What would you do if you earned $10,000 per month?

theoriginaljayne

I'd buy a sailboat, a good one. I'd live well below my means for a couple of years and save up the money, so I could pay full price up front. I might buy our boat from my father, actually (although he's so attached to it that he'll probably want to be buried in it). I'd rent out a slip somewhere near my workplace. I'd buy a bicycle and a raincoat; I already have a decent used car that I could keep. I'd go to the bank every month and trade in dollars for rolls of quarters for the laundry machines. I'd drop my spare change on the sidewalk so kids could find it.

I'd buy fruits and vegetables without weighing them or comparing prices. I'd buy everything organic. Maybe I'd buy lots of pots and seeds, and I'd make a vegetable/herb garden on the dock next to my boat.

If I was careful, I'd get my doctorate without going into debt once. I'd study abroad -- that's how I'd see the world. If I wanted to take a vacation somewhere, well, a bit of rope is all that would be keeping my home where it was.

I'd save or invest as much as I could, for retirement or hard times.

I'd give to all of the charities and organizations that I've always wanted to give to. I'd give huge, anonymous donations. They'd never know it was me.

Any leftovers would go to my parents and my sister and any family that she might have.

You know, I really think I would like this $10,000 a month scenario. Sign me up, okay?

shadowkitty22

If I were to make this much money for the rest of my life until I retired/died I would do the obvious stuff. I'd pay off our debts, get us a custom built home (with a seriously kick *kitten* Korean style bathroom because I'm so going to miss this once we move), save up money for our kids to go to college, save for retirement, pay off my family's debts, travel, charity, shop, etc.

The real big thing I've secretly wanted to do for a really long time though is set up a scholarship program that is strictly for students of single parent households whose parents get told that they make too much money for their child to receive any sort of government assistance from FAFSA. This happened to me until I was no longer able to be claimed by my mom on her taxes. Yeah sure she apparently "made too much" but she also had a lot of debt which meant that she wasn't able to help me out at all. The government doesn't care about your parent's debt when it comes to FAFSA which sucks, so I'd like to help out that way.

Of course a personal trainer, chef and household staff would be awesome so I wouldn't have to clean another day in my life as I hate doing it. But lets get real, I've gotta stay humble and do some stuff for myself right? Haha

AmericanExpat

Not necessarily, it all depends on where you live. I make that much, I am in my 20s but I live in Switzerland. I work 9 hours a day 5 days a week and have plenty of leisure time. My housing is 3x what it was when I lived in the mid-west of the US and my salary is 2x because the cost of living is so much higher here... its all relative.

If you earned $10.000 a month then you'll probably we working 12-15hr days every day and having to be on call to work evenings and weekends too. Because you'll be a director or SVP and have heaps of responsibility. You may have little time for family, exercise and recreation beyond attending client dinners, networking and the other things a job at that level brings. Sure you'll be able to own a nice house, a nice car and take luxurious holidays, which you will need to compensate for the 46-48 weeks a year you'll be working.

You'll pay more tax, have more expensive outgoings and overheads and possible more stress and headaches.

Unless you are über-disciplined, you'll probably overeat and/or gain weight from lack of exercise.

Now, if we won the Lotto and that was our monthly income after tax and we didn't have to work, life would be sweet!

We probably wouldn't move, but definitely get that extension we want built.

I'd have a PT to whip my *kitten* into shape and get me to work on my strength training.

I'd have an endless swimming pool built at the bottom of the garden.

We'd travel more - go places we've always dreamed of and fly business-class and stay in 4**** hotels (and I know the ones I want to stay at )

Certainly we'd donate more to our chosen charities and I'd get to see dad more often.

But having said all that, I can't really complain about my life. To quote Paulo Nuttini, I have food in my belly and licence for my telly and nothing's gonna bring me down. I have my health, a loving husband, fantastic friends. Who could ask for anything more! :bigsmile:

tabulator32

This post will either be a reality check or an inspiration depending on your attitude, but...

http://www.privateislandsonline.com/

Do the math and go get'em, tiger!

:bigsmile:

iva001

I don't, but my mom makes slightly more than that and so I don't consider it to be that much money cuz how she lives on it...It really just pays the bills.

naomi8888

I don't really see it as that much in today's society. I will be making that much this summer--likely more when i graduate. It would be too easy to spend $10,000 a month.

