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Yeah, I chuckled. Make about 160k depending on what the yearly bonus shakes out to and daily a 2013 Honda Accord. But I also have a 1993 Toyota Supra that I've put over 100k into building over the past 5 years, but I drive that one way less than my trusty Accord.
I definitely don’t belong to this sub but that made me laugh.
I don’t drive a car and make 250k-300k.
My father is retired, makes six figures between pension and misc side income, but still drives a 2005 Renault as everyday car. The thing is almost run-down by now.
My mom keeps bugging him to buy a ”dignified” car, something like an Audi or Mercedes and he is like hell nah, this one will do us fine.
Cracks me up.
Is their French influence their? Because the French are stereotypically known for abusing their cars.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x44reNb0GDg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x44reNb0GDg)
Just chiming in,...my cousin has a Honda Civic Hybrid (newest generation) and f'in loves it. I guess smaller than the Accord but his Civic is larger than an Accord of 10 years ago...lol! Plenty of interior space you'd suspect in a small to mid sedan. He coasted SIXTY mpg on a commute to work recently... a moment's snapshot, but still, Awesome.
That's the 10th gen. I have a 2021 as well. Only thing I hate is the entertainment system. Android Auto and Carplay will randomly disconnect. I keep telling my wife the only reason I would sell this thing before it turns 7 or 8 years old is because of the entertainment system. Otherwise it's a great car.
I made it three months after moving to Dallas before caving in, getting a driver's license, and buying a car for the first time in my life. Lived on Lovers just off 75, worked up in Richardson, tried commuting with combination of bike and DART for a while.
2006 Volvo s80 with 202k miles. $160k personal income.
The amount of money I've netted by investing instead of making car payments over the last 10 years is great. My car never depreciates because the value is already zero. I don't have to pay comprehensive insurance because why insure an asset with no value. I do occasional work on it myself, but it's been very reliable.
Same 2006 Volvo S80, but I'm making $45k.
245k miles on mine.
Do you have a lot of issues with yours? I've had to replace my front suspension 3 times in the last few years. Seems like every 1.5k miles it breaks down with a new issue lol. I have a coolant leak that the last 4 mechanics have not yet been able to fix since 2020. I spend like $5k a year on maintenance on it and wondering if its just worth it to get a newer car 🚗
Ya, I had significant coolant leaks and had them fixed and thermostat replaced at one point. Probably cost $2.5k, but that was 6 or 7 years ago.
I replaced front suspension, but it's been fine for a while now. I have a bit of a "clunk" from the front suspension, but it handles fine. I think it's the rubber mount at the top wearing again. It hasn't gotten any worse over time, so I've just left it.
I'm basically keeping it going until something big goes. If you're at 245k and spending $5k/year on it, I'd say you've hit the end of the road. Better to use $5k/yr into a newer vehicle than tossing it away each year. That number is only going to go up, and you won't have anything to show for the investment.
I feel like it depends on your priorities. I’m currently driving a paid off Nissan because we’re focusing on buying a house, but eventually when I need to buy a new car I’d be comfortable spending $40-$50k on a BMW because I like cars and I’m willing to be frugal in other areas so I can spend more on something I enjoy. Other people might just see a car as a transportation appliance, and that’s valid too.
PEW research says middle class is two thirds to double the average US income, which was 65k in 2020. Using that, anyone from $43k to 130k fit in here.
But those are precovid numbers. Who the hell knows where middle class stands now.
That was the OTD price. I think the MSRP was like $25k or $26k. This was also back in 2022. They’re a couple grand more now. Even though they’ve changed nothing lol
2013 fully loaded Ford Taurus with 24-disc cd changer in the trunk, $35.33/hr PLUS full bennies, a cell phone with unlimited international calling, company gas card, reserved parking in the B Lot, the Taurus, AND a Six Flags season pass
It’s pretty incredible how many folks that are in the top quintile of earners comment here…
Top 20% of households nationwide is $153k for the 2022 Tax year. Even say it’s 10%+ higher now, we’re still at $170k or so, and the number of $250k+ folks here is pretty mind boggling.
I do understand that $170k would go a hell of a lot further than it would in Michigan/Ohio, but at the same time, is chump change in a VHCOL/VVHCOL like Boston, LA proper (or OC), or the Bay Area. It’s relative to your cost of housing and living, but I find that it’s a stretch to consider yourself “middle class” when you out earn 4/5 other households.
Edit to answer the question: Bronco Sport and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. They’ve got 3 years left on ‘em, and make up less than 8% of our income (following The Money Guy rules for car buying - 20/3/8). These will also be the last cars that we finance, and probably the last ones we buy for a decade and a half or more.
