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I was running some reports, I am a numbers guy and have every single expense dating back to 2006 recorded in Quicken But it's astonishing how much I have spent... here are some gems:
Average monthly over the last 65 months:
Eating out - $602
Groceries - $156
Vacations - $658
Rent - $1176
Motorcycles - $354
Fuel - $130
Entertainment - $56
Autos (including fuel, service etc.) - $347
Total average monthly expenditure - $3,918
Total average monthly net income - $6,672
Average savings rate: 41%
I still managed to save 41% of my income monthly which I think is OK, but could've done better. I think my expenditures are crazy, $750/mo. on Food? WTF? That is insane. I just eat out too much and spend a lot on alcohol (2-3 beers/day add up)
So, my case in point - I think I spend quite a bit but I still have a good buffer and no debt... I know people don't spend as much eating out, never take any vacations and have no hobbies, are DUAL income and yet are living paycheck to paycheck. What are they doing with their money?
You think you set the standards for the whole world? Count your blessing rather than gloat and compare yourself to people who weren't even born in the ball park let alone on home plate.
With those numbers you are making over $140k cause that is about what I make and my net is less.
So I think it's pretty easy to see how people won't have money since >$140k is quite a high income, I don't have numbers but guessing at least top 10%. Kinda a sh!!ty humble brag post.
There's NO REASON to not be at least Middle Class. I graduated with a 2.2 GPA in both college and high school, and I have a 7 figure net worth before the age of 50.
However, I'm the first one in the office, I do as my boss tells me, I don't complain about unimportant things, and I married a hard-working and honest woman. I don't do drugs and I keep my body and mind in shape.
I was running some reports, I am a numbers guy and have every single expense dating back to 2006 recorded in Quicken But it's astonishing how much I have spent... here are some gems:
Average monthly over the last 65 months:
Eating out - $602
Groceries - $156
Vacations - $658
Rent - $1176
Motorcycles - $354
Fuel - $130
Entertainment - $56
Autos (including fuel, service etc.) - $347
Total average monthly expenditure - $3,918
Total average monthly net income - $6,672
Average savings rate: 41%
I still managed to save 41% of my income monthly which I think is OK, but could've done better. I think my expenditures are crazy, $750/mo. on Food? WTF? That is insane. I just eat out too much and spend a lot on alcohol (2-3 beers/day add up)
So, my case in point - I think I spend quite a bit but I still have a good buffer and no debt... I know people don't spend as much eating out, never take any vacations and have no hobbies, are DUAL income and yet are living paycheck to paycheck. What are they doing with their money?
There's NO REASON to not be at least Middle Class. I graduated with a 2.2 GPA in both college and high school, and I have a 7 figure net worth before the age of 50.
However, I'm the first one in the office, I do as my boss tells me, I don't complain about unimportant things, and I married a hard-working and honest woman. I don't do drugs and I keep my body and mind in shape.
I have very little sympathy for poor people.
Ooooookayyyyyy, I just GOTTA ask, what do you DO that earns you enough to have a 7 figure net worth?
I work with a bunch of people who make within a few cents per hour of minimum wage, several of whom have college degrees.
Status:
"I don't understand. But I don't care, so it works out."
(set 10 days ago)
35,636 posts, read 17,989,189 times
Reputation: 50678
This thread hurts my heart.
If you really wonder why people in the US struggle, despite the OP's obvious success and Flashes1's success, I'd recommend reading "Hand to Mouth" by Linda Tirado.
Personally, I live comfortably but completely understand there are people in the US who try as hard as they can and they're still struggling. I get it. This thread just seems kind of mean-spirited.
Embarrassing post by the OP, they're better than this.
why is it embarassing? Embarassing to whom and why? People regularly post numbers in this forum, it's the Personal Finance forum in case you haven't been following. It's amazing that people think I am wealthy, I am actually poor, I live in Southern California - a place with astonishing wealth... people around me drive Range Rovers, live in million dollar homes, wear $300 jeans etc. and you're telling me that I am rich? I don't do those things and neither can I afford to so give me a break!
The food isn't super high if you're spending 8k on vacations. I'm guessing that you're spending a lot more dining when you travel which skews the average.
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But it's astonishing how much I have spent... here are some gems:
That is insane. I just eat out too much and spend a lot on alcohol (2-3 beers/day add up)