$1000 on food
$2500 on mortgage
$1000 on car payments, gas, and insurance
$1000 frivolous expenditures (entertainment, clothes, gym memberships etc)
$2000 investments/savings for retirement/savings for kids' futures
$500 other 'bills' like electricity, internet, etc.
$1000 loans
$1000...miscellaneous.

THIS - it doesn't go very far, especially in Australia. $3k for the mortgage, $1k for the car, $1500 for school fees. I was laughing with some friends a couple of years ago about how we used to think we'd be SET when we earned $50K, because that'd be "like $1,000 a week".... aaaah those were the days...

Peta22

I don't really see it as that much in today's society. I will be making that much this summer--likely more when i graduate. It would be too easy to spend $10,000 a month.

$1000 on food
$2500 on mortgage
$1000 on car payments, gas, and insurance
$1000 frivolous expenditures (entertainment, clothes, gym memberships etc)
$2000 investments/savings for retirement/savings for kids' futures
$500 other 'bills' like electricity, internet, etc.
$1000 loans
$1000...miscellaneous.

THIS - it doesn't go very far, especially in Australia. $3k for the mortgage, $1k for the car, $1500 for school fees. I was laughing with some friends a couple of years ago about how we used to think we'd be SET when we earned $50K, because that'd be "like $1,000 a week".... aaaah those were the days...

Agreed... The cost of living and the taxes are extreme in Australia by comparison to other countries from what I've heard! I know for a fact though that $10k a month wouldn't go very far at all

naomi8888

I don't really see it as that much in today's society. I will be making that much this summer--likely more when i graduate. It would be too easy to spend $10,000 a month.

$1000 on food
$2500 on mortgage
$1000 on car payments, gas, and insurance
$1000 frivolous expenditures (entertainment, clothes, gym memberships etc)
$2000 investments/savings for retirement/savings for kids' futures
$500 other 'bills' like electricity, internet, etc.
$1000 loans
$1000...miscellaneous.

THIS - it doesn't go very far, especially in Australia. $3k for the mortgage, $1k for the car, $1500 for school fees. I was laughing with some friends a couple of years ago about how we used to think we'd be SET when we earned $50K, because that'd be "like $1,000 a week".... aaaah those were the days...

Agreed... The cost of living and the taxes are extreme in Australia by comparison to other countries from what I've heard! I know for a fact though that $10k a month wouldn't go very far at all

Yep even if you gross $200k annually, you only take home between $10k - $11k.

naomi8888

I don't really see it as that much in today's society. I will be making that much this summer--likely more when i graduate. It would be too easy to spend $10,000 a month.

$1000 on food
$2500 on mortgage
$1000 on car payments, gas, and insurance
$1000 frivolous expenditures (entertainment, clothes, gym memberships etc)
$2000 investments/savings for retirement/savings for kids' futures
$500 other 'bills' like electricity, internet, etc.
$1000 loans
$1000...miscellaneous.

THIS - it doesn't go very far, especially in Australia. $3k for the mortgage, $1k for the car, $1500 for school fees. I was laughing with some friends a couple of years ago about how we used to think we'd be SET when we earned $50K, because that'd be "like $1,000 a week".... aaaah those were the days...

Agreed... The cost of living and the taxes are extreme in Australia by comparison to other countries from what I've heard! I know for a fact though that $10k a month wouldn't go very far at all

Just saw on your profile that your hubby works in Pt Hedland. I asume he's doing OK then?
I know one guy that moved there for a $150 per hour role (and no expenses)

Shajadea

Those that say they are frugal and would continue to live simply have the right idea. The more you buy, the more expensive it is to maintain it. A new car is more expensive to insure. A bigger house costs more in mortgage, utilities and in upkeep. The more you make the harder/longer you most likely work. You pay for that kind of stress. The big vacations are nice but then when the next vacation comes up you want to top the last. Money isn't evil but it can make you delusional.

angieleighbyrd

Probably the same things I do now. It would just be less of a struggle to do it all.

Nerple

The only difference is with that sort of income security, I'd buy a house now rather than later this year. Otherwise life as normal. The security is far more important to me than the money.

