Anonymous wrote:Those responding where the household combined income is over $120k seem to be missing the point of this thread. If your combined HHI is $240k or even $165k, you have very different options than a family living in DC on $120k.

The weirdo posting about their college grad making $70k and living at home has also missed the purpose of this thread.

I don’t understand why people who exceed the parameters of the OP keep responding here, it’s so tone deaf.

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

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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.

TBH I think you're doing great. So many people hate their jobs, but you love yours. Even people who love their jobs might have jobs that are a drain on society and harmful. But you contribute so much to society. You're winning at life!

But why don’t you have a second job ?

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.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

TBH I think you're doing great. So many people hate their jobs, but you love yours. Even people who love their jobs might have jobs that are a drain on society and harmful. But you contribute so much to society. You're winning at life!

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Anonymous wrote:I juuust this year exceeded $120k for the first time! Single parent, bought a SFH in a quiet but convenient corner of Columbia Heights back when I was married.
We’re doing great! I refuse to take out loans or carry a credit card balance, so I drive a *gasp* Nissan Altima I saved and paid cash for, and my kids love thrift shopping. We’re often the only white people at kid activities (yes, there’s cheap ballet/ piano/ martial arts if you aren’t a snob.) We cook 29 days out of 30 and the kids are really getting good at it.
I save for retirement. We take great vacations most years, which often involve staying with friends and in youth hostels, and park picnics most days. We’re saving now to do a photo safari in Tanzania next year.
Honestly OP, this board will convince you that anything under $400k is destitution but I promise we are happier than a large majority of people who post here. It’s all about priorities and being true to yourself.

I'm a PP aiming for great vacations on a budget - tell me about where you've stayed in youth hostels that are great for families, please! We've reserved campsites and state park cabins for most of the long weekends in 2024 ($20-50/night), but hope to take some more ambitious trips as the kids get older!

We did youth hostels all over France right before the pandemic. The Alps generally and Chamonix specifically was phenomenal. And because the kids were pretty young and it wasn’t high season, the hostel gave us a private room upgrade for free. We also stayed in a couple of Chambres d’Hotes that were charming and comfortable. Meals are often included (or an inexpensive add on) and amazing.
I haven’t stayed in any hostels in the US I’m afraid. But I’d be interested! We usually do Air BnB or VRBO here and save on eating out by cooking at the property.

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Anonymous wrote:I earn 80,000, live in NY. Spouse makes a bit less. Luckily we are not huge spenders by nature. I’d just like to do more with our house, take more trips, but otherwise we are doing well.

+1

I live in Nevada. Like you I make 80k which goes farther here than it does in NY. I'm not a huge spender either. My current vehicle is 8 years old and paid off. I don't upgrade my cell phone every year and I cut off my cable TV last year. I live well and unlike many others, the recent cost of inflation increases didn't affect me one bit.

My lifestyle wouldn't change even if I started to make 200k per year.

One thing I am very grateful for. I may not be rolling in cash or driving expensive cars, but I dont need to do the math before I head to the grocery store to make sure I can afford basics. I am very grateful I can fill up my car without needing to double check my bank account. This is how I grew up, so being able to fill a grocery cart or gas tank without a second thought is incredibly freeing.

Anonymous wrote:DW and I both make under $120k, but not far under. 52 y/o. Both teachers with MA +30. DC is in college. We are comfortable living in Fairfax Co.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This hits me as well. I just started making $125k a year as an attorney for the government. Spouse makes much more than I do in private practice, but we both work a 40 hour work week. 3 kids, none in college yet, but soon. House is paid off and we have good schools. Half my take home pay goes into the family budget, and only 20% of theirs does. which is much more than I pay, but I am able to fully fund my 401K, Backdoor Roth IRA, Treasury I Bonds, etc.. I am more flexible for kids doctor visits and sick days.

You didn’t bother to read the OP? Your post doesn’t relate to this thread at all. So out of touch.

Anonymous wrote:This hits me as well. I just started making $125k a year as an attorney for the government. Spouse makes much more than I do in private practice, but we both work a 40 hour work week. 3 kids, none in college yet, but soon. House is paid off and we have good schools. Half my take home pay goes into the family budget, and only 20% of theirs does. which is much more than I pay, but I am able to fully fund my 401K, Backdoor Roth IRA, Treasury I Bonds, etc.. I am more flexible for kids doctor visits and sick days.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I earn 80,000, live in NY. Spouse makes a bit less. Luckily we are not huge spenders by nature. I’d just like to do more with our house, take more trips, but otherwise we are doing well.

+1

I live in Nevada. Like you I make 80k which goes farther here than it does in NY. I'm not a huge spender either. My current vehicle is 8 years old and paid off. I don't upgrade my cell phone every year and I cut off my cable TV last year. I live well and unlike many others, the recent cost of inflation increases didn't affect me one bit.

My lifestyle wouldn't change even if I started to make 200k per year.