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To Q why many high earners still live paycheque to paycheque?

305 replies

FrugalFannie · 26/09/2024 21:40

I wanted to spark a discussion after seeing a post about living paycheque to paycheque. An interesting article I read in the ES (Nov, 2023) claimed that “Some 26% of people surveyed across the UK with an annual income of £100,000 + said they had no money left at the end of the month” https://www.standard.co.uk/business/money/26-of-people-earning-ps100-000plus-living-monthtomonth-amid-costs-squeeze-b1121031.html

Recent years have indeed been tough financially, but if you earn a relatively good or high wage, it seems surprising to still be living paycheque to paycheque. I personally don’t live this way; I’m a single woman with no children and consider myself smart with money.

I’d love to hear from those who aren’t living paycheque to paycheque about how they manage their finances. What strategies do you use? Is it a matter of being extremely frugal in this economy? Clearly, this issue affects people across various income levels, and I recognise that everyone’s situation is unique. I’m genuinely curious to learn about different financial approaches that work for you!

26% of people earning £100,000-plus ‘living month-to-month amid costs squeeze’

Nine in 10 of those who said they were living pay cheque to pay cheque attributed it to cost-of-living increases, RBC Brewin Dolphin said.

https://www.standard.co.uk/business/money/26-of-people-earning-ps100-000plus-living-monthtomonth-amid-costs-squeeze-b1121031.html

OP posts:
Itsgettingbettetman · 26/09/2024 21:48

Because they're thick as pig shit

I was fortunate to get a job that pays nearly double what I used to earn two years ago. I still live as though I'm earning the lesser amount. Rest goes in pensions and investments.

Can't understand how folk I'm this country are so poor at budgeting.

Mum2jenny · 26/09/2024 21:45

How much money do most ppl have in their current account the day before pay day? Not a lot I’m guessing.

whyamiawakestillitssolate · 26/09/2024 21:45

I think sometimes it depends what someone means by “nothing left over” - for higher earners that might mean after putting money towards expensive holidays, into pensions, into a house project - ie not just on regular bills

Evilartsgrad · 26/09/2024 21:43

Because they are spendthrifts. Next question

Fleetheart · 26/09/2024 21:43

I have been a good earner- but always lived paycheque to paycheque. Childcare and high cost of mortgage as a single mum absolutely scuppered me. Am much better now and save every month but I get it completely.

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