Could you live on this Monthly budget?

[duraaraa 203]

What I meant is that my kids cost me far more than $2060 a month when they were living on my dime, before they were able to hold jobs themselves. Based on that I can't understand how an adult can live with on that.

In any case, my point is not whether one can live on that or not, so much as I think an net income of $2060 is laughable no matter who gets it. And it gets downright shameful when you consider there are adults in the US working two jobs to make that much.

If my wife and older daughter can make that much when they get work permission, I would be thrilled.

Who is responsible for those adults who made a decision not to go or drop out of the school, who made a decision not to acquire any trade skills?

There are lot of jobs out there which make pretty good money even without a 4 yr degree but one has to put effort.

If you don't have a degree, you have to find a niche job. Learn a foreign language (I got my job because I can speak fluent Japanese). Learn to program IBM AS/400s or something else equally rare and still useful. If you have a special skill that not many others have, you can find a decent job, even if you gained those skills on your own, without education.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

You probably can't even get a mobile home in a trailer park for 75k here -- I don't think there's anything available in my neighborhood for less than 500 or 600k.

My company actually has work in Georgia... maybe I should ask for a transfer

600K here would have you in a very very upscale home.. Maybe on the lake, with swimming pool,,3200 sq ft ,

Here is what 550K will get you around here

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/159-Waters-Edge-Dr-Lizella-GA-31052/76350406_zpid/

[khwaidee1 196]

What I meant is that my kids cost me far more than $2060 a month when they were living on my dime, before they were able to hold jobs themselves. Based on that I can't understand how an adult can live with on that.

In any case, my point is not whether one can live on that or not, so much as I think an net income of $2060 is laughable no matter who gets it. And it gets downright shameful when you consider there are adults in the US working two jobs to make that much.

Damn, I wish I had you as a parent! We got an occasional "allowance" for mowing the lawn etc. One I told my parents I "needed" to buy a surfboard, they said great, how will you pay for it? Started pumping gas at 13 and have been working ever since.

I also find some irony in the comments here given that on the K1 board there is frequent discussion of meeting 125% of the poverty guidelines to bring over their fiancee/e, or $19,387 a year for two and how many need co-sponsors.

And in many two parent households both parents work which would be 64K a year which seems doable, maybe not in Calif or Hawaii though.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Damn, I wish I had you as a parent! We got an occasional "allowance" for mowing the lawn etc. One I told my parents I "needed" to buy a surfboard, they said great, how will you pay for it? Started pumping gas at 13 and have been working ever since.

I also find some irony in the comments here given that on the K1 board there is frequent discussion of meeting 125% of the poverty guidelines to bring over their fiancee/e, or $19,387 a year for two and how many need co-sponsors.

And in many two parent households both parents work which would be 64K a year which seems doable, maybe not in Calif or Hawaii though.

LOL. My kids have always complained I had too many surfboards! Seriously! And yes, depending on where you live in California, 64K won't get you the time of day... It's the price you pay for a piece of paradise...

Edited September 4, 2013 by Gegel

[Ban Hammer 13,590]

Maybe these jobs weren't ever intended as careers, but the reality is millions people in the United States have few other options open to them. You bused tables, and bagged groceries while attending classes at university. Big deal! It is very easy to put your head down and force yourself to put in long hours when you know that these things are only temporary, lots of kids aren't lucky and if MEMBERS like your good self could see your nose you might actually understand why not everybody is able to do what you did.

Why do some folks seem to consider empathy for others, such a dirty word?

post removed, disparaging term removed, and word replaced (in bold). post returned to viewing.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

You probably can't even get a mobile home in a trailer park for 75k here -- I don't think there's anything available in my neighborhood for less than 500 or 600k.

My company actually has work in Georgia... maybe I should ask for a transfer

And maybe you should not. GA is inexpensive for a reason.

[Operator 1,927]

And maybe you should not. GA is inexpensive for a reason.

Because of its proximity for FL?

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I can't imagine spending 600k on a house here.

We spent 140k for a 4 bed/2 bath, single family home.

[Peikko 1,575]

I can't imagine spending 600k on a house here.

We spent 140k for a 4 bed/2 bath, single family home.

You'd be lucky to get a garden shed for the price where I live.

[Marilyn. 340]

we live on about $45,000 a year in SoCal. We aren't living in the lap of luxury but we are not living in the gutter either. We have two vehicles, a roof over our heads in a decent neighborhood, we have food in our fridge etc....

we plan to buy a house next year once our bills are paid off and we save up some money. the neighborhoods we are looking at you can get a decent house for around $200,000.

[Harsh_77 718]

If my wife and older daughter can make that much when they get work permission, I would be thrilled.

If you don't have a degree, you have to find a niche job. Learn a foreign language (I got my job because I can speak fluent Japanese). Learn to program IBM AS/400s or something else equally rare and still useful. If you have a special skill that not many others have, you can find a decent job, even if you gained those skills on your own, without education.

You do not need a niche job to earn a decent living, plumbers, electricians, truck drivers bring in pretty decent salary.

Avg salary for plumber for 2011 is $47,750 don't ask me why but for some reason in Vineland NJ it is upto $84,030.

http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/plumber/salary

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Because of its proximity for FL?

Nah, that ain't it. Try again.

[duraaraa 203]

You do not need a niche job to earn a decent living, plumbers, electricians, truck drivers bring in pretty decent salary.

Avg salary for plumber for 2011 is $47,750 don't ask me why but for some reason in Vineland NJ it is upto $84,030.

http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/plumber/salary

Yes, it's certainly possible, but it's not easy to find such a job in the current job market, unless you have some kind of niche skill or you know someone -- that's what I've found, anyway.

[Karee 4,191]

Some jobs were never meant to be "careers" that would that would allow you to raise a family, pay all necessary expenses etc. Some jobs are meant to bridge the gap and teach one work ethics. When I was in college I bagged groceries at a supermarket and bussed tables in a restaurant. Both were full time, 5 days a week and all my classes were on Tuesday/Thursday. It was tough but allowed me to support myself while finished my degrees.

Exactly. I see these fast food workers protesting about their wages, and I think "Get a better job." If they can't get a better job, why is that their current employer's problem?

[Teddy B 17,252]

I can't imagine spending 600k on a house here.

We spent 140k for a 4 bed/2 bath, single family home.

That's a steal compared to Massachusetts Penny. In our area a half decent 4bed/2bath house would go for 350K and up, and that's low end. If you throw in a modern kitchen, some land and a garage you're easily over 400K.

Edited September 5, 2013 by Teddy B