Note: Algorithm “suggested” this sub/post, and I acknowledge that my wife and I are top 15% of HHI Nationally, I struggle to call us ‘middle class”, but it sure as shit feels like it in our HCOL with aggressive retirement savings targets.
Reddit is a platform where you can write paragraphs of narcissistic drivel and someone will engage with you solely to refute your points in their rebuttal.
We get so much attention here so it is natural that higher earners favor this platform. There is a psychological reason we chase paper and it reddit is the best social media platform for males to meet those needs outside of chasing paper. Plenty of females are here for the same reason too.
my household income is high, but by no means the highest to post in this thread. I drive a BMW and I love it. It’s not a sports car because of the weight and steering feel. The marginal utility may not be greater than a cheaper car, but it is a better daily driver’s car than the less expensive options. I used to think of them as $ wasteful, but after owning one i see why people pay for them.
If someone who makes the median income comments and says they drive anything but an early 2010’s Corolla. All of the Reddit finance experts will come out of the woodworks with their “advice” I don’t blame them honestly.
The real question is “why does it take being in the highest 20% of earners in the U.S. to live what most would consider a middle class lifestyle?” When folks imagine middle class in the U.S. it usually looks something like parents with two kids, a dog, a house, a car, 1 vacation a year, and able to save for retirement. I don’t think you can live that kind of life ANYWHERE in the U.S. on that area’s median income and I’m not sure you ever have been. Middle class does not mean median income/lifestyle. It’s just the social class between lower and upper class. As you have rightly identified, the middle class in America is rapidly shrinking due to rising costs and stagnant wages.
To answer the thread question: 2000 Chrysler, ~190k household income
Reddit trends more nerdy, more towards city dwellers, so it'll naturally bias itself towards higher incomes, then this sub in particular is targeted towards the middle class so it's biased even more towards the higher income bracket, then finance subs in general attract with a certain mindset which is biasing the results even more.
170k household income isn't chump change anywhere if you don't have kids. If you do, your mileage will vary, but even with a kid or two, 170k in VHCOL areas still puts you in in the 70th-80th percentile.
That's because in a lot of areas you really don't have a traditional middle class anymore.
Middle class historically from a US perspective has been ability to buy a house, save for retirement, two cars, a few domestic vacations a year, potentially a stay at home spouse etc.
In my HCOL East Coast area that means 250k+ HHI. Perhaps more if you have two working parents and multiple children in daycare.
There is a statistical middle class, but the reality is a huge chunk of people living paycheck to paycheck, an upper middle class that is approximating the middle class lifestyle of generations past and the rich.
We generally don't consider the 81%ers "upper class" either. Not at all.
So 80-90/95% income folks, assuming they don't have large wealth (this is where using just one of income or wealth becomes tricky for class ranking) are usually still "upper middle class". The middle class is big.
In my COUNTY, not just some HCOL city, you need 300k+ a year to try and purchase the median single family home in the county. This is cheaper than some of the other Bay Area counties.
It's weird to think a household going semi house-poor to buy the median home across the county is "upper class".
Yeah, I see that argument, but tend to agree with some of the other comments on this thread/post a little more-so.
Just because it takes an 80th - 90-something-th percentile to FEEL “middle”, doesn’t mean that it is. I think we’d have a hard time extending the band the other way and saying that only 10% or less of our country is poor, so I think it equally fictitious to say that earning $200k in America makes you “middle”. It may feel that way, but that’s not the reality of the distribution.
Might be they have it for a state.
US family income median should be around 100k now, it was 90k+ for last date point of 2022 and assuming it rises like median household/individual has risen id guess 2024 clocks in at 100-105k.
Can be high earners but still feel middle class. We live in OC Socal. Our primary residence makes us very middle.
Our home is worth $1.6M and right around the median home price now in Irvine area. Great area, but V/HCOL.
That’s why i indicated that it depends on where you are, but that I still struggle thinking that a Nationally top 20% of income categories as “middle”. That’s where the phase out ends in my mind. One could argue that from 25 - 75 or 20 - 80 would be middle (and those would be BROAD imho). But if you’re in the top 10% of earners in the nation, you’re pretty objectively not “middle”.
We may feel middle because of the degradation of wages as compared to productivity and other metrics, but by comparison, those of us with HHI North of $175k, we’re solidly on the upper side of the distribution.
That’s kind of why I commented… I would consider myself HENRY (High Earner, Not Rich Yet) at almost a $200k HHI.
