Page 8 | High earners - how do you spend your salary?

Citygirly · 2022-05-21T09:03:11+00:00

DH and I earn just under £140k combined. We do maximum pension payments (his is 9% as NHS) and we also give about 10% a month to charity. Other than that, we plan to start overpaying the mortgage. We invest £1k a month (so £500 each) and save £1k for holidays. We of course do general/specific savings but then have a good chunk left over for disposable income. AIBU to ask other high earning households how they tend to allocate their money? Just want to see if we could be using it better or this is about right for comparables.

BellePeppa · 25/05/2022 12:22

Citygirly · 25/05/2022 11:10

To those who have actually provided helpful advice on this thread and to those who have stated they have read through and benefitted themselves - do you know how a new corner on Mumsnet is created?

I think from the reaction of those who have been offended by this thread, it may be better to have a 'high earners' corner or something similar because then people can have discussion threads such as this in that space and feel it is appropriately placed and not open to criticism.

What are your thoughts?

You want a ‘safe space’ for high earners? You’re being far too sensitive, especially for someone who apparently is capable of earning pretty big money compared to most - usually high earners are there because they have a lot of steel.

123ROLO · 25/05/2022 12:10

G5000 · 25/05/2022 12:01

I don't understand how people who are apparently smart enough to earn big bucks can think of that as an appropriate comparison.

You didn't address my other example. Or I have more - do you go on exercise threads posting it's tone deaf to discuss your marathon training when some people struggle to walk? This is not a 'mumsnet' topic. How about topics where people discuss premium economy vs business class, when so many can't travel at all?

If it doesn't interest you, don't click on it. If you feel it is offensive and inappropriate, report to MN.

There isn't a national crisis of peoples legs not working, or women struggling to get boyfriends. There is however a cost of living crisis.

A comparative topic would be

"Those of you with working legs, what do you do with them?"

Not someone asking a question about running a marathon.

G5000 · 25/05/2022 12:01

I don't understand how people who are apparently smart enough to earn big bucks can think of that as an appropriate comparison.

You didn't address my other example. Or I have more - do you go on exercise threads posting it's tone deaf to discuss your marathon training when some people struggle to walk? This is not a 'mumsnet' topic. How about topics where people discuss premium economy vs business class, when so many can't travel at all?

If it doesn't interest you, don't click on it. If you feel it is offensive and inappropriate, report to MN.

orwellwasright · 25/05/2022 11:52

it may be better to have a 'high earners' corner or something similar because then people can have discussion threads such as this in that space and feel it is appropriately placed and not open to criticism

Lol. Rich people need a VIP area where they're safe from scrutiny.

Mate, you're literally describing how the entire world is organised and it's still not enough for you.

Merryclaire · 25/05/2022 11:41

Citygirly · 25/05/2022 11:31

@Merryclaire did you miss my last post or are you just ignoring it as you have no response?

There’s not really any point responding in great detail. Enough of us have called you out but you still seem intent on claiming this is all perfectly normal and not done with the intention of stirring things up. Your post about ‘high earners’ corner’ said it all!

itsinmybag · 25/05/2022 11:41

OP, in your opening "question," you don't even give anyone the most basic of facts such as - how old you are; where you live; whether you have children / other dependents; job security etc etc etc.

Did these most basic of life circumstances not occur to you as remotely relevant to your quest for "genuine advice?" Really?

Pull the other one!

123ROLO · 25/05/2022 11:37

I don't think there needs to be a high earners corner, the money section is fine. You get any threads from people asking how to stretch their last £10 for the week to people asking what to invest their spare £100k in.

Both are genuine questions, with genuine desire to seek opinions / insights

I don't see what this thread gains apart from people bragging.

Original poster

Citygirly · 25/05/2022 11:31

@Merryclaire did you miss my last post or are you just ignoring it as you have no response?