BeautyFromPain

I don't really see it as that much in today's society. I will be making that much this summer--likely more when i graduate. It would be too easy to spend $10,000 a month.

$1000 on food
$2500 on mortgage
$1000 on car payments, gas, and insurance
$1000 frivolous expenditures (entertainment, clothes, gym memberships etc)
$2000 investments/savings for retirement/savings for kids' futures
$500 other 'bills' like electricity, internet, etc.
$1000 loans
$1000...miscellaneous.

THIS - it doesn't go very far, especially in Australia. $3k for the mortgage, $1k for the car, $1500 for school fees. I was laughing with some friends a couple of years ago about how we used to think we'd be SET when we earned $50K, because that'd be "like $1,000 a week".... aaaah those were the days...

Be grateful people. I earn $300 per week for 30 hours of work and have my own food and car to pay for. I also only have 2 outfits atm because is all I could afford.

To answer your question, I would finally move out.

scottbad

Do exactly what I did - buy time for someone else. Told my wife there was no point in both of us killing 40 hours a week doing nothing all day. She quit work and fills her time with what ever makes her happy. Nice thing about having that kind of money is that you can easily buy things that once upon a time would have been difficult - like new tires for the car.

glennstoudt

Those that say they are frugal and would continue to live simply have the right idea. The more you buy, the more expensive it is to maintain it. A new car is more expensive to insure. A bigger house costs more in mortgage, utilities and in upkeep. The more you make the harder/longer you most likely work. You pay for that kind of stress. The big vacations are nice but then when the next vacation comes up you want to top the last. Money isn't evil but it can make you delusional.

If given a choice, I would much rather have more time than more money. However, since time is not available for purchase, all of this basically gets down to what you keep, not what you make, once basic needs are met. Can't comment on the Aussie tax systems, but it sounds very close to the US. In 2013, if there are not changes made to various laws already on the books, the combination of the payroll tax, the federal bracket increase, and the 3.9% in the Affordable Care Act will increase taxes on ALL income for everyone >10%. Much of this is under the radar for various political purposes.

So, that $10000 just became about $8500 on January 1, 2013 thanks to those kind folks in Washington DC.

naomi8888

I don't really see it as that much in today's society. I will be making that much this summer--likely more when i graduate. It would be too easy to spend $10,000 a month.

$1000 on food
$2500 on mortgage
$1000 on car payments, gas, and insurance
$1000 frivolous expenditures (entertainment, clothes, gym memberships etc)
$2000 investments/savings for retirement/savings for kids' futures
$500 other 'bills' like electricity, internet, etc.
$1000 loans
$1000...miscellaneous.

THIS - it doesn't go very far, especially in Australia. $3k for the mortgage, $1k for the car, $1500 for school fees. I was laughing with some friends a couple of years ago about how we used to think we'd be SET when we earned $50K, because that'd be "like $1,000 a week".... aaaah those were the days...

Be grateful people. I earn $300 per week for 30 hours of work and have my own food and car to pay for. I also only have 2 outfits atm because is all I could afford.

To answer your question, I would finally move out.

Another Aussie!
Don't worry when I was your age I probably earned about that amount too I assume you're still at uni?. Remember that rent / mortgage is you largest cost so stay at home as long as you can.

christibam

Pay off any debt I have.

Save for a couple years while I plan my next moves.

Travel the world.

Buy a modest to decent house wherever I felt like staying longer than a month and knew I'd want to come back.

Buy a bunch of hookers and blow.

Sell hookers and blow to make more profit.

Buy more houses.

Dauntlessness

Of course it would go to paying bills, investing some money for retirement, and my helping family. I would probably start a mortgage on a home that has detached garage to start up a small no-kill animal shelter.

Dauntlessness

This of course in addition to my current income, like others have said...10,000 doesn't go that far these days.

Peta22

I don't really see it as that much in today's society. I will be making that much this summer--likely more when i graduate. It would be too easy to spend $10,000 a month.

$1000 on food
$2500 on mortgage
$1000 on car payments, gas, and insurance
$1000 frivolous expenditures (entertainment, clothes, gym memberships etc)
$2000 investments/savings for retirement/savings for kids' futures
$500 other 'bills' like electricity, internet, etc.
$1000 loans
$1000...miscellaneous.

