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baghag
:P
Member since 5/05 10278 total posts
Name:
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by dpli I am not trying to point fingers at anyone in particular, but I think what puzzles some people is that sometimes you hear people saying they can't afford a house, but you see posts where people are saying they are willing to spend $1000 on a purse. It doesn't mean everyone is doing that, but I see this with people I know socially, (not on this site) and I wonder how they don't see how they are spending money on things that are unnecessary, and this just keeps them from achieving their dream of buying a house.
I know you aren't pointing a finger at me- but my purses are a once a year expense. I definitely am not able to buy a 1k purse on a monthly basis. The amount doesn't make or break the house savings, in my case. Kwim?
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Posted 3/28/06 10:50 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by lullabella
Posted by marymoon
It's almost not worth both parents working with the cost of day care!
Obviously this depends on how much you make, whether or not you need health insurance, etc.... For me it made sense to go back to work, even with the cost of daycare. I could have stayed home, we would have had to change our spending habits, which would have been ok but in the end I decided I like working so I went back.
Of course it varies. But it seems like for a lot of people,. the cost of daycare, plus money for work clothes, commuting, can make it not worth it. It's just really hard either way for working families.
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Posted 3/28/06 10:50 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by patti08
You should try using Quicken or Microsoft Money. It changed our spending habits drastically, we were able to see our debt disappear and save for a house that we know is within our means.
Before we spoke to our accountant we thought we couldn't afford what we bought but in actualilty, we bought a house $70K higher than originally planned, we are making extra payments to mortgage and saving more than we thougth we would each month.
I use Quicken. How did it help you to save more money?> Just because you had to see everything you spent, or did you use charts, etc?
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Posted 3/28/06 10:52 AM |
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lullabella
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 2246 total posts
Name:
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by marymoon
Posted by lullabella
Posted by marymoon
It's almost not worth both parents working with the cost of day care!
Obviously this depends on how much you make, whether or not you need health insurance, etc.... For me it made sense to go back to work, even with the cost of daycare. I could have stayed home, we would have had to change our spending habits, which would have been ok but in the end I decided I like working so I went back.
Of course it varies. But it seems like for a lot of people,. the cost of daycare, plus money for work clothes, commuting, can make it not worth it. It's just really hard either way for working families.
Definitely~ When you add in all the other expenses besides daycare, formula, diapers, etc.... It costs around $1500 a month. Add that to a $3000 mortgage I honestly don't know how most people do it.
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Posted 3/28/06 10:53 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by dpli It doesn't mean everyone is doing that, but I see this with people I know socially, (not on this site) and I wonder how they don't see how they are spending money on things that are unnecessary, and this just keeps them from achieving their dream of buying a house.
I agree with this completely. I have friends who are constantly talking about not being able to afford a house on LI who go on minimum 4-5 vacations a year, presents from Tiffany's for every anniversary/birthday, new clothes every season.
How they spend their money is their own business. But to not realize it puts them further from getting a house if you're spending more than a mortgage payment on these things is just foolish.
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Posted 3/28/06 10:54 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by lullabella
Posted by marymoon
Posted by lullabella
Posted by marymoon
It's almost not worth both parents working with the cost of day care!
Obviously this depends on how much you make, whether or not you need health insurance, etc.... For me it made sense to go back to work, even with the cost of daycare. I could have stayed home, we would have had to change our spending habits, which would have been ok but in the end I decided I like working so I went back.
Of course it varies. But it seems like for a lot of people,. the cost of daycare, plus money for work clothes, commuting, can make it not worth it. It's just really hard either way for working families.
Definitely~ When you add in all the other expenses besides daycare, formula, diapers, etc.... It costs around $1500 a month. Add that to a $3000 mortgage I honestly don't know how most people do it.
I have to hand it to people who have done it. My parents raised 2 kids and sent 2 kids to college (my sister also to catholic school for 12 years), on less (even inflation adjusted) than what my FH and I ahve been living off of, and we sometimes feel we can barely make ends meet
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Posted 3/28/06 10:55 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by lullabella Definitely~ When you add in all the other expenses besides daycare, formula, diapers, etc.... It costs around $1500 a month. Add that to a $3000 mortgage I honestly don't know how most people do it.
My daycare is up over $23K a year. Unfortunately it doesn't just end when they go to elementary school since I'll need before & after care to get to my 9-5 job on time.
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Posted 3/28/06 10:56 AM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name: D
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by baghag
I know you aren't pointing a finger at me- but my purses are a once a year expense. I definitely am not able to buy a 1k purse on a monthly basis. The amount doesn't make or break the house savings, in my case. Kwim?