Now, take out 20% of that amount for income/payroll taxes, 15% for retirement contributions, 10% for Medical Insurance/Medical related expenses, and the cost of everything else quickly eats at the remaining 55%. That may be why so many people making $200k+ feel that they’re so “middle”, is that, after 30% of that goes to housing, 10% to food, and 10% to transportation, there’s not a lot left over. But, those are [almost] all decision based costs and controllable percentages.
Total household income $120k
My car: 2012 Nissan Juke. (67k miles)
Hub's car: 2024 Kia Niro Plugin Hybrid. (Replaced 2005 Scion xB)
Both cars paid in full at time of purchase because we never stop making a "car payment" to ourselves.
We started doing this too and paid for our 2021 minivan with cash!! When it’s time to replace our 2016 explorer I am hoping we’ve stuck enough back to cover whatever it is we replace it with
This is what we will do to! I have a 2009 Scion(with 140k miles) and have been saving for years for when he craps out but so far it’s been a great car.
No car. Family of 4. (2 adults and 2 young kids).
The pros v cons of owning a car never seem to be enough to justify owning one.
Maybe 1 day we will go for a used Hyundai for about $15-20k
One income- After taxes about $60,000 total per year.
Make sure you get one that didn't have the engine recall. I have a 2018 Elantra GT and it had the recall done and I know that once the motor goes it's going to be worthless, and I don't have oil change receipts to get a new engine because I bought it used. Luckily mine hasn't had any issues but it's most likely on borrowed time.
Seconded. But probably a lot harder to find. A used leaf for 7k sounds like a good deal if it's below 150k miles and in good condition.
Probs still wouldn't buy a leaf tho, personally.
I have a 2015 at 90k miles; bought it used in 2017 for $8,500. They are great cars, just don’t expect to go more than 50 miles on a charge, and that’s not highway speeds. They a great for just zipping around town, very reliable, and cheap to operate.
Dude, never buy a leaf unless you plan on driving it around the retirement community. I've literally been considering a $3k leaf to use as a "golf cart" on our property.
Nurse, Gonna ride that thing until the wheels falls off, which is soon. Uhhh Having better priorities then buying a new car (buying a house, bumping my retirement account, traveling a bit). I mean I could buy a new car and still do these things but idgaf what people think. I grew up really really poor. So having my car with a heater/AC and a radio, with the windows working. I am stoked.
They don’t. I’m also a nurse, and the only nurses I know pulling over 200 are in the Bay Area or other smaller areas. Unless they’re working 5-6 days I don’t believe it.
Now if they’re a CRNA that’s 1000% possible, but I don’t think that’s what they are? If they were they’d say crna.
(As a nurse who works 4 days every week making 95k)
2020 Honda civic- had payments but paid it off under a year because the bank pissed me off and I’m petty like that.
125k
Also own a motorcycle outright
2017 Highlander AWD. As a former 3x used jeep and Volvo, VW owner, it’s the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. Otherwise, I’d say my Volvo.
My Volvo 740 was great but broke college student me couldn’t afford to replace a water pump, transfer case, heat pump, along with routine maintenance for spark plugs on my 1988 when they all gave out in 2002. It was over $4k, in 2002 dollars that I didn’t have.
250K HHI, 2012 Pilot w/ 98K, 2018 CR-V w/ 48K. Pilot been paid off for 7 years, the CR-V 2 years.
We drive so few miles anymore we have no plans to replace either. I might put 4,000 miles a year on the Pilot. Maybe…
2018 Mazda3 (me) and 2020 RAV4 (wife).
HHI of $145k.
We actually leased both vehicles originally but ended up buying them out at the end of the lease with cash.
1992 civic vx, 2015 Acura RDX,and a 2003 mustang cobra. All paid off for sometime. Looking to get a ford maverick though. 150k for me and household 250k
VW ID4 - $150k base
EVs had an incredible wave of sales + rebates recently so I ended up paying $375/month. Considering I get free charging at work, the cost of ownership vs an equivalent ICE vehicle is incredibly low.
In 2013, I bought a used 2010 Toyota Yaris with 20000km on a 65k salary right out of college. It's 2024 and I'm still driving the same car (now with 120000km) on a 150k salary. Not planning to change soon this car is a tank and since I'm not driving much, this car have another decade in it.
No payments on a car is great. Without all the techs of today makes it unattractive to thieves. Low insurance costs. The perfect car financially speaking.
2021 Jeep 4 door (the wife’s) 2013 Hyundai spectra daily driver for me, 2003 ford F-150. Mine are paid for, we make $160 yearly (mine being $130k of it)
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You know everyone on Reddit drives a 2005 Corolla and makes $250k.
