So, it would appear as though my internal monologue that became an external thought stirred up some conversation here. Sorry about that.
But, a few questions in there. The $1700/mo avg rent for an apartment was based on a .3sec Google search and just taking the first value it spit out. I know that the amount one pays for rent/mortgage makes a huge difference on where the dwelling is, how far/near it is from everything, how old the unit is, how long the agreement (rent agreement and mortgages, some are fixed) has been, and many other factors. Again, I was just spit balling there trying to understand the economic impact of those salary numbers being discussed (and, I like to see the numbers as it helps me understand things).
As for me, I have 3 income streams, these combine to about 3x the national average previously quoted. I am the only income source in my household (spouse does not work) so I effectively pay for everything (I earn the money, she manages the budget as she is more frugal than I am); I'm married with 3 kids (1 in college, 1 in HS, 1 in MS). I have a mortgage that is 1yr old and is more than double the national average amount quoted earlier (I sold my house in VA when I moved to FL last year, got a slightly smaller house but mortgage is about twice as much, mostly due to market boom and to the interest rates increasing). I have no car payments (3 cars, 1 motorcycle, all paid for). If I was to boil it all down, I'd say we do ok overall. Could be better, could be a lot worse. But, it basically takes 3 incomes to be able to say that; and inflation still has a noticeable effect even where I am financially. If I were to drop any 1 of the 3, it would be a significant impact to where I would be looking for more work.
