You need to make $90,000 to be happy in DC

[Anonymous]

Happiness benchmark for all 50 states - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/17/map-happiness-benchmark_n_5592194.html

So if your at or above the benchmark and still whining about money your probably generally an unhappy person.

[Anonymous]

When I made 90k I started to feel a lot more comfortable living in the area, it's true. I didn't worry as much about making ends meet and felt I could relax a bit

[Anonymous]

You need $350,000, actually.

[Anonymous]

Okay, princess.

[Anonymous]

With at least 1 child in daycare or preschool, $180K year is a very tight tight budget unless you live in a not so hot school district.

[Anonymous]

You're reading it wrong. According to the table, you need $104,700, which is in the $90K and above category.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're reading it wrong. According to the table, you need $104,700, which is in the $90K and above category.

But only $72,750 in Virgina and $88,275 for Maryland. So 90k ballpark for commuters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need $350,000, actually.

Agree. This is the number.

[Anonymous]

I think the bigger point is that DC is the second highest and one of only two states where the measure is $100K+. It's one more measure of why so many people are not happy living in DC. And yes, I disagree with the number too. If you aspire to be a homeowner, $90 or $100K won't get you very far anywhere in the DC region.

[Anonymous]

When our HHI was 150k, living in the suburbs, money was very tight with kids. Then one spouse was suddenly unemployed for 6 months. During that period we could not make ends meet. I wish I were exaggerating.

Both spouses gainfully employed now, one increased salary dramatically, so HHI is up to 250k. We can breathe now but I still get anxious remembering those 6 months and how close we potentially are to financial ruin. Even after years of experience and tens of thousands of higher education expenses (probably higher).

Before any jumps on me, we do not live extravagantly and always within our means. It's just that this area is insanely expensive and has become much moreso over the past decade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When our HHI was 150k, living in the suburbs, money was very tight with kids. Then one spouse was suddenly unemployed for 6 months. During that period we could not make ends meet. I wish I were exaggerating.

Both spouses gainfully employed now, one increased salary dramatically, so HHI is up to 250k. We can breathe now but I still get anxious remembering those 6 months and how close we potentially are to financial ruin. Even after years of experience and tens of thousands of higher education expenses (probably higher).

Before any jumps on me, we do not live extravagantly and always within our means. It's just that this area is insanely expensive and has become much moreso over the past decade.

A very honest and informative post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When our HHI was 150k, living in the suburbs, money was very tight with kids. Then one spouse was suddenly unemployed for 6 months. During that period we could not make ends meet. I wish I were exaggerating.

Both spouses gainfully employed now, one increased salary dramatically, so HHI is up to 250k. We can breathe now but I still get anxious remembering those 6 months and how close we potentially are to financial ruin. Even after years of experience and tens of thousands of higher education expenses (probably higher).

Before any jumps on me, we do not live extravagantly and always within our means. It's just that this area is insanely expensive and has become much moreso over the past decade.

^^^^^5.
My husband just got back to work after a long layoff (15 months). We almost lost everything and I DO work. My income cannot carry the family though. I actually am looking for a higher paying job because if this ever happens again, we both need to make a certain amount to cover the necessities. This was a terrifying, eye-opening experience and I do not wish it on anyone. It also takes a while to get out the hole, clean up the credit and build up savings again.
Like PP we are not extravagant in our lifestyle choices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When our HHI was 150k, living in the suburbs, money was very tight with kids. Then one spouse was suddenly unemployed for 6 months. During that period we could not make ends meet. I wish I were exaggerating.

Both spouses gainfully employed now, one increased salary dramatically, so HHI is up to 250k. We can breathe now but I still get anxious remembering those 6 months and how close we potentially are to financial ruin. Even after years of experience and tens of thousands of higher education expenses (probably higher).

Before any jumps on me, we do not live extravagantly and always within our means. It's just that this area is insanely expensive and has become much moreso over the past decade.

Extravagant will mean different things to different people. A good quality non-extravagant (happy) life only requires -

1. Food and Beverages in your belly
2. Cloths on your back and Shoes on your feet
3. Good Health & Health Care
4. A Roof over your head
5. A full time job you enjoy
6. Public Education
7. The occasional splurge.

Everything beyond that is extra, some would say extravagant. And anyone of the above 7 categories only require basic levels to be happy. You don't need to be in the best neighborhood, the best schools, wear the best cloths, eat fancy food, or be house poor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When our HHI was 150k, living in the suburbs, money was very tight with kids. Then one spouse was suddenly unemployed for 6 months. During that period we could not make ends meet. I wish I were exaggerating.

Both spouses gainfully employed now, one increased salary dramatically, so HHI is up to 250k. We can breathe now but I still get anxious remembering those 6 months and how close we potentially are to financial ruin. Even after years of experience and tens of thousands of higher education expenses (probably higher).

Before any jumps on me, we do not live extravagantly and always within our means. It's just that this area is insanely expensive and has become much moreso over the past decade.

Extravagant will mean different things to different people. A good quality non-extravagant (happy) life only requires -

1. Food and Beverages in your belly
2. Cloths on your back and Shoes on your feet
3. Good Health & Health Care
4. A Roof over your head
5. A full time job you enjoy
6. Public Education
7. The occasional splurge.

Everything beyond that is extra, some would say extravagant. And anyone of the above 7 categories only require basic levels to be happy. You don't need to be in the best neighborhood, the best schools, wear the best cloths, eat fancy food, or be house poor.

A wise post, Yoda.

[Anonymous]

I wish I had a full time job I enjoyed. I make $67k, have a masters and have been looking for a new job for 5 years. Took this one after being laid off in the recession.