THIS - it doesn't go very far, especially in Australia. $3k for the mortgage, $1k for the car, $1500 for school fees. I was laughing with some friends a couple of years ago about how we used to think we'd be SET when we earned $50K, because that'd be "like $1,000 a week".... aaaah those were the days...

Agreed... The cost of living and the taxes are extreme in Australia by comparison to other countries from what I've heard! I know for a fact though that $10k a month wouldn't go very far at all

Just saw on your profile that your hubby works in Pt Hedland. I asume he's doing OK then?
I know one guy that moved there for a $150 per hour role (and no expenses)

Yep... We're doing fine but it does still amaze me at how quickly money evaporates these days! We both worked away for years and while we were away, the cost of living tripled! From what I've heard, I think Perth is one of the worst spots too ...

BTW - I keep seeing your profile pic and thinking 'Naomi Watts' ... Or ARE you Naomi Watts!

neverstray

Everyone keeps saying they would pay off bills. That's not how it works. Your bills would get bigger. That's all.

LatinaButterfly

Every month I would choose one of my friends to help out. I would give generously to the causes I believe in. I would travel... a lot!

kazzari

Me, too. My mortgage is just under $600/month, (3 bedrooms, 1300 sq. ft., 1/3 acre) which is 3x my net income. I spend about $150 on groceries. Probably that much per year on clothing. I have no car payment. I once turned down a proposal that would have netted me an additional $5,000 per month, and I still fantasize about what I could have done with that money. I don't need a bigger house. I love my car...I wouldn't want a nicer car. I'm happy to have a reliable car that nobody wants to steal. So, I could have quit my job and lived well on $5,000...and still have enough left to help out my kids. I do process payments for doctors where I work and I know many who can't live within their means. It is baffling.

I'm not sure anyone said they are not living within their means. What people are saying is that it's relative. How much is a gallon of milk where you live? Everything is more here. Every where I go, I have to pay to park, or take a taxi. You get the idea. It's just generally very expensive to live. So, yes, the income looks big, but it's pretty average, to be honest. I live within my means, and I'm good at managing my money. I don't have cable tv, I watch what I do and keep a close eye on my money. But, it just costs a lot. Clothing is very expensive. Try clothing and feeding two growing kids in this city.

If I was single, it would be different because I could rent a small apartment in a kind of not bad/not great part of town for pretty cheap. I could not have kids and save a ton. I could do a lot of things that would get my in a place of having quite a lot of cash on hand. In fact, I could probably save quite a lot and retire early. But, that's not my life. I have responsibilities and those cost money.

Don't judge.

I'm not judging...I was agreeing. People are saying that$10,000 just pays the bills, that sounds like they are living paycheck to paycheck no matter how big that is. Okay, so let's call that living within your means. And when I have doctor's calling me telling me they need their check ASAP because they are going to be overdrawn, if they are living within their means, that shouldn't happen. And yes, it is hard for me to understand. We live in the same neighborhood, shop at the same stores, pay exactly the same for a gallon of milk.

All I said is my needs are few, I'm frugal to begin with, and I have no desire for things. So, more money wouldn't mean a lot of bigger bills. Three extra 10,000 checks would pay off all my current bills and, sans 70,000 mortgage, I would be debt free. I'd be living well on my current salary. And I wouldn't have a mortgage over $1,000, I wouldn't move to the city. I am just speaking for my personal situation. BTW, I did raise 4 kids and when I did we lived in a bigger house, same neighborhood. My husband made $80,000 but he was terrible with money, maxed out credit cards, ruined our credit. I left him and I make much less but I'm better off financially and I have excellent credit.

Bahet

Now here's a post I can agree with! No one goes from making min wage to making $10,000/month. You make min wage then you get a few raises and work through college, get more raises, maybe change jobs for better pay or benefits a few times, pay down any debt, move to a nicer apartment then buy a starter home then upgrade that then trade in the old car for a newer one, etc. It's really very gradual.

It is possible to go from barely making it to 6 figures in a blink -- without hitting the lotto. I'm living proof. It may not be possible to do it in the comfort of an office or even in the good ol' US of A but it is still possible. I went to Iraq as a contractor and made that kind of money. And 2 years later I was ecstatic to give up my 6 figure job and go back to making $30K a year.