OP posts:

Topgub · 25/05/2022 11:31

@Citygirly

No one has been verbally attacked by a mob

@Madbamboo

I take it you missed the personal attacks from those who considered themselves better because they earn more?

itsinmybag · 25/05/2022 11:30

If you post a nonsense 'question' on "Am I Being Unreasonable?" you are likely to be told you are indeed unreasonable. The clue is in the title.

Merryclaire · 25/05/2022 11:30

Citygirly · 25/05/2022 11:10

To those who have actually provided helpful advice on this thread and to those who have stated they have read through and benefitted themselves - do you know how a new corner on Mumsnet is created?

I think from the reaction of those who have been offended by this thread, it may be better to have a 'high earners' corner or something similar because then people can have discussion threads such as this in that space and feel it is appropriately placed and not open to criticism.

What are your thoughts?

And you claim this is genuine and that you’re not courting negative comments? 🙄

Madbamboo · 25/05/2022 11:28

People who has done well financially, apart from privilege, most must have done something right and something for all to be learned from. It could be personal discipline, or career choice, or strategic investment...
I don't understand what the attackers gain from criticising

Original poster

Citygirly · 25/05/2022 11:23

Madbamboo · 25/05/2022 11:17

What is the bar though? I am not high earning but enjoy reading other people 's experience as a source of inspiration and motivation.

I don't think there would necessarily be a bar as such. It wouldn't be meant to keep people out that want to read and engage in a nice manner. It would just be a space for people to be able to speak openly without being verbally attacked by a mob.

OP posts:

Madbamboo · 25/05/2022 11:17

What is the bar though? I am not high earning but enjoy reading other people 's experience as a source of inspiration and motivation.

Topgub · 25/05/2022 11:12

@Citygirly

high earners' corner

Yes, definitely

Keep the riff raff out.

Original poster

Citygirly · 25/05/2022 11:10

To those who have actually provided helpful advice on this thread and to those who have stated they have read through and benefitted themselves - do you know how a new corner on Mumsnet is created?

I think from the reaction of those who have been offended by this thread, it may be better to have a 'high earners' corner or something similar because then people can have discussion threads such as this in that space and feel it is appropriately placed and not open to criticism.

What are your thoughts?

OP posts:

itsinmybag · 25/05/2022 11:10

Hmm, I agree people shouldn't be able to close threads about "high earners" down, simply on the basis that some people are on benefits etc.

But come on OP - this thread is a disingenuous nonsense. And well you know it!

You can't just talk about "high earners" as this is relative to so many factors - age, how many children you have, where you live, your mortgage / rent / other underlying costs - all sorts of things.

It is utterly pointless asking other people what they do with their salaries because they have totally different lives and obligations to you.

If you wanted "genuine advice" that you can actually act on, you would have gone on a money matters type thread or see a financial advisor.

You need advice on YOUR specific circumstances - relative to where you live and your stage of life.

You must realise that referring to yourself as a 'high earner' is crass. It's also embarrassing because to many, you would not be considered a high earner at all.

It seems you are a young person who feels you are doing well for yourself and wanted to post about it on the internet. Well done on what you have achieved in your life so far. But go to the bank and ask for an advisor. It doesn't matter to you what "MsX in Wimbledon with her 5 privately educated children and penchant for MN, champagne and rare Persian cats" does with her money does it?

Glitterblue · 25/05/2022 11:00

@Woundabout wow, you wouldn't call £140k high earning? It's 4 x our household income. You said you earn half of that- THAT'S high to us!

123ROLO · 25/05/2022 10:54

yellowsuninthesky · 25/05/2022 10:21

even the title of the thread, amongst the many threads on the cost of living crisis, it just sticks out like a sore thumb for being crass

So do lots of thread titles. Scoll on by.

I really am getting fed up with people trying to police what topics are discussed on here. If I don't like a thread or am not interested in it, I don't open or read it. I advise all other MNers to do the same.

