Anyone making 120k or less?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both DH and I make just under $80k, so hhi of $150-160. No kids. We are super comfortable, which Im sure would be different if we had kids. Not in the DC area which also helps. We are both hybrid, with my job being very low key, DH in local govt.

House was bought in 2014 and mortgage is only $1200/mon, no intention to pay it off super quick, so theres still a good few years there. No other debt. Older cars, which will likely need to be replaced soon (2008/2009). We take as many vacations as we can! Nothing planned for 2024 yet though.

By dcum standards we are very poor, but honestly I'm quite happy with how things are right now. I hope to break $100k in the next few years!

You're not poor by DCUM standards because:

1.) You don't live in DC or even the DMV area
2.) You don't have kids
3.) Due to #1 your housing cost is practically negligible by DC/ DMV standards

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We make 500k and it's not easy either

The only possible justifications for this are maybe you have many children all in private school (dubious decision,) or maybe you're supporting multiple disabled relatives in the most comfortable lifestyle money can buy.

Otherwise, the ONLY way someone could possibly feel squeezed on a half mil a year is rampant, status-chasing spending. Get that under control. I don't think you'll find any sympathy on a thread for people making less than $120k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, we make $120k combined. No real bonus structure in either of our jobs. We have 3 kids. Live in a 2 bedroom townhouse so it’s cozy. We live in south Arlington in an area that commonly is discussed on here as trashy and low- rent but it’s what we can afford. Our jobs tie us to this region so no leaving. We don’t vacation more than day trips to the beach or hikes. The kids don’t really know different at this point.

I guess I should be upset we aren’t in a position to show them the world, but we have money to put food on the table and save a tiny bit each month. Though at this point buying a bigger house is likely out of the question.

Are you striving for your kids to be more upwardly mobile than you? Are you immigrants and what are your education levels?

No, we are white. We both have college degrees. I’m a reading specialist at a school. I make $65k.

I enjoy helping kids learn to enjoy reading by giving them confidence.

I hope my kids find careers they are passionate about.

By local standards we are a failure. I get it.

You are not a failure, you have a job you like and a family you love, which is better than a lot of people here. Ignore the troll.

[Anonymous]

I make $120K. Single, no kids, a dog.

I am absolutely happy and I think this is my satiation point. If I wanted to make significantly more, I’d have to get another job, and I love my job, and I probably would have to get an in-office job, and I love working remotely.

I don’t have everything I want, but I have everything I NEED. When I get a bonus or if I stay particularly frugal for several months in a row, I go on vacation. I’ve been on five continents and have stayed in four-star hotels as much as I’ve done hostels and camping. Zero regrets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, we make $120k combined. No real bonus structure in either of our jobs. We have 3 kids. Live in a 2 bedroom townhouse so it’s cozy. We live in south Arlington in an area that commonly is discussed on here as trashy and low- rent but it’s what we can afford. Our jobs tie us to this region so no leaving. We don’t vacation more than day trips to the beach or hikes. The kids don’t really know different at this point.

I guess I should be upset we aren’t in a position to show them the world, but we have money to put food on the table and save a tiny bit each month. Though at this point buying a bigger house is likely out of the question.

Are you striving for your kids to be more upwardly mobile than you? Are you immigrants and what are your education levels?

No, we are white. We both have college degrees. I’m a reading specialist at a school. I make $65k.

I enjoy helping kids learn to enjoy reading by giving them confidence.

I hope my kids find careers they are passionate about.

By local standards we are a failure. I get it.

But you are not a failure. I think society--and DCUM---tend to equate salary with intelligence and hard work. And it's not true, especially not the hard work part. I have no problem with people who make bank doing Big Law/tech/consulting/finance when they can admit that the money they are making is not just a result of hard work and smarts. They know they are lucky to be in a field that compensates well. I never understand people in DCUM who look down on professions that are vital to society--like teachers, reading specialists, nurses, people in the humanities, etc.

