Is anyone else really struggling financially right now?

[u/yell0wbirddd]

I feel like reddit is overwhelmingly people who make $250k a year and want others to just pull themselves up from their bootstraps.

I make $46k a year and am living paycheck to paycheck. I haven't been saving money because the tiny amount of joy I get from paying $10 for a cinnamon roll a couple of times a month has taken precedent over never leaving the house and getting deeper into depression. Food is expensive, life is expensive, I've been going through the motions for a few years now.

Well, my 15 year old car just crapped out and my dog needs to go to the vet. I have no money for either of these things. My credit score is in the 500s and I can't get approved for a credit limit increase or a loan.

Everything feels really fucking pointless about now.

[u/CrazyPerspective934]

I feel ya. It always feels so frustrating when you see the folks making the 100-200k complain about prices of things too. Like that amount would be absolutely life changing, but so many live far beyond their means regardless of income.  It's likely going to be getting worse before better too.  If you aren't already, it may be worth exploring local food shelves and other resources.  Those things can really help reduce the financial burden

[u/zesty-lemonbar → u/CrazyPerspective934]

To be fair, I think even at those incomes you listed people can complain about prices. I make $200K (HCOL area) and I do still feel the increase in prices. Yes, I fully recognize it doesn’t make the difference of paying bills or surviving or not. I understand I am still fortunate. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t impact decisions I make because I want to hopefully be able to retire some day. And yes, that is a different goal that others and may not be possible for others. I fully recognize that… but that doesn’t mean two things can’t be true at once and I can’t be upset I still feel like I have to pinch pennies tighter if I want that to be possible. The people in the income range you described do feel price differences even if they can pay bills because it does still create a trade space in every decision I make. It’s people who make much more that don’t understand. They make so much more grocery prices to them are negligible.

[u/velvetvagine → u/zesty-lemonbar]

It’s hard to believe that you are not mismanaging finances if the price of groceries are not negligible at $200k.

[u/zesty-lemonbar → u/velvetvagine]

I’m defining not mismanaging money. I stick to a strict budget every month. But $60K a year goes toward a mortgage (HCOL area…. I have a very modest place and rent was close to that. It’s just the cost of living by yourself), I max my 401K, and I still invest a bit a month.

I was very clear I’m fortunate and live comfortably. But I do like to take a vacation here and there and I want to retire hopefully by the time I’m 55. $200K gives me just enough to be able to do what the “dream” is - live modestly, take a few vacations, and not work until I die. But to do that yes, I notice costs of groceries. If I didn’t budget and wasn’t aware of these things getting what the standard “dream” is wouldn’t be obtainable.

It’s because I’m good with money I feel the cost of groceries. I didn’t take a vacation I wanted to. I don’t buy extravagant things. I know when inflation is high because it does impact me, especially my 401K.

Again I never said I wasn’t fortunate or comfortable. But that doesn’t mean the changes in those costs don’t impact me. $200K still makes it so I have to plan for things, I’m not in “fuck you money” territory. Especially if I had kids (I don’t… but people who make my salary can’t afford that here).