i used to think $75k was "made it" money. i do not buy anything for myself. i just pay for childcare, mortgage, and bills. i now make $135k and where i live (pnw) that leaves me underwater each month. i luckily have tons of savings from when i was young and single, but i now have to draw down from my retirement just to cover the deficit. i stopped contributing to my 401k so i could have the extra money. i'm literally throwing a 10% match away because i can't afford it. i wear old clothes, the cars are paid off. my wife cooks most of our meals. mortgage is only $2500 a month. my monthly take after taxes is ~$8800. i buy nothing for myself. it's unbelievable. i don't know how people can get by.
United States