How old were you when you started making a lot of money?

[Anonymous]

I'm in my twenties and pretty depressed about our low HHI. When did you start to make good money? What field are you in?

[Anonymous]

I was about 35 when I started to see my income rose meaningfully. I did fine before that ($150-$175k range a decade ago) but did much better after 35. MBA. Consulting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was about 35 when I started to see my income rose meaningfully. I did fine before that ($150-$175k range a decade ago) but did much better after 35. MBA. Consulting.

You earned 175k before 35? Yikes! What did you do then?

[Anonymous]

There was a recent thread about what twenty year olds make. It actually made feel a lot better. The average HHI was around 100k for twenty year old couples. I don't know what you are making, OP, but don't take all of these 150k+ posts to heart. It looks like the norm is much less than that at our age group.

[Anonymous]

I was in grad school making just enough to pay for daycare for DC1.

Then I stayed at home with the children and my investments really too off I manage my high-risk portfolio and get my thrills that way.

[Anonymous]

Hasn't happened yet. Still waiting...

[Anonymous]

Obviously this is subjective. DH and I will never make a lot of money for DC standards but we have a much higher HHI than we did previously (about $190) and no loans, low mortgage (bought in the city 7 years ago), and good financial habits make me feel like we're doing great.

[Anonymous]

35

[Anonymous]

I'll never make a lot of money.

[Anonymous]

What do you consider "a lot?" I thought I'd make $100 k at age 30. I'm 34 and make $90 k.

[Anonymous]

How are you defining a lot of money? I started making $100k at 25. I think that's a lot for not having an advanced degree.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry but most people I know make under $100,000.

Only on this forum do I see those under 35 making over $150,000+

[Anonymous]

35, hit $175k. Next job offer was for $300k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm in my twenties and pretty depressed about our low HHI. When did you start to make good money? What field are you in?

Sweetheart, this is common. I made $29K a year in my first professional job 15 years ago. Now I am on the cusp of six figures. Not everyone is going to be rich. My advice? Stop reading DCUM, stop reading FB, stop watching mindless TV that makes it seem like everyone is living the high life. They're not. Do you EXPECT to be living large in your 20's? If so, your expectations are out of whack. Unless you were born rich, go talk to your parents and grandparents. They'll tell you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in my twenties and pretty depressed about our low HHI. When did you start to make good money? What field are you in?

Sweetheart, this is common. I made $29K a year in my first professional job 15 years ago. Now I am on the cusp of six figures. Not everyone is going to be rich. My advice? Stop reading DCUM, stop reading FB, stop watching mindless TV that makes it seem like everyone is living the high life. They're not. Do you EXPECT to be living large in your 20's? If so, your expectations are out of whack. Unless you were born rich, go talk to your parents and grandparents. They'll tell you.

^^ THIS. This is the main problem with social media and reality TV. Everybody thinks the Kardashians and RHO_ are the norm. Depending on your field and when it peaks I wouldn't get too worried about it. On the plus side you also have the opportunity to completely change your career at your age and not have too many repercussions or lost time. Once you get to be in your 40s and have a house, kids, etc. you lose that ability so if you are unhappy with your career choice and future earnings don't worry - you can fix it. The PP above that changed jobs once for like a 71% bump in pay is way, way, way outside the norm. Most people do get pay increases moving around, but that's not the norm in most professions.

Good luck and hang in there! The main thing to watch isn't so much the top line (although that isn't bad to keep tabs on), but the bottom line. Too many young people live way, way outside their means and get into trouble and need the additional income just to make ends meet. Hopefully you are reading all the good threads about living below your means and investing early and maxing out that 401k as well as the income related ones. Keep doing that stuff and after a couple promotions you will be well on your way to financial security and an early retirement!