<prompt> Human: My wife finished nursing school in January and started working in February. After 5 yrs at my job, then getting a few network certifications, I was picked up at another company in January. What does this mean? Well before this, my wife and I were scratching the surface of 35,000 a year between the both of us. Now, after doing some calculations. By the end of the year. It is possible to hit a high 85,000. After so many years, of surviving, and struggling. Our credit is horrendous, rental history is bad too. We just dont know where to start. We want to buy a home this time next year. Would that even be possible?Assistant: Learn what life style inflation means and avoid it while focusing on cleaning up your finances and saving money dont change your spending patterns until then. Also be very careful letting your peers many of whom were probably making what you made before know what you are making now. Human: I try not to brag but out of curiosity. Why not tell them? Im sure they will ask.  <response>: When there is a big difference in income it has a tendency to bring out the greedy side of some people this sometimes includes family. Maybe its just an extra round of beers every now and then, maybe they need help making rent or a car payment. But now they know they can turn to you now because they know you make 3-4kmonth more than them so whats a few hundred. Maybe no one will change, and maybe theyd be diligent about paying you back, but there is no guarantee. I think its best to avoid specifics and keep things vague if asked. Even just yeah Im making more and its great to finally be paying off these old debts is better. You both worked hard to better and improve yourselves and your position and you should be the ones to benefit first. Its unlikely telling people with help you out at all, but there is a very real chance maybe not a large chance it just depends on the people you know that telling the wrong people could hurt you financially or hurt your friendships. 