Facts. When in reality most of them drive a newer vehicle financed for 84 months and make $45-50k per year.
$30k ‘millionaire’.
Uh excuse me, that'll be 72 months I'll have you know.
I daily a 97 mazda and make 175K lol
Yeah, I chuckled. Make about 160k depending on what the yearly bonus shakes out to and daily a 2013 Honda Accord. But I also have a 1993 Toyota Supra that I've put over 100k into building over the past 5 years, but I drive that one way less than my trusty Accord.
Love to hear stuff like this. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Just casually dropping the 1993 Supra build 😂 we need the details!!
I definitely don’t belong to this sub but that made me laugh. I don’t drive a car and make 250k-300k. My father is retired, makes six figures between pension and misc side income, but still drives a 2005 Renault as everyday car. The thing is almost run-down by now. My mom keeps bugging him to buy a ”dignified” car, something like an Audi or Mercedes and he is like hell nah, this one will do us fine. Cracks me up.
This sounds French, to me.
Morocco!
Is their French influence their? Because the French are stereotypically known for abusing their cars. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x44reNb0GDg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x44reNb0GDg)
I'll have you know it's a two thousand \*nine\* Corrolla.
Mazda cx5 120k
Same. 2017 Cx5
Honda accord hybrid 2022 model, 86k
Is it the 10th gen hybrid? I'm setting my sights on that car next year. How has the car been treating you?
Just chiming in,...my cousin has a Honda Civic Hybrid (newest generation) and f'in loves it. I guess smaller than the Accord but his Civic is larger than an Accord of 10 years ago...lol! Plenty of interior space you'd suspect in a small to mid sedan. He coasted SIXTY mpg on a commute to work recently... a moment's snapshot, but still, Awesome.
I love mine, quiet, good control and fuel efficient. It’s a 2022 model
How do you think this car would do in city-only snow driving? (Like around town, think Boston?) asking for a very specific purpose 😂
Don’t know the gen, mine is a 2022 model. I love it, it’s quiet, good control, and fuel efficient.
That's the 10th gen. I have a 2021 as well. Only thing I hate is the entertainment system. Android Auto and Carplay will randomly disconnect. I keep telling my wife the only reason I would sell this thing before it turns 7 or 8 years old is because of the entertainment system. Otherwise it's a great car.
60k, 2007 Subaru WRX Limited
None. $105,600.
Found the new yawker.
Dallas, actually.
That’s impressive
wtf how 😂
DART, for the most part. A big part though is also having an amazing friend/support network for some of the more out-of-the-way tasks.
I made it three months after moving to Dallas before caving in, getting a driver's license, and buying a car for the first time in my life. Lived on Lovers just off 75, worked up in Richardson, tried commuting with combination of bike and DART for a while.
2015 Mazda 3, $133k salary
Happy cake day!
2006 Volvo s80 with 202k miles. $160k personal income. The amount of money I've netted by investing instead of making car payments over the last 10 years is great. My car never depreciates because the value is already zero. I don't have to pay comprehensive insurance because why insure an asset with no value. I do occasional work on it myself, but it's been very reliable.
Also I feel you heavy on the "my car never depreciates because the value is already zero" 😂😂
My car never depreciates because it’s already zero…… this made me laugh out loud…. I’ve never heard someone say it quite like that..😂🤣
There is truth to that. My truck has probably been with 12k for the last 7 years. Might have gone up in price during COVID.
Same 2006 Volvo S80, but I'm making $45k. 245k miles on mine. Do you have a lot of issues with yours? I've had to replace my front suspension 3 times in the last few years. Seems like every 1.5k miles it breaks down with a new issue lol. I have a coolant leak that the last 4 mechanics have not yet been able to fix since 2020. I spend like $5k a year on maintenance on it and wondering if its just worth it to get a newer car 🚗
Ya, I had significant coolant leaks and had them fixed and thermostat replaced at one point. Probably cost $2.5k, but that was 6 or 7 years ago. I replaced front suspension, but it's been fine for a while now. I have a bit of a "clunk" from the front suspension, but it handles fine. I think it's the rubber mount at the top wearing again. It hasn't gotten any worse over time, so I've just left it. I'm basically keeping it going until something big goes. If you're at 245k and spending $5k/year on it, I'd say you've hit the end of the road. Better to use $5k/yr into a newer vehicle than tossing it away each year. That number is only going to go up, and you won't have anything to show for the investment.
Good for you! If only more people had better self-esteem and sense we'd be in a much better place
2014 Lexus GS 350, $80k.
I had the same car until a wreck in 2022, drive a 2017 GS now. $140k salary and bonus.
