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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to think this is a good salary?

191 replies

jamsandwich5 · 23/09/2025 14:55

Just to settle an argument. My husband and I respectively take home 33k and 31k a year after tax.

I work 30 hours, he works 38. He wants me to up my hours but I don’t see why as we don’t struggle for money and I am happy having a bit of spare time to sort kids school admin etc.

AIBU to think 64k for a household (of4) is plenty?

OP posts:
Original poster
jamsandwich5 · 23/09/2025 15:09

Ive checked the budget and after all the essential outgoings basically about £2500 a month is unaccounted for.

OP posts:
CissOff · 23/09/2025 15:06

It wouldn’t be enough for us and we live outside of London. We’d have no real money left over for a bit of cushion - e.g the clutch has just on DD’s car and she genuinely needs it for college and work. £750 needed overnight.

Original poster
jamsandwich5 · 23/09/2025 15:05

Yes we are not paying for schools. We live quite simply and have plenty of savings.

OP posts:
Minnie798 · 23/09/2025 15:04

Missed the part which said after tax 🤣

Original poster
jamsandwich5 · 23/09/2025 15:03

Beekman · 23/09/2025 15:01

For 68 hours a week between you, that sounds generous. However, what would you be able to differently if you did work full time hours? And what would be worse?

I think my quality of life would just be worse? as it stands I am doing all the school pick ups and drop offs and working more would mean less of those (roping in grandparents probably) weighing up the money I’d rather spend the time with the kids after school while they’re little?

OP posts:
Minnie798 · 23/09/2025 15:03

Is 64k combined income over 5k a month? I thought it was less than that, especially factoring in pensions.
I think it is fine, depending on the area you live.
Some posters will say not because they live in expensive areas, where salaries are higher and paying for private school is normal.

TheHateIsNotGood · 23/09/2025 15:03

For SW rural £64k joint salary is very good

Mylittlefoof · 23/09/2025 15:03

What's the pre tax salary?

Beekman · 23/09/2025 15:01

For 68 hours a week between you, that sounds generous. However, what would you be able to differently if you did work full time hours? And what would be worse?

Original poster
jamsandwich5 · 23/09/2025 15:00

Mushroo · 23/09/2025 14:59

It’s over £5k a month so unless you’ve got a huge mortgage or something it seems great for those hours.

Mortgage is £900 a month.

OP posts:
Hoolahoophop · 23/09/2025 14:59

64K after tax is over 5k a month. Yep. I'd say that's enough outside of expensive areas. That said, extra income will help to build savings, pensions, increase equity in house, or buy butter house, nicer holidays etc...

Mushroo · 23/09/2025 14:59

It’s over £5k a month so unless you’ve got a huge mortgage or something it seems great for those hours.

SpackelFrog · 23/09/2025 14:58

If you can fund what you need then that’s great but I don’t think we’d cover our mortgage, utilities and council tax with that.

Original poster
jamsandwich5 · 23/09/2025 14:57

Sorry, not London - South West rural.

OP posts:
123becauseicouldntthinkofone · 23/09/2025 14:57

it depends on which area of the country you live in to be honest and with kids whatever small extra you earn would that then need to go on wrap around care after school?

Tamfs · 23/09/2025 14:56

Depends where you live?