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

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=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. [/quote]
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.[/quote]

I would add a safety net and retirement savings. Nothing extravagant, but enough not to worry too much.[/quote]

Yes, but a modest house in a working class part of town with shit schools still costs a fortune.  We bought a 1200sf townhome that had been marginally improved for $300K that was less than we paid in rent for a 2BR apt.  Because we are not rich, we did an FHA loan and our monthly mortgage was $1800.  Such is DC.  Where I'm originally from $1800 a month buys you a hell of a lot more.

And really, who aspires to simply providing their family the bare minimum?  I'm not extravagant, but I'm not living my life with a poverty mentality either just so you can feel superior and holier than thou.[/quote]

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