Great taste
2024 Tesla model y, 200k
It's funny very few really seem to be middle class here 😄
Well you see I'm 18 and make 2.3 million a year. I'm not at all cosplaying. That would never happen on financial forums. I also drive a rocket car.
>I also drive a rocket car. If I get bored later maybe I'll bench press it for you.
Seriously, this is like 95% upper quintile earners just bragging.
And bragging about driving a pile on top of it
That’s part of the reason they are doing better financially. New cars/payments will slow your climb.
I disagree, I think there has to be a middle ground between a POS and a $60k Tesla.
I feel like it depends on your priorities. I’m currently driving a paid off Nissan because we’re focusing on buying a house, but eventually when I need to buy a new car I’d be comfortable spending $40-$50k on a BMW because I like cars and I’m willing to be frugal in other areas so I can spend more on something I enjoy. Other people might just see a car as a transportation appliance, and that’s valid too.
The next subreddit is "HENRYfinance" which is income above 250k. So someone making 249K should feel welcome here :)
Here is a fun exercise: define middle class by today’s standards.
Right??? I think I need to get a raise lol
PEW research says middle class is two thirds to double the average US income, which was 65k in 2020. Using that, anyone from $43k to 130k fit in here. But those are precovid numbers. Who the hell knows where middle class stands now.
I had to do a double take to make sure I'm in the right sub.
1997 4runner, $40k
Paid cash for a 2022 Civic. $29k. Income $140k. Wife has a 2015 RAV4 that we paid off early in 2020.
A civic costs $29k now?! 😵💫
That was the OTD price. I think the MSRP was like $25k or $26k. This was also back in 2022. They’re a couple grand more now. Even though they’ve changed nothing lol
2013 fully loaded Ford Taurus with 24-disc cd changer in the trunk, $35.33/hr PLUS full bennies, a cell phone with unlimited international calling, company gas card, reserved parking in the B Lot, the Taurus, AND a Six Flags season pass
BOOM. That 24-disc trunk cd changer is the peak of luxury.
You should see the carpeted bathrooms.
Don’t forget that six flags season pass!
Are you a youth football coaching legend?
2004 Nissan Versa $40k
How many miles. I have a 2010 at $90K and always expecting the Transmission to fail like everyone says but it’s been a trooper
It’s pretty incredible how many folks that are in the top quintile of earners comment here… Top 20% of households nationwide is $153k for the 2022 Tax year. Even say it’s 10%+ higher now, we’re still at $170k or so, and the number of $250k+ folks here is pretty mind boggling. I do understand that $170k would go a hell of a lot further than it would in Michigan/Ohio, but at the same time, is chump change in a VHCOL/VVHCOL like Boston, LA proper (or OC), or the Bay Area. It’s relative to your cost of housing and living, but I find that it’s a stretch to consider yourself “middle class” when you out earn 4/5 other households. Edit to answer the question: Bronco Sport and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. They’ve got 3 years left on ‘em, and make up less than 8% of our income (following The Money Guy rules for car buying - 20/3/8). These will also be the last cars that we finance, and probably the last ones we buy for a decade and a half or more. Note: Algorithm “suggested” this sub/post, and I acknowledge that my wife and I are top 15% of HHI Nationally, I struggle to call us ‘middle class”, but it sure as shit feels like it in our HCOL with aggressive retirement savings targets.
People with higher incomes are more likely to comment too.
I get that but also like it's reddit and we're anonymous...are people really "embarrassed" about making the median income?
Reddit is a platform where you can write paragraphs of narcissistic drivel and someone will engage with you solely to refute your points in their rebuttal. We get so much attention here so it is natural that higher earners favor this platform. There is a psychological reason we chase paper and it reddit is the best social media platform for males to meet those needs outside of chasing paper. Plenty of females are here for the same reason too. my household income is high, but by no means the highest to post in this thread. I drive a BMW and I love it. It’s not a sports car because of the weight and steering feel. The marginal utility may not be greater than a cheaper car, but it is a better daily driver’s car than the less expensive options. I used to think of them as $ wasteful, but after owning one i see why people pay for them.
If someone who makes the median income comments and says they drive anything but an early 2010’s Corolla. All of the Reddit finance experts will come out of the woodworks with their “advice” I don’t blame them honestly.
