At what income level do you begin to feel like you can breathe easier?

Question

At what point can you breathe and not feel afraid about whether you can cover bills for the month on time and make it to the next month?

Let's use USD for the poll, you can post the local amount and reasoning in the comments though. I know the numbers are going to be very different based on what part of the U. S. and world as well.

I started feeling comfortable when our income hit about $55,000 around 10 years ago. That was the point where I was no longer sweating while waiting desperately for the next paycheck to arrive to pay for things. Finally, we could breathe a bit easier. That amount allowed us to pay bills (including two mortgages) and have a bit left over each month to pay down debt.

Now, the amount would be higher. We've experienced a bit of lifestyle creep, two massive teenagers who eat way more, some inflation, and more mortgages. Let me run the math... We would need about $80,000 to hit that same level of ease today.

At what income level do you begin to feel like you can breathe easier?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

To me income is irrelevant. Total net worth is where it's at. Because the higher my net worth the higher my earning potential is. Last year I made 65k but that was all passive income. Because I don't work anymore. I never made that much in any year I worked to be honest. But I always saved, invested and lived well below my means. They say the avg. Salary in the United States is 53,500 a year. I could live off that EASILY. Is that wrong? I'm just not highfalutin and have no interest in being that way. I learned long ago I can NEVER make enough to be "RICH". So I don't try to be. I just try to be happy. And happiness does not come from the stuff I own.

But to answer your question when did I feel like I could relax a bit? I'd say when I hit about the 500k mark in net worth.

bolverk · Accepted Answer

It depends where you live, Cities will always cost more to live there than in Rural areas, and your sex, men can live comfortably on a lower income than women. I'm from the UK but lived in the US for 10 years on an income of approx $50K over a third of that went into savings,

Dinklex3 · Accepted Answer

Taking home at least 5.5k a month. Lots of wiggle room. You can go on vacations and save. After I graduate I plan on making at least 8k a month, but I don’t plan on working every month either. I’m single though so I only really have to take care of myself.

4/5 years ago I was fine with the idea of making at least 40k (despite the nagging from my parents) yet now, the thought of me making anything less than 60k makes me cringe. Guess my parents were right even though I thought their expectations were crazy as a young adult.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Right now being super poor and a contractor, 50000 would be enough to feel good right now. In the big scheme of things going over 70k is just fine. I don't live in a big city so anything over 40k is nice right now. If I lived in Baltimore, I would feel more comfortable at 70k+

Paul09 · Answer

I feel what you did back then. Never feel like I have enough to live a proper full life. Realistically I'm changing jobs soon, so 75k to 100k and up would be perfect for me. And I would not have to worry if I have enough money. Or have zero debts. Have enough for emergencies, vacation and Reno's .

systemsareyo · Answer

Something about seeing numbers like $100,000 (six figures ) lol, feels to some simpleton spender like me like a million dollars 😂

NathanDavis · Answer

as a manager... it's my job to never relax... lol

IslaTheWitch · Answer

I selected my current salary range. It's more than enough to relax. But it means I have to invest. I like to be constantly challenged. So, no relaxation, no stagnation :D

Paris13 · Answer

20 Thousand and Up. Good Start to Breathe Easier and Not have to Worry. Plus having Good Credit. xxoo

Joshydavid25 · Answer

$55,000 - $75,000 seems like a good amount not to worry and live paycheck to paycheck.. Especially depending on where you live.. And also if you know how to manage your money..

dolemite58 · Answer

It’s all relative to where you live I suppose, once I started making above 50k it definitely helped big time. Being able to afford a reliable car that you’re not constantly worried is gunna always break down make life so much easier.

BoopBoopBeep · Answer

Depends where you live. $50k in Idaho and $50k in NYC are not the same thing. I make over twice the median household income where I live. I could give up 20% and not really be concerned probably.

Yoursweetgirl · Answer

In my country 2k$ a month is a pretty good income, 3k$ - you breath easier, 4k you're rich 😂

shortster · Answer

$35,000 . Though with inflation it is probably going to be $50,000 soon.

exitseven · Answer

Between 100 150k. I think on the high end of that. And we are talking about two people with no debt.

Jennz6 · Answer

As much as I can make because of the inflation Biden has caused

James_Likes_PPL · Answer

A couple years ago it would be 75-100. But bidenomics really hits hard.

legalboxers · Answer

you breathe when you can put 4 squares and a roof, food on the table, pay for your house and car insurance, and able to provide for your family

DJB72 · Answer

As Howard Hughes said, "just a little more"

drtfyfygug · Answer

75,000-100,000

Anonymous · Answer

For me it needs to be at least 70k

At what income level do you begin to feel like you can breathe easier?

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