Average House hold income

You know... this reminds me of a question I have thought about posting. When someone says they make "good money" I always assume they make $80k or more. But then I find out that they make $50k. So I'm always curious what "good money" means to different people.

Keep in mind that "good money" is a relative description, bot to the individual and to the geographical area. Someone earning $50K down here in rural south Louisiana may be able to afford a much more luxurious lifestyle than someone making $80K in Manhattan.

"good money" is relative to a perceived lifestyle. I bought a house in Colorado where I can retire at 50 (37now)  and the military retirement will cover bills and allow   for a comfortable lifestyle.  I'll never have a home over 250K and probably never buy a vehicle with a sticker on the 40K.

My wife is a HS teacher so she will never be "rich" but  she'll probably work until 60 then we both can enjoy it.

I've seen some people retire after leasing vehicles and living on post with no equity after 20 years of service.  Income is less important the better you are with expenditures.

right now, about 18k a year, if things go well.

i am the one dragging the ave down;-)

bear is correct its hard to average or say whats high or not. man i would be rich if i made 130. i make 55 a year my wife is a stay at home mom with 2 kids and we do great, nice 2 story home i paid 44 grand for. but its 15 degrees and central indiana sucks.

This thread sounds like the Frazz comic strip:

Same here.  I guess this sport just attracts people with what I consider high incomes.  I don't even know a lot of people who make over $130,000 annually!  I suppose that is why so many triathletes are recommending me to buy a TT bike, a power meter, and hire a coach!  I would love to be able to do that!  I sure hope I'm not fooling myself to think I can finish an IM with a road bike, no power meter, and by just using a training plan!

I am in the 60k-99k closer to the 60K choice.

Crap.  Those are my two hobbies and I'm well below that $130k average.  

My wife and I are both finishing up school in May and right now combined we make about $25,000 a year. We do however try to limit our monthly bills. I have a 1989 Accord with 198k miles, which costs me $25/month to insure and $40/month in gas. She also drives a cheaper car. This way I have a little bit of extra money to spend on races/gear/etc. even if I can't afford a nice bike or the like.

I make just a tad over $30k in Fairfax County, VA (DC suburbs), which is supposedly one of the richest counties in the country. I have to squeeze my budget just to find room for training essentials (pool access, spare tubes, etc) and maybe one entry fee a year. I'd love to make $80k, but that's never going to happen. However, I have to say I think I'm happier than the average needy, whining, self-important, entitlement-rich Washingtonian, so there you go.

$40k for me. I'm 21.

I graduated this past May with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and the tough economy has made it almost impossible to find a job (especially when you're stuck to an area due to your wife).  But I have always said that I only need to make enough to support my family, put food in my dogs bowl, and support my triathlon habit (in that order).  The size of my house, or how nice my car is makes no difference to me.  Because of this lack of a "real" job I have been able to realize and enjoy the simple things in life (like sitting here petting my dog).

lol wow im the poorest triathlete ever.

$90k.  Can't tell you what I do.

But I'm in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area, so that money is sh-t compared to other markets ..........

At least you haven't added underwater photography to one of those hobbies. Now THAT sh** is expensive

I'm surprised some of you have shared how much you make publicly...not something I'd do as that is a private matter.

Ditto. Maybe it's our "generation" I always learned you don't ask who you voted for or how much money you make..... I do find it interesting to peek into others' lives though

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I work for the government, my salary is public information.  All one has to do is go to the state audit site to see how much I made last year and was reimbursed for travel.

I have never made a big deal about sharing how much I make.  I typically provide a range.  I don't mind others doing the same so long as they aren't using it to brag.  As mentioned by other posters, the idea of making good money varies from professions and markets.  I am always interested in hearing how much others are making, it both humbles and makes me proud. 

single firefighter....definitely didn't get into the job for the money.

$59K in Boston...not only do I not make alot but I'm underpaid for my position, a pretty depressing and maddening combination.  Hopefully the upcoming yearly review process leads to something more, I don't want to enter my 30's still in debt making crap for money...though I'm not holding my breath.