True. Overseas contractors do have that huge jump. I know - hubby was one and I specialize in overseas ex-pats in my tax bsiness. I've seen more than a few people go from an income of $30,000/yr to $130,000/yr literally overnight. It's not an easy job but it is very financially rewarding - especially if you stay over 330 days in a year and can get it mostly if not all tax free.

mikeyboy

I would cut back on my lifestyle a little.

k900

I would be able to afford to move out.
I would help my family with bills if they needed it.
I would eat better.
I would buy a few more pieces of fitness equipment.
I would donate to charity.

ampa916

I would pay off my bills definitely...buy a newer car (after paying off mine of course)...I would save up to buy my own home straight out so I wouldn't have a loan to worry about. I would help my mom buy a home and probably send them x amount of money every month. My mom is on disability and they have to work hard for what they get, so if I made that much I would want to help her.

I would still probably live like we live now (under our means) and just try to save whatever was left for my son's college

Bahet

"I'm cracking up at some of the posts here. People bragging that they have a mortgage of $550/month because they have a 700sqft house in a bad neighborhood. OK, that's fine if you are just starting out but that's still ridiculously high. "

I was not 'bragging." I was stating a fact. And if you think that amount is "high," I think you need to have a reality check. I live in Dallas area, and it's not so simple and easy to "just move."

But, since, apparently what I pay is so "high," I'd like to let you kynow that when I rented an apartment that was also 700 sq ft, my rent was $800/month.

So, I did move...and I now own a home that is a lot cheaper. How dare I be so stupid as to pay so much? *sarcasm*

$500/month in general is not high. $500/month for a 700 sqft home in a bad neighborhood IS high. I just ran a search on Trulia. There are nearly 1000 homes in the Dallas area for sale for under $50,000. That's an estimated mortgage of about $300/month with taxes and insurance. Most of them are over 1000 sqft. So you pay more for less home in a bad area.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't own. It's wonderful that you are a home owner. I credit our first home with being a primary reason why we are where we are now. We paid $83,000 for a 1600 sqft house in a decent area but not a place we wanted to send our kids to school. Our mortgage with taxes and insurance was $755 (7.5% interest back then.) We sold 5 years later for $135,000. Once I figured in the tax benefits and profit we made I realized that owning that house not only didn't cost us anything but we actually MADE $100/month living there. You cannot rent anywhere and have the landlord pay you $100/month to do so. My only point was that your mortgage for your home isn't really brag worthy. The fact that you are a home owner at 24yrs old - now that's something to be proud of!! That's how old I was when we bought our first house. That's a HUGE accomplishment. If I had to pick someone who would be successful in life based just on the posts in this thread you would probably be my top pick. Mind you, I'm a financial advisor too so I know what I'm talking about. You obviously have a good head on your shoulders and are financially savvier than the average person. Most people in their young 20s are living at home or too far in debt to even qualify for a mortgage. You obviously made some smart financial moves already. That's something to be VERY proud of.

As an aside, shortly after we bought our first house one of those door to door magazine sellers came by and when I answered she asked if my mom was home. Boy was she stunned when I said I was the owner. :laugh:

neverstray

Me, too. My mortgage is just under $600/month, (3 bedrooms, 1300 sq. ft., 1/3 acre) which is 3x my net income. I spend about $150 on groceries. Probably that much per year on clothing. I have no car payment. I once turned down a proposal that would have netted me an additional $5,000 per month, and I still fantasize about what I could have done with that money. I don't need a bigger house. I love my car...I wouldn't want a nicer car. I'm happy to have a reliable car that nobody wants to steal. So, I could have quit my job and lived well on $5,000...and still have enough left to help out my kids. I do process payments for doctors where I work and I know many who can't live within their means. It is baffling.

I'm not sure anyone said they are not living within their means. What people are saying is that it's relative. How much is a gallon of milk where you live? Everything is more here. Every where I go, I have to pay to park, or take a taxi. You get the idea. It's just generally very expensive to live. So, yes, the income looks big, but it's pretty average, to be honest. I live within my means, and I'm good at managing my money. I don't have cable tv, I watch what I do and keep a close eye on my money. But, it just costs a lot. Clothing is very expensive. Try clothing and feeding two growing kids in this city.

