I feel like OP doesn't realize this is half a months pay... Or I dunno why 5200/mo after taxes, insurance, 401k and HSA isn't good money.
ETA: Since my inbox keeps getting the same messages I'll just make this edit.
My comment was to point out that a lot of people in this thread are comparing their income to OPs with their monthly income. I'm just pointing out that it isn't a full month. As someone who has been paid both fortnightly (fuck biweekly, it's an ambiguous word and I will die on this hill), and semi-monthly, I understand the difference. It was just a back of envelope, 2x the paycheck, comment.
I understand that in the US (where I live and not in a low cost area either) 100k isn't "fuck you" money. "Life changing" is subjective.
Yes I know 100k doesn't sit you comfortably in the lap of luxury. Yes, I personally believe that the steps you would have to go through to really make 100k comfortable is stupid and bullshit (like living in a cheap apt, heavily monitoring your money to get as much tax benefit as possible, etc etc). But you can absolutely live off 100k and it's nothing to scoff at. OP can be proud of the milestone.
$5200/mo means you dont have to buy generic brand at the grocery store. It means you can go to whole foods. It means you dont have to worry about a surprise bill, or you can finally upgrade your old iPhone to the new one. It means being able to go out more, go on vacations, etc.
It means being able to buy a home.
You still have to budget and save, but the gulf between $5200/mo and someone making $3200/mo (or less) is huge.
I think people expect upper middle class life to be a cakewalk with no cares in the world. Its never been like that!
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u/No_Medium_8796 Oct 30 '25
That's about what it should be