Do you guys save only 10k net per year? (San Jose: apartments, renting)

[TrapperJohn]

I don't see depreciation expense for your vehicles or enough budgeted for gas. Even if your cars are paid for, there is an expense associated with owning them. I don't know where you are moving from, but be prepared to drive here. Gas is high here. And even if you live close to work, with no kids you will probably want to travel - you included a line item for travel. $2600 is about the average fuel cost per vehicle. At 13,000 miles a year per vehicle at 20mpg it's $2600 at $4 a gallon.

It's a good estimate, but think accrual instead of cash.

Either way, you'll be in good shape. The 401k is maxed and you are contributing to a ROTH.

[TrapperJohn]

I'd check your federal tax also. Your taxable income is reduced by the 401(k).

Take the $150,000 and subtract $17,000, which is the 2012 max. The ROTH is after tax money. If you don't itemize, your taxes at the 2011 rate will be $980 per bi-weekly period. Next year the rates go up. Add another $240 per period if Taxmageddon takes affect.

[karwosts]

2500 for a 1BR in sunnyvale looks pretty high to me, unless you're looking for some ultimate luxury new construction. I've got a fairly nice 2br/1ba 950sf. unit in Sunnyvale for 1800, and that seems like about average for around here lately.

[sonarrat]

I put more than that away a year living on $60,000 base salary. It's all about the choices you make. Just because you're making a lot of money, doesn't mean you can throw it away. Almost anything on that list can be done for less than listed. Who has $400 worth of unreimbursed travel expenses a month?

[vrhunski]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

I put more than that away a year living on $60,000 base salary. It's all about the choices you make. Just because you're making a lot of money, doesn't mean you can throw it away. Almost anything on that list can be done for less than listed. Who has $400 worth of unreimbursed travel expenses a month?

400$ per month on year is 4800$.
If he is from Europe only air plane ticket will cost (for two persons) 2500$.

[vrhunski]

Originally Posted by jaypee

Well, not too many people make 150k.

I am not sure if that is one salary or for both of them. Also if only he is working maybe his wife should find some job

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by vrhunski

400$ per month on year is 4800$.
If he is from Europe only air plane ticket will cost (for two persons) 2500$.

I've known plenty of people from Europe and even further away for that matter, and they weren't going back to visit twice a year. Maybe once every other year. The cost of traveling that far is prohibitive for anyone who operates on a budget.

[blauskies]

Originally Posted by jaypee

Well, not too many people make 150k.

You are right, average salary in Silicon Valley is around $104K. I know of some Stanford grads with Masters who are not even earning $150K, maybe a Director or VP but typical Engineer not in software, probably not. Most start-ups typically pay less since cash is tight.

Average Silicon Valley Tech Salary Passes $100,000 - WSJ.com

Also with a lot of start-ups, the pay period is monthly not bi-weekly.

Stock options have to be purchased albeit at a discounted rate.

[blauskies]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

I put more than that away a year living on $60,000 base salary. It's all about the choices you make. Just because you're making a lot of money, doesn't mean you can throw it away. Almost anything on that list can be done for less than listed. Who has $400 worth of unreimbursed travel expenses a month?

I am sure for a single person with little to no debt, car paid in full or no car at all and lives a miser style lifestyle it's realistic, In-N-Out is considered fine dining. Surely can't go downtown and pay for the parking that often or drive too far.

If your paying the average rent in the valley which is around $1811/month, you can figure more than 2 weeks of your salary per month will be covering that.

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/...verage-monthly

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by blauskies

You are right, average salary in Silicon Valley is around $104K. I know of some Stanford grads with Masters who are not even earning $150K, maybe a Director or VP but typical Engineer not in software, probably not. Most start-ups typically pay less since cash is tight.

Average Silicon Valley Tech Salary Passes $100,000 - WSJ.com

Also with a lot of start-ups, the pay period is monthly not bi-weekly.

Stock options have to be purchased albeit at a discounted rate.

Don't underestimate the value of benefits... Over the last decade... many companies have cut back.

I have very good friends that have done very well on company stock and others, that took stock in lieu of wages not do so well.