people in the United States can't afford annual family weeklong vacations. Almost no one took them growing up. You live in a coastal bubble that is completely different from average college-educated people.

I make near 200k divorced and single and think a weeklong vacation is an incredibly stupid waste of money. A long weekend, okay? But a week? No. Maybe once a decade. The last vacation I went on like that was in 2009. It was not worth the money.

This is really depressing. I can't imagine not having taken a week away with my family in 13 years when I could afford it, and had the vacation time to do so to boot. So sad

It’s horrifying to me. I can’t imagine the lack of interest in seeing more of the world. When I was young, my family had very little in the way of savings, but we still took a few camping/fishing trips every year, which we all loved. We were comfortably MC by my HS years and upgraded to driving vacations to national parks or other sight seeing destinations and would stay at Holiday Inns along the way—also super fun. I think it’s quite worrying that OP’s family has never taken a family vacation. I hope they don’t end up like the PP.

I said we did not go for a week. 3-4 days max. There is nothing sad about it. And btw, when I was a kid, we did it every few years and it was completely miserable. I lived abroad for a summer and that was not a vacation. I was an adult. My kids can do that if they want. There is no reason to schelp around spending tons of money for weeklong vacations. People in other countries don't do this.

Oh yes they do. That’s why European cities are vacant in August. Everyone is traveling and takes off 3-4 weeks a year. They, unlike you, know how to enjoy life. You sound miserable.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you wait until you have money saved up before making the big purchase so you don't have to ask questions like this?