I wasn't, and honestly, it wasn't my intent to insult anyone here. I think if you have a once a year indulgence and you can afford it, then that's great! I am thinking more of people who I work with, who complain on almost a daily basis how they can't afford to live on Long Island and I sit there calculating in my head how much they have just spent that day on buying breakfast, lunch and snacks, and every new DVD that comes out.
I also think that so many Americans have allowed themselves to be convinced that so much of what people have are necessities, instead of luxuries or extras.
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Posted 3/28/06 11:37 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name: Me
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by dpli
Posted by baghag
I know you aren't pointing a finger at me- but my purses are a once a year expense. I definitely am not able to buy a 1k purse on a monthly basis. The amount doesn't make or break the house savings, in my case. Kwim?
I wasn't, and honestly, it wasn't my intent to insult anyone here. I think if you have a once a year indulgence and you can afford it, then that's great! I am thinking more of people who I work with, who complain on almost a daily basis how they can't afford to live on Long Island and I sit there calculating in my head how much they have just spent that day on buying breakfast, lunch and snacks, and every new DVD that comes out.
I also think that so many Americans have allowed themselves to be convinced that so much of what people have are necessities, instead of luxuries or extras.
That's true--I can't count the number of people I know who say they need an SUV because they have kids. Now, my parents had two kids and never had an SUV, and we played more sports than anyone and always had friends driving with us...We squished! There is no way I would say an SUV is a necessity with the gas guzzling they do. If I lived somewhere where it snowed much more than here, maybe, but no matter how much money I had I wouldn't buy an SUV because of what they do to the environment. Everyone should and does what they want, but it's true that we all need to step back and see whether what we rationalize buying is truly needed.
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Posted 3/28/06 11:41 AM |
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emilain
UNREAL!!!!!!!!
Member since 5/05 4457 total posts
Name: Mama
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by nov04libride
Posted by dpli
Posted by baghag
I know you aren't pointing a finger at me- but my purses are a once a year expense. I definitely am not able to buy a 1k purse on a monthly basis. The amount doesn't make or break the house savings, in my case. Kwim?
I wasn't, and honestly, it wasn't my intent to insult anyone here. I think if you have a once a year indulgence and you can afford it, then that's great! I am thinking more of people who I work with, who complain on almost a daily basis how they can't afford to live on Long Island and I sit there calculating in my head how much they have just spent that day on buying breakfast, lunch and snacks, and every new DVD that comes out.
I also think that so many Americans have allowed themselves to be convinced that so much of what people have are necessities, instead of luxuries or extras.
That's true--I can't count the number of people I know who say they need an SUV because they have kids. Now, my parents had two kids and never had an SUV, and we played more sports than anyone and always had friends driving with us...We squished! There is no way I would say an SUV is a necessity with the gas guzzling they do. If I lived somewhere where it snowed much more than here, maybe, but no matter how much money I had I wouldn't buy an SUV because of what they do to the environment. Everyone should and does what they want, but it's true that we all need to step back and see whether what we rationalize buying is truly needed.
Ok, once you have kids I truly think a mini-van/suv becomes a necessity (if you have 3 or more), by the time you put in all the carseats, stroller and god forbod you have to go foodshopping, you need the cargo space, plus, I use to squich with my friends in the backseat too, but that was 25 years ago when car seats were not mandatory for kids up to 80lbs, we use to fit 5 of us in the backseat of my Mom's littel MGB. So an SUV is a necessity as well as a comfort and accomodation issue for us.
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Posted 3/28/06 11:45 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name: Me
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by emilain
Posted by nov04libride
Posted by dpli
Posted by baghag
I know you aren't pointing a finger at me- but my purses are a once a year expense. I definitely am not able to buy a 1k purse on a monthly basis. The amount doesn't make or break the house savings, in my case. Kwim?
I wasn't, and honestly, it wasn't my intent to insult anyone here. I think if you have a once a year indulgence and you can afford it, then that's great! I am thinking more of people who I work with, who complain on almost a daily basis how they can't afford to live on Long Island and I sit there calculating in my head how much they have just spent that day on buying breakfast, lunch and snacks, and every new DVD that comes out.
I also think that so many Americans have allowed themselves to be convinced that so much of what people have are necessities, instead of luxuries or extras.
That's true--I can't count the number of people I know who say they need an SUV because they have kids. Now, my parents had two kids and never had an SUV, and we played more sports than anyone and always had friends driving with us...We squished! There is no way I would say an SUV is a necessity with the gas guzzling they do. If I lived somewhere where it snowed much more than here, maybe, but no matter how much money I had I wouldn't buy an SUV because of what they do to the environment. Everyone should and does what they want, but it's true that we all need to step back and see whether what we rationalize buying is truly needed.
