What would we need to make???

[mike6623]

Originally Posted by PalmSpringsDan

Have you considered going to medical school to become a doctor? They make pretty good money in Hawaii.

I don't think that is for me, plus I don't want to go to school for 8-10 years before I can move

[mike6623]

I mean, i have a friend there who is in the marines and he knows a guy there that lives with his girlfriend. The guy makes 35,000 a year and his girl makes 41,000 a year. They have been there for 5 years and live in a nice area. They pay 1400 in rent. Oh yeah, they said they have never seen a gallon of milk for 10 dollars. I hate when people write that. So if they can do it and be fine why does everyone say that it would be impossible to live on what they live on

[MeginSchool]

I didn't see anyone say it would be impossible. Just trying to make sure you know the reality before you move. As far as grocery prices go, you can search foodland's website for the current flier to give you an idea of prices. Personally I think 2 people could make it on 60K with enough concessions on lifestyle.

I am also not trying to discourage you, but more make sure that the reality is known. It would stink to get to Hawaii then be slapped with the reality stick a few times.

[hotzcatz]

I just averaged out all the money we sent out in bills for the past nine years and it averages out to $1,270 per month. That does NOT include rent, food, electricity or car payments or repairs. There are two of us living here with two cars, two dogs and assorted poultry. Figure that as a basis for "general expenditures" such as gasoline, propane (we cook and heat water with propane), insurance, doctor bills, vet bills, car registration, car parts, household expenses such as paint and miscellaneous, etc. Almost all of our clothes and a lot of other general household stuff we get at thrift shops and yard sales. To customize it to your situation, add in the rent of $1,500 a month, add in $600 a month for groceries and household supplies. Figure $180 a month for electricity, it might be less, it might be more. So, that's $3,550 a month. That's an after tax annual amount of $42,600 so add twenty five percent to that and you'd need to make a gross pay of $53,250 per year. So, if each of you is working, you'd need to make $26,625 per year gross income.

[mike6623]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

I just averaged out all the money we sent out in bills for the past nine years and it averages out to $1,270 per month. That does NOT include rent, food, electricity or car payments or repairs. There are two of us living here with two cars, two dogs and assorted poultry. Figure that as a basis for "general expenditures" such as gasoline, propane (we cook and heat water with propane), insurance, doctor bills, vet bills, car registration, car parts, household expenses such as paint and miscellaneous, etc. Almost all of our clothes and a lot of other general household stuff we get at thrift shops and yard sales. To customize it to your situation, add in the rent of $1,500 a month, add in $600 a month for groceries and household supplies. Figure $180 a month for electricity, it might be less, it might be more. So, that's $3,550 a month. That's an after tax annual amount of $42,600 so add twenty five percent to that and you'd need to make a gross pay of $53,250 per year. So, if each of you is working, you'd need to make $26,625 per year gross income.

I can't believe you don't count electricity or car payment as bills! That does not sound as if it would be that difficult, I mean 27000 gross a year each is doable for sure. Thanks for you response man!

[hotzcatz]

Sorry, no electric or car payments. We aren't connected to the electric grid and all the cars are paid for the moment we get them. We are, however, invested in Hawaiian Electric, they pay us dividends.

[hilobound]

Originally Posted by mike6623

I can't believe you don't count electricity or car payment as bills! That does not sound as if it would be that difficult, I mean 27000 gross a year each is doable for sure. Thanks for you response man!

That number would have us in the poor house after retirement savings and giving. The tax is what really gets you we pay more like 30% and i dont even have a job yet. Also doctors get payed chump change here compared to the main land. We have a buddy thats getting like $160'000 a year to work in Hilo. Good luck on 50000 or less unless you dont give or set back for your old age.

[mike6623]

So you honestly think that if we each made 27000 gross per year each we would be ok? We have 2 dogs as well. Anyways thanks man, you have been helpful.

[VanHa]

Originally Posted by mike6623

So you honestly think that if we each made 27000 gross per year each we would be ok? We have 2 dogs as well. Anyways thanks man, you have been helpful.

Yes mike...27,000 each will get you a very modest living in Hawaii...as a start and hopefully after that promotions will be in the works for both of you and your pay will then increase so that you can start building your savings.

[mike6623]

Thanks for the input guys and gals!