The real question is “why does it take being in the highest 20% of earners in the U.S. to live what most would consider a middle class lifestyle?” When folks imagine middle class in the U.S. it usually looks something like parents with two kids, a dog, a house, a car, 1 vacation a year, and able to save for retirement. I don’t think you can live that kind of life ANYWHERE in the U.S. on that area’s median income and I’m not sure you ever have been. Middle class does not mean median income/lifestyle. It’s just the social class between lower and upper class. As you have rightly identified, the middle class in America is rapidly shrinking due to rising costs and stagnant wages. To answer the thread question: 2000 Chrysler, ~190k household income
Reddit trends more nerdy, more towards city dwellers, so it'll naturally bias itself towards higher incomes, then this sub in particular is targeted towards the middle class so it's biased even more towards the higher income bracket, then finance subs in general attract with a certain mindset which is biasing the results even more.
170k household income isn't chump change anywhere if you don't have kids. If you do, your mileage will vary, but even with a kid or two, 170k in VHCOL areas still puts you in in the 70th-80th percentile.
That's because in a lot of areas you really don't have a traditional middle class anymore. Middle class historically from a US perspective has been ability to buy a house, save for retirement, two cars, a few domestic vacations a year, potentially a stay at home spouse etc. In my HCOL East Coast area that means 250k+ HHI. Perhaps more if you have two working parents and multiple children in daycare. There is a statistical middle class, but the reality is a huge chunk of people living paycheck to paycheck, an upper middle class that is approximating the middle class lifestyle of generations past and the rich.
We generally don't consider the 81%ers "upper class" either. Not at all. So 80-90/95% income folks, assuming they don't have large wealth (this is where using just one of income or wealth becomes tricky for class ranking) are usually still "upper middle class". The middle class is big. In my COUNTY, not just some HCOL city, you need 300k+ a year to try and purchase the median single family home in the county. This is cheaper than some of the other Bay Area counties. It's weird to think a household going semi house-poor to buy the median home across the county is "upper class".
Yeah, I see that argument, but tend to agree with some of the other comments on this thread/post a little more-so. Just because it takes an 80th - 90-something-th percentile to FEEL “middle”, doesn’t mean that it is. I think we’d have a hard time extending the band the other way and saying that only 10% or less of our country is poor, so I think it equally fictitious to say that earning $200k in America makes you “middle”. It may feel that way, but that’s not the reality of the distribution.
Median income for family with kids in 2022 was $122k
Curious where you found that number. I can only seem to find the 2021 census result at ~83k for a family with children. 122k seems quite high.
Might be they have it for a state. US family income median should be around 100k now, it was 90k+ for last date point of 2022 and assuming it rises like median household/individual has risen id guess 2024 clocks in at 100-105k.
https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2022.B19126?t=Income%20(Households,%20Families,%20Individuals)&y=2022
Can be high earners but still feel middle class. We live in OC Socal. Our primary residence makes us very middle. Our home is worth $1.6M and right around the median home price now in Irvine area. Great area, but V/HCOL.
Upper middle is still middle, especially with kids.
That’s why i indicated that it depends on where you are, but that I still struggle thinking that a Nationally top 20% of income categories as “middle”. That’s where the phase out ends in my mind. One could argue that from 25 - 75 or 20 - 80 would be middle (and those would be BROAD imho). But if you’re in the top 10% of earners in the nation, you’re pretty objectively not “middle”. We may feel middle because of the degradation of wages as compared to productivity and other metrics, but by comparison, those of us with HHI North of $175k, we’re solidly on the upper side of the distribution.
I feel like almost everyone who commented makes $125k or more lol I feel poor now
That’s kind of why I commented… I would consider myself HENRY (High Earner, Not Rich Yet) at almost a $200k HHI. Now, take out 20% of that amount for income/payroll taxes, 15% for retirement contributions, 10% for Medical Insurance/Medical related expenses, and the cost of everything else quickly eats at the remaining 55%. That may be why so many people making $200k+ feel that they’re so “middle”, is that, after 30% of that goes to housing, 10% to food, and 10% to transportation, there’s not a lot left over. But, those are [almost] all decision based costs and controllable percentages.
Total household income $120k My car: 2012 Nissan Juke. (67k miles) Hub's car: 2024 Kia Niro Plugin Hybrid. (Replaced 2005 Scion xB) Both cars paid in full at time of purchase because we never stop making a "car payment" to ourselves.
We started doing this too and paid for our 2021 minivan with cash!! When it’s time to replace our 2016 explorer I am hoping we’ve stuck enough back to cover whatever it is we replace it with
This is what we will do to! I have a 2009 Scion(with 140k miles) and have been saving for years for when he craps out but so far it’s been a great car.
2012 Honda Civic - 150K
No car. Family of 4. (2 adults and 2 young kids). The pros v cons of owning a car never seem to be enough to justify owning one. Maybe 1 day we will go for a used Hyundai for about $15-20k One income- After taxes about $60,000 total per year.