Ok, once you have kids I truly think a mini-van/suv becomes a necessity (if you have 3 or more), by the time you put in all the carseats, stroller and god forbod you have to go foodshopping, you need the cargo space, plus, I use to squich with my friends in the backseat too, but that was 25 years ago when car seats were not mandatory for kids up to 80lbs, we use to fit 5 of us in the backseat of my Mom's littel MGB. So an SUV is a necessity as well as a comfort and accomodation issue for us.
I don't know, I would get one of the Volvo wagons before I got an SUV, but a minivan is a good option if you really need the room, and doesn't guzzle the gas of and SUV.
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Posted 3/28/06 11:47 AM |
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MommyofG
just the girls
Member since 5/05 9461 total posts
Name: Janice
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by emilain
Posted by nov04libride
Posted by dpli
Posted by baghag
I know you aren't pointing a finger at me- but my purses are a once a year expense. I definitely am not able to buy a 1k purse on a monthly basis. The amount doesn't make or break the house savings, in my case. Kwim?
I wasn't, and honestly, it wasn't my intent to insult anyone here. I think if you have a once a year indulgence and you can afford it, then that's great! I am thinking more of people who I work with, who complain on almost a daily basis how they can't afford to live on Long Island and I sit there calculating in my head how much they have just spent that day on buying breakfast, lunch and snacks, and every new DVD that comes out.
I also think that so many Americans have allowed themselves to be convinced that so much of what people have are necessities, instead of luxuries or extras.
That's true--I can't count the number of people I know who say they need an SUV because they have kids. Now, my parents had two kids and never had an SUV, and we played more sports than anyone and always had friends driving with us...We squished! There is no way I would say an SUV is a necessity with the gas guzzling they do. If I lived somewhere where it snowed much more than here, maybe, but no matter how much money I had I wouldn't buy an SUV because of what they do to the environment. Everyone should and does what they want, but it's true that we all need to step back and see whether what we rationalize buying is truly needed.
Ok, once you have kids I truly think a mini-van/suv becomes a necessity (if you have 3 or more), by the time you put in all the carseats, stroller and god forbod you have to go foodshopping, you need the cargo space, plus, I use to squich with my friends in the backseat too, but that was 25 years ago when car seats were not mandatory for kids up to 80lbs, we use to fit 5 of us in the backseat of my Mom's littel MGB. So an SUV is a necessity as well as a comfort and accomodation issue for us. I agree and most of the items today are bulky and round not like they used to be.
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Posted 3/28/06 11:47 AM |
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emilain
UNREAL!!!!!!!!
Member since 5/05 4457 total posts
Name: Mama
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by nov04libride
Ok, once you have kids I truly think a mini-van/suv becomes a necessity (if you have 3 or more), by the time you put in all the carseats, stroller and god forbod you have to go foodshopping, you need the cargo space, plus, I use to squich with my friends in the backseat too, but that was 25 years ago when car seats were not mandatory for kids up to 80lbs, we use to fit 5 of us in the backseat of my Mom's littel MGB. So an SUV is a necessity as well as a comfort and accomodation issue for us.
I don't know, I would get one of the Volvo wagons before I got an SUV, but a minivan is a good option if you really need the room, and doesn't guzzle the gas of and SUV.
The wagons are too small for car seats, it's great if you hve 1 or 2 children, but forget it if you have 3! Mini-vans and most SUVs have the samesize gas tanks.
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Posted 3/28/06 11:54 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name: Me
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by emilain
Posted by nov04libride
Ok, once you have kids I truly think a mini-van/suv becomes a necessity (if you have 3 or more), by the time you put in all the carseats, stroller and god forbod you have to go foodshopping, you need the cargo space, plus, I use to squich with my friends in the backseat too, but that was 25 years ago when car seats were not mandatory for kids up to 80lbs, we use to fit 5 of us in the backseat of my Mom's littel MGB. So an SUV is a necessity as well as a comfort and accomodation issue for us.
I don't know, I would get one of the Volvo wagons before I got an SUV, but a minivan is a good option if you really need the room, and doesn't guzzle the gas of and SUV.
The wagons are too small for car seats, it's great if you hve 1 or 2 children, but forget it if you have 3! Mini-vans and most SUVs have the samesize gas tanks.
