<prompt> Human: That amount becomes 45.2k after taxes and deductions and company car costs. So that gives me 3700month to work with, and the essentials 850 mortgage, 80 gas, 80 hydro, 180 car and home insurance, 70 water, 340 property taxes gives me about 2100month to spend. Some non essentials is one 65 cell phone bill, a 130 cableinternet bill which I am trying to negotiate, a 50 gym membership which needs to end, about 100 is automobile gas and repairs... gives about 1700.I dont eat at restaurants much anymore, and trying to spend 150wk in groceries. The newborn expenses are tough though.Long story short, Im bleeding about 300-500 every month. I thought that was an above average salary. I wouldnt be able to handle a big car repair, or sudden expense. Is this normal for new parents? To eventually go into debt?Assistant: I think youre comparing yourself to the average salary in your area when you should be comparing yourself to the average household income. If it seems like youre the only one falling behind, you may be comparing yourself to two-income households. Is your household income on par with your area? Would your SO be able to make more than childcare costs if they had a salary as well? To your last question, I dont think its normal to go into debt when you have a kid, especially if you have no plan to pay it off.Human: Yes, thats probably it. Its sad though, that you have to earn what may be the upper quartile of income to support a family with a stay at home mom  <response>: Stay at home moms arent a middle class reality anymore. 