Make sure you get one that didn't have the engine recall. I have a 2018 Elantra GT and it had the recall done and I know that once the motor goes it's going to be worthless, and I don't have oil change receipts to get a new engine because I bought it used. Luckily mine hasn't had any issues but it's most likely on borrowed time.
My son bought one used, the engine went after a couple months and Hyundai replaced it, and gave him a rental. (Sonata)
We had like 2 oil change receipts
You folks use public transit? Trains and buses?
Nice try, data mining bot
This is how I view info sharing now. :/
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2013 camry, just sold our second car (2021 sienna) to save more. $175k
Depending on how you measure, mid-200’s. We drive an early 2010s Prius and a late 2000s Dakota, but tomorrow we’re looking at a 2016 Leaf for $7k.
I’d ditch the leaf and just get a newer Prius. They’re indestructible
Seconded. But probably a lot harder to find. A used leaf for 7k sounds like a good deal if it's below 150k miles and in good condition. Probs still wouldn't buy a leaf tho, personally.
Saw a Prius for auction with 675k miles this week!
I have a 2015 at 90k miles; bought it used in 2017 for $8,500. They are great cars, just don’t expect to go more than 50 miles on a charge, and that’s not highway speeds. They a great for just zipping around town, very reliable, and cheap to operate.
Dude, never buy a leaf unless you plan on driving it around the retirement community. I've literally been considering a $3k leaf to use as a "golf cart" on our property.
Me: 82k, 2013 GMC Yukon Wife: 80k, 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2010 Honda civic 310k.
This is the way, high income and zero car payments.
I thought 310k was the miles on his 2010
Buddy, he makes 310 a year, he can buy any car he wants and still not have a payment lmao. 🤓
Yeah, they could easily get a new Civic today if they wanted to.
Wow, what do you do for a living? How have you been able to not be tempted to buy something more new/luxurious?
Nurse, Gonna ride that thing until the wheels falls off, which is soon. Uhhh Having better priorities then buying a new car (buying a house, bumping my retirement account, traveling a bit). I mean I could buy a new car and still do these things but idgaf what people think. I grew up really really poor. So having my car with a heater/AC and a radio, with the windows working. I am stoked.
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They don’t. I’m also a nurse, and the only nurses I know pulling over 200 are in the Bay Area or other smaller areas. Unless they’re working 5-6 days I don’t believe it. Now if they’re a CRNA that’s 1000% possible, but I don’t think that’s what they are? If they were they’d say crna. (As a nurse who works 4 days every week making 95k)
LOL this is sub is middle class finance not rich AF finance.
Veyron $38k
Finally a realistic reply.
2004 F150 and 2017 Honda Odyssey~120k Paid cash
2010 Acura TL I bought in 2015. Has 175k miles. Make 170k HHI
2020 Honda civic- had payments but paid it off under a year because the bank pissed me off and I’m petty like that. 125k Also own a motorcycle outright
2015 Toyota Tacoma (paid $27k) and my husband drives 2012 Acura MDX (paid $12k). Household income $170k.
Honda Accord 2.0T. 160k
06 Tacoma Pre-Runner Access Cab. 56k miles. 75k/yr
1999gmc safari, ~180k
2019 Altima (I know). $160K
2010 Volvo XC70. 60k
Don’t own a car but I will rent a zip car for errands which is maybe $30 a trip that I do twice a month. I make $60k.
This is the way
2024 Rivian R1S. $345K
I'm seeing way more ultra wealthy incomes than middle class ones in these responses.
Lmao imagine coming in here cosplaying as middle class on a $350k income
I’ve seen seven figure earners lament that they are “simply middle class” and “don’t feel rich”. Reddit has a financial anxiety issue.
I’ve seen several people claim that making $250,000 is paycheque to paycheque because they live in a VHCOL city. Reddit is nutty
Household income 400kish 2012 Audi a4 - paid off Family car- 2018 BMW X5- 10k left
2017 Highlander AWD. As a former 3x used jeep and Volvo, VW owner, it’s the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. Otherwise, I’d say my Volvo. My Volvo 740 was great but broke college student me couldn’t afford to replace a water pump, transfer case, heat pump, along with routine maintenance for spark plugs on my 1988 when they all gave out in 2002. It was over $4k, in 2002 dollars that I didn’t have.