I don't have kids, but I hear people with 1, 2 kids rationalizing it this way. I am just opposed to SUVs for many reasons, but my dad drives one now when it's just him...But a motorcyclist did die when he slid on rain and went under the SUV and broke his neck.
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Posted 3/28/06 11:56 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by nov04libride I am just opposed to SUVs for many reasons, but my dad drives one now when it's just him...But a motorcyclist did die when he slid on rain and went under the SUV and broke his neck.
If the motorcyclist drove in the rain, it was his fault he died - not an SUV. My feeling on the SUV thing - is I need room for a double stroller, room for 2-3 car seats & 4 wheel drive and can afford the gas - so it's not a waste of money.
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Posted 3/28/06 12:05 PM |
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Palebride
I am an amazing bakist
Member since 5/05 13673 total posts
Name: Lori
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by emilain
Ok, once you have kids I truly think a mini-van/suv becomes a necessity (if you have 3 or more), by the time you put in all the carseats, stroller and god forbod you have to go foodshopping, you need the cargo space, plus, I use to squich with my friends in the backseat too, but that was 25 years ago when car seats were not mandatory for kids up to 80lbs, we use to fit 5 of us in the backseat of my Mom's littel MGB. So an SUV is a necessity as well as a comfort and accomodation issue for us.
my parents had 4 kids in under 5 years (can you say insane???) and we did pretty well without an SUV....we always had a station wagon and we fit in well.
DH and I have already discussed that when we have kids, we'll have a station wagon rather than an SUV....
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Posted 3/28/06 12:22 PM |
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~Colleen~
my loves...
Member since 5/05 9129 total posts
Name: guess
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by Palebride
Posted by emilain
Ok, once you have kids I truly think a mini-van/suv becomes a necessity (if you have 3 or more), by the time you put in all the carseats, stroller and god forbod you have to go foodshopping, you need the cargo space, plus, I use to squich with my friends in the backseat too, but that was 25 years ago when car seats were not mandatory for kids up to 80lbs, we use to fit 5 of us in the backseat of my Mom's littel MGB. So an SUV is a necessity as well as a comfort and accomodation issue for us.
my parents had 4 kids in under 5 years (can you say insane???) and we did pretty well without an SUV....we always had a station wagon and we fit in well.
DH and I have already discussed that when we have kids, we'll have a station wagon rather than an SUV....
I was going to say, DH's parent's had 7 kids - they had a station wagon. Granted back then car seats weren't even used - forget about enforced. So while I see that things have changed - products have gotten bigger - I would agree that so have our wants and thus, our needs.
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Posted 3/28/06 12:27 PM |
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emilain
UNREAL!!!!!!!!
Member since 5/05 4457 total posts
Name: Mama
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by Palebride
Posted by emilain
Ok, once you have kids I truly think a mini-van/suv becomes a necessity (if you have 3 or more), by the time you put in all the carseats, stroller and god forbod you have to go foodshopping, you need the cargo space, plus, I use to squich with my friends in the backseat too, but that was 25 years ago when car seats were not mandatory for kids up to 80lbs, we use to fit 5 of us in the backseat of my Mom's littel MGB. So an SUV is a necessity as well as a comfort and accomodation issue for us.
my parents had 4 kids in under 5 years (can you say insane???) and we did pretty well without an SUV....we always had a station wagon and we fit in well.
DH and I have already discussed that when we have kids, we'll have a station wagon rather than an SUV....
you'll see when you have kids that a wagon is way toooooooo tight if you hvae more than 2 kids, it poses a safety issues because all car seats cannot fit safely, they are really packed together. And yesm I agree that years ago we all squished like sardines in our parent's backseat, but laws do not allow this anymore. I even remember sitting all the way in the way back of my parents wagon with a pillow and blanket on long trips talk about unsafe!! You could NEVER fit 4 or 5 kids in a wagon nowadays, you can really only put 2 seats in the 2nd row. So, if you have 2 kids, a wagin wmay be just right for you, I had a wagon with 2 and I personally felt very cramped for space.
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Posted 3/28/06 12:28 PM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by lullabella Definitely~ When you add in all the other expenses besides daycare, formula, diapers, etc.... It costs around $1500 a month. Add that to a $3000 mortgage I honestly don't know how most people do it.
My daycare is up over $23K a year. Unfortunately it doesn't just end when they go to elementary school since I'll need before & after care to get to my 9-5 job on time.
After-care is no where near as expensive as daycare though. I spend $11/day for my daughter while I spend almost $200/wk. for my son in daycare.
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Posted 3/28/06 12:28 PM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by lullabella
Posted by marymoon
It's almost not worth both parents working with the cost of day care!