[Anonymous]

I make $130k. Single parent of two young kids, white, not an immigrant. Very happy with my salary although I am looking to move somewhere lower cost of living although it’s a bit harder to manage since I absolutely need childcare. I’m not able to save too much for college but I’ve been able to manage daycare in DC out of my salary so I imagine I will be able to swing college if absolutely necessary. Otherwise it’s fine — I can afford rent, food, whatever my kids actually need, etc. I should be able to afford a house (not in this area in a few years). I don’t have a car, don’t pay for a lot of hobbies/activities, get a lot of clothes and toys from buy nothing, but I don’t mind any of that. I’m happy with my life and like my job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, we make $120k combined. No real bonus structure in either of our jobs. We have 3 kids. Live in a 2 bedroom townhouse so it’s cozy. We live in south Arlington in an area that commonly is discussed on here as trashy and low- rent but it’s what we can afford. Our jobs tie us to this region so no leaving. We don’t vacation more than day trips to the beach or hikes. The kids don’t really know different at this point.

I guess I should be upset we aren’t in a position to show them the world, but we have money to put food on the table and save a tiny bit each month. Though at this point buying a bigger house is likely out of the question.

Are you striving for your kids to be more upwardly mobile than you? Are you immigrants and what are your education levels?

No, we are white. We both have college degrees. I’m a reading specialist at a school. I make $65k.

I enjoy helping kids learn to enjoy reading by giving them confidence.

I hope my kids find careers they are passionate about.

By local standards we are a failure. I get it.

Same here. Another white educator married to a state employee.

[Anonymous]

Almost all of America earns less than $120,000 per year.

[Anonymous]

Husband makes 100k. I take care of the kids. We live in a small townhome in Fairfax County. He has a 10 year old car. I have a new minivan since we now have 3 kids, but was driving a 17 year old car up until last summer. We don’t travel much, except to see family.

I buy fewer books, no longer see shows ant the Kennedy Center, and eat out less. But otherwise my lifestyle isn’t all that much different compared to when I was single and making a high income.

[Anonymous]

I guess I’ll play. I’m a single mom of one making $85k. We live in an apartment in Montgomery County. Currently in the process of temporarily moving in with my parents because the apartment conditions have become unlivable. Hoping to either buy or find a home to rent ASAP! I’m definitely a failure by DCUM standards.

[Anonymous]

- make 125 ( 5% raise thanks to Biden- fed employee)
- bought a small condo in NE DC
- 1 child 7
- 2012 hybrid car to save on gas
- my bonus is from not having to pay student loans anymore. I throw that money in a 529.
- vacations are every other year ( one year to save ). So travel in 2023- we went to Legoland Cali and Red Rocks Denver. 2025 we are aiming for Europe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess I’ll play. I’m a single mom of one making $85k. We live in an apartment in Montgomery County. Currently in the process of temporarily moving in with my parents because the apartment conditions have become unlivable. Hoping to either buy or find a home to rent ASAP! I’m definitely a failure by DCUM standards.

Most DCUMs can’t survive on $250k and spend more than a few days alone with their own kids. You’re a huge success compared to them. Keep it up!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I’ll play. I’m a single mom of one making $85k. We live in an apartment in Montgomery County. Currently in the process of temporarily moving in with my parents because the apartment conditions have become unlivable. Hoping to either buy or find a home to rent ASAP! I’m definitely a failure by DCUM standards.

Most DCUMs can’t survive on $250k and spend more than a few days alone with their own kids. You’re a huge success compared to them. Keep it up!

Thank you for saying that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I’ll play. I’m a single mom of one making $85k. We live in an apartment in Montgomery County. Currently in the process of temporarily moving in with my parents because the apartment conditions have become unlivable. Hoping to either buy or find a home to rent ASAP! I’m definitely a failure by DCUM standards.

Most DCUMs can’t survive on $250k and spend more than a few days alone with their own kids. You’re a huge success compared to them. Keep it up!

+1 You also have family who you are willing to live with and who is willing to let you live with them. Even if the relationships aren't perfect they must still be pretty good.