If I was single, it would be different because I could rent a small apartment in a kind of not bad/not great part of town for pretty cheap. I could not have kids and save a ton. I could do a lot of things that would get my in a place of having quite a lot of cash on hand. In fact, I could probably save quite a lot and retire early. But, that's not my life. I have responsibilities and those cost money.

Don't judge.

I'm not judging...I was agreeing. People are saying that$10,000 just pays the bills, that sounds like they are living paycheck to paycheck no matter how big that is. Okay, so let's call that living within your means. And when I have doctor's calling me telling me they need their check ASAP because they are going to be overdrawn, if they are living within their means, that shouldn't happen. And yes, it is hard for me to understand. We live in the same neighborhood, shop at the same stores, pay exactly the same for a gallon of milk.

All I said is my needs are few, I'm frugal to begin with, and I have no desire for things. So, more money wouldn't mean a lot of bigger bills. Three extra 10,000 checks would pay off all my current bills and, sans 70,000 mortgage, I would be debt free. I'd be living well on my current salary. And I wouldn't have a mortgage over $1,000, I wouldn't move to the city. I am just speaking for my personal situation. BTW, I did raise 4 kids and when I did we lived in a bigger house, same neighborhood. My husband made $80,000 but he was terrible with money, maxed out credit cards, ruined our credit. I left him and I make much less but I'm better off financially and I have excellent credit.

I get that, but just remember, the stakes are higher. You can live well, but you can also lose big. during my divorce, I lost my business and my house. That cost us a lot. Much of those loses were the result of living right up to the edge of what we could afford. Had we lived frugally and not maxxed out, then much of the financial troubles I am still suffering through right now could have been avoided. However, there was a time when we were seriously what I would consider very well off, due to business income, out of state rentals, and other things where we paid almost no income tax. I mean it was really good. When you get there, you push for more. It's kind of a weird state. I'll remember never to go there again because you keep wanting more, bigger, better, and it's like a self-perpetuating thing. And, it souless. That's the main lesson from it all for me.

Anyways, pushing through that and trying to correct takes some time because I don't have the financial leverage I used to have, and I pay a huge share of taxes, plus back taxes from the failing business.

One day, once out from under this mess, I might be able to enjoy life a little more, take a vacation once in a while, and have some fun. But, I guess I'm just saying that it's not all THAT much money. The government is the great equalizer. I bet if I made half as much, my take home would be similar to what it is now. I have no doubts about that.

One thing this thread has done is make me realize that maybe I'm a bit above the fray (sometimes you forget), and that I should take time out to enjoy it. Even though I'm just paying bills and not really living with chefs cooking for me, house cleaners, and all that, I should still focus on the fact that my earning power is outstanding, and I should do a few things in the coming years to capitalize on that as much as possible, without adding to the lifestyle of it.

i have been thinking a lot about downsizing everything in my life and getting back to a really basic lifestyle. It sounds ridiculous, but cutting cable TV was a start for me when I did that last summer. I've cancelled practically every service I have except Netflix and Internet. Netflix I kind of feel like is a nice luxury and it's inexpensive enough, and Internet is also a nice luxury that I'm not willing to live without at the present time. But, other than that, I've cut out everything...gym, newspapers, all subscriptions to anything. i dont buy new clothes unless I really need them, I don't go out much, I never eat out, etc, and I'm still barely able to pay bills. But, that's due to the stuff I mentioned above. Once all that is settled, then it probably will be smoother sailing for me.

My goal is to live more simply than I have in the past and not get caught up in having things. Because those things wind up with additional costs. For example, I really want a Harley, but I keep thinking about the added insurance and maintenance, along with the other stuff that goes with it. I may get one someday, but thinking about what I want more...early retirement and money in the bank, it trumps haing another thing in my life.

Anyway, this thread has helped me re-energize and think more about some of this stuff. So, thanks,.

BirchBayLady

I would be hating the tax man

Yes...exactly. I do earn a bit more than this a month but we barely scrape by after paying taxes and bills...life in San Francisco is muy expensivo.