Obviously this depends on how much you make, whether or not you need health insurance, etc.... For me it made sense to go back to work, even with the cost of daycare. I could have stayed home, we would have had to change our spending habits, which would have been ok but in the end I decided I like working so I went back.
I have to agree. Some people are working for the medical insurance or the 401K's. If you don't make alot of money, then it might be wiser to stay home. My daycare is about $200/week (less as it is pre-taxed at work) but since I make alot more than $200/wk. it makes sense for me to work. I don't see the point of stuggling so much that you are unhappy just to stay home. I don't think that makes happy kids.
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Posted 3/28/06 12:31 PM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by lorich
Posted by hazeleyes33
I find all of this amazing. I guess we just don't live a high lifestyle with big expensive cars and vacations but when we bought our house almost 10 years ago (yes, it was quite cheap), we were only making $35,000 combined! I still have our paychecks when we first got married to see how much we survived on and we made a total of $316 take home a week!! We lived in an apartment at that time but all our bills were always paid. I think people just want more and more and don't realize that they make ALOT of money.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I think this is a little harsh. We don't live a "high lifestyle with big expensive cars and vacations" either. You do not know everyone's situation and should think before typing.
I understand not everyone is out there spending all their money but I find it hard to believe someone making $250,000/yr. can complain that they can't afford a house. We do on soooo much less as many of my friends do who have bought within the last few years.
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Posted 3/28/06 12:35 PM |
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hazeleyes33
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 13060 total posts
Name: Ginger
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by MsG
Posted by lorich
Posted by hazeleyes33
I find all of this amazing. I guess we just don't live a high lifestyle with big expensive cars and vacations but when we bought our house almost 10 years ago (yes, it was quite cheap), we were only making $35,000 combined! I still have our paychecks when we first got married to see how much we survived on and we made a total of $316 take home a week!! We lived in an apartment at that time but all our bills were always paid. I think people just want more and more and don't realize that they make ALOT of money.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I think this is a little harsh. We don't live a "high lifestyle with big expensive cars and vacations" either. You do not know everyone's situation and should think before typing.
I think what you could get 10 years ago, house wise, with a 35k salary, you might need 100k + now.
I just checked my home's history. In 1998, 8 years ago, it sold for $141,500. When we bought it in 2005, we paid $340,000.
I think someone making under $100,000 could buy my house now. I could probably get about $300-$350. I don't own a large home. I know there is definately a difference but the point is, you don't have to have the biggest house to be able to own one. Even now with all of our raises, I could not afford something bigger with larger utilities bills.
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Posted 3/28/06 12:38 PM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name: Beth
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Re: Household Income?
we are in the $250-$300K a year bracket- and we have choosen not to buy a home yet
we do have a very "high lifestyle" 3 cars, lots of shopping, trips, etc- but don't get me wrong- we can afford to buy a house- but we don't just want a house- we want 4 bedrooms on a deep water canal - so we are waiting to see what the market does in the next year or so and we are still considering moving from NY
but my DH has his own business- so we have good months and bad
edited- I am also guilty of $1000 bags and $200 blow dryers- but I work hard and I get maybe 2 bags a year- for birthdays etc- not just because I want one today
Message edited 3/28/2006 12:43:43 PM.
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Posted 3/28/06 12:39 PM |
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PiyoPika566
talk to the hand
Member since 5/05 1436 total posts
Name: Stephanie
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Re: Household Income?
we make about $150K+, I think we are doing pretty well, we have no car payments, very minimal student loans and credit debts.. so our biggest expense is our mortgage.
I've known people who makes less and own properties. Anything is possible if you really put your effort into it.
YES, I for one buy $1000 bags, but it is not an everyday occurance. If I think it will set us back by spending that way, I would not do it. If we are not able to buy the things what we really want, why the h*ll are we working so hard for? JMO
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Posted 3/28/06 12:41 PM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name: Me
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Re: Household Income?
Posted by hazeleyes33 I think someone making under $100,000 could buy my house now. I could probably get about $300-$350. I don't own a large home. I know there is definately a difference but the point is, you don't have to have the biggest house to be able to own one. Even now with all of our raises, I could not afford something bigger with larger utilities bills.
I know I could buy a house now, but the houses we see for under $375 are smaller than our one bedroom condo that is 1200 square feet. I wouldn't buy a home with only 1 bathroom if we plan on raising a family there. So everyone has different criteria. If you search for any home under $300,000, you'll get some, but not in a desirable neighborhood, SD, or in awful shape.
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Posted 3/28/06 12:44 PM |
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