I'm not policing. I don't particularly care that it's here and it doesn't offend me personally. I just think it looks obnoxious, and therefore pointing it out

Original poster

Citygirly · 25/05/2022 10:40

@Merryclaire it's a genuine post, and you are within your right to find it strange. Clearly we have different interests, which is again, fine. Therefore if it is not something that interests you or you find 'strange', why do you continue to engage with the thread?

PP have stated it's tone deaf. But then I don't understand why they have also clicked on and read through the thread? The title is very clear and if it doesn't interest them they are free to scroll past. As a pp said, the thread is the room so many people have read the room correctly. No one is being forced to read through or respond. My thread title was clear who this was aimed at. Many people have provided clear and insightful advice which I've been grateful for.

You find it odd that I have asked questions regarding private school etc. Interesting. Those who answered clearly didn't find it odd and provided detailed and helpful answers. I, and others like myself like to plan ahead. Whilst the costs will change it is good to have an idea so I can have an idea of whether I think it would be feasible on our projected earnings. Again, nothing wrong with that which is evidenced by those answering the questions and engaging helpfully.

If you read through my previous posts you will see that I've explained we have financial advisors for our investments and protection. My initial question was regarding disposable income. I received amazing advice over and above what I initially asked and I'm very grateful for that. It's bizarre that you are perplexed by my questions because clearly you have nothing profitable to add to the discussion but there are plenty of posters on this thread that do.

Many people ask strangers a range of questions on a variety of boards on Mumsnet - as is their right. It's not your job to police what is posted or where. The relevance has been explained in my several posts and by other pp who have identified why it would be beneficial from me to have guidance from other high earners as I come from a modest background.

My AIBU was re other high earners and how they spend their disposable income. Not whether it's reasonable to post this at all. I think that is quite clear in my op.

I hope this answers all your questions clearly and comprehensively. I suppose the main takeaway is that really, you should read the room, which starts with the thread title.

OP posts:

Merryclaire · 25/05/2022 10:27

yellowsuninthesky · 25/05/2022 10:21

even the title of the thread, amongst the many threads on the cost of living crisis, it just sticks out like a sore thumb for being crass

So do lots of thread titles. Scoll on by.

I really am getting fed up with people trying to police what topics are discussed on here. If I don't like a thread or am not interested in it, I don't open or read it. I advise all other MNers to do the same.

But it’s the AIBU? board - why post on it if you can’t bear being told you are being unreasonable? Isn’t the point of the board to discuss whether something is appropriate/reasonable or not?

yellowsuninthesky · 25/05/2022 10:21

scroll

yellowsuninthesky · 25/05/2022 10:21

even the title of the thread, amongst the many threads on the cost of living crisis, it just sticks out like a sore thumb for being crass

So do lots of thread titles. Scoll on by.

I really am getting fed up with people trying to police what topics are discussed on here. If I don't like a thread or am not interested in it, I don't open or read it. I advise all other MNers to do the same.

yellowsuninthesky · 25/05/2022 10:20

Merryclaire · 25/05/2022 05:58

I’m just waiting for someone to start a thread called ‘Lottery winners - how do you spend your millions? I am struggling to know what to do with mine!’

I'd quite enjoy advising them on how to spend their millions!

dianthus101 · 25/05/2022 10:12

123ROLO · 25/05/2022 10:00

I agree it's in bad taste.

I know no one has to click on it. But even the title of the thread, amongst the many threads on the cost of living crisis, it just sticks out like a sore thumb for being crass.

Also, it isn't comparable to people posting threads about wanting another baby or pros and cons of having a baby upsetting those with fertility problems. It is 'mumsnet', it is expected people will want to discuss babies. And usually, those threads raise genuine suggestions and perspectives around life choices and parenthood. All this thread does is just list where people's excess money goes.

I don't understand how people who are apparently smart enough to earn big bucks can think of that as an appropriate comparison.

Maybe it is expected that people will discuss babies but that's not the only thing that people discuss that could potentially upset those who are less fortunate.