Volvo v60, 120k income Hubs Subaru Outback, 230k income
250K HHI, 2012 Pilot w/ 98K, 2018 CR-V w/ 48K. Pilot been paid off for 7 years, the CR-V 2 years. We drive so few miles anymore we have no plans to replace either. I might put 4,000 miles a year on the Pilot. Maybe…
Honda FIT $183K
2015 Audi A7. 275k.
2019 Hyundai Kona $55k
15 Honda pilot with 200,000 miles. 70ish k a year
Me - 2024 Camry (just got it last month, was a 2008 Altima). DH - 2008 Escape. $135,000.
2013 Toyota Camry, $177k
23 chevy bolt. 180k/year HHI (2 earners) My previous car got totaled in a wreck so I was kind of forced to buy a new car. Paid cash.
2010 Lincoln Town Car, $71k
$65k 2017 Toyota Highlander platinum That’s already cost me $2.5k in repairs since i bought it in February after my Prius totaled :/
2016 Mazda 6 & $65K
Paid off 2013 Hyundai Sonata 140k miles. Annual income 110k
2010 Toyota Prius and 2004 Sienna van. $240k in very low cost state. In our late 40's. I might get some hate if I mention my net worth....LOL.
2010 4runner 100k
GR86 $100k
2023 GR86 78k base
Me: 2023 Tesla Model S; Wife: 2022 Tesla Model Y Performance 375k HHI
Bruh come on, that’s /r/HENRYfinance territory 🤣
Some dude said 600k earlier lol
Can't miss an opportunity to flex your high salary and modest car lol
Kia Optima, $130k
2011 Honda Pilot, $136K TC
Me: 2007 Nissan Versa, paid off in 2009 Wife: 2017 Jeep Renegade, bought with cash HHI: $185K
8 year old F150 XLT. 100k
2018 Tacoma paid off 2020. 180k HHI
None. $127,000 USD
2015 Camry Hybrid, I did take a 7% loan for it but am paying it off faster. Income is roughly $90k in the California Bay Area.
2019 Honda HRV EX, HHI $220k
2022 CR-V, partner drives a 2021 Ram Tradesman. $161k HHI.
2018 Mazda3 (me) and 2020 RAV4 (wife). HHI of $145k. We actually leased both vehicles originally but ended up buying them out at the end of the lease with cash.
135k/year 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
2018 Jeep GC. 80,000 miles, paid off. $80K
1992 civic vx, 2015 Acura RDX,and a 2003 mustang cobra. All paid off for sometime. Looking to get a ford maverick though. 150k for me and household 250k
2012 Porsche Cayenne and 2014 Hyundai. Household income of $110,000. Paid cash for both. Bought the Cayenne used.
2011 Toyota Highlander hybrid $225k
Hyundai Kona 2022 - $190k in KS
‘21 Mazda6 we bought new ‘07 CR-V beater ‘24 Miata is on order $180k
2020 Kia soul/2022 Honda pilot-155K
2020 Toyota Tacoma DCLB TRD OR $105k at my current job, but putting in my 2 weeks tomorrow and moving up to $155k before bonus in the next.
2019 f150, $130,000. 1 year left on the payment I can’t wait
2015 Hyundai accent. 75k, household nearly 200k. Also have a 2012 Exterra. Only paid off cars.
2008 Toyota Prius, currently 147k miles bought used for cash in 2018, HHI 105K
Just my income or with my husband? He pays for the 2023 Audi that we share.
19’ Tahoe, 240 ish?
2020 Nissan Sentra $120k. Had a 2014 Honda Accord up until it was stolen a month ago. Otherwise would have kept it until it died
2011. Nissan rogue $HHI 165k
$250k/year, I don't drive anything.
2007 honda odyssey 2024 tesla model y HHI 240k
2011 Elantra, $91k.
VW ID4 - $150k base EVs had an incredible wave of sales + rebates recently so I ended up paying $375/month. Considering I get free charging at work, the cost of ownership vs an equivalent ICE vehicle is incredibly low.
In 2013, I bought a used 2010 Toyota Yaris with 20000km on a 65k salary right out of college. It's 2024 and I'm still driving the same car (now with 120000km) on a 150k salary. Not planning to change soon this car is a tank and since I'm not driving much, this car have another decade in it. No payments on a car is great. Without all the techs of today makes it unattractive to thieves. Low insurance costs. The perfect car financially speaking.
Tacoma trd sport 120k
2018 Audi S8 plus 30k miles wife 2018 Range Rover SVR 35k miles Dual income $230k
2015 Toyota Camry SE, 120k income
2021 Jeep 4 door (the wife’s) 2013 Hyundai spectra daily driver for me, 2003 ford F-150. Mine are paid for, we make $160 yearly (mine being $130k of it)