AMA Income over £500k

[AMAIncomeRelated]

Following the thread on the disadvantages of earning just over £50k, it got me thinking that if some people think that is a huge amount to earn, what do they think of my life.

We live in North London. Husband earns a lot, over £500k most years. We live in a big house, with a huge mortgage, 3 children at private school, 3 dogs, own a ski chalet which is let out as well as for our use. I don't work, I did try a part time job 5 years ago and whilst I loved it, it cause too much stress at home because my husband is used to me doing everything.

We obviously live very comfortably, but also there are lots of things we'd like to do but can't afford the big projects at the moment. My husbands job is very stressful.

AMA. I am absolutely not gloating, I know only too well how fortunate we are.

Why? All that money and you drudge around cleaning and doing the washing ?

What is your monthly household income and what is your monthly mortgage? And what does the monthly cost of private school for 3 kids add up to? It's an anonymous AMA so I feel I can ask nosey questions!

Why quit a part time job you lived rather than hire a cleaner and housekeeper? Have you ever had a proper job?
what do you do with his salary that makes your life interesting?

Also did either of you grow up in wealthy families?

As another person in a high income family (mainly due to DH'S earned income) I am just here waiting for the posters to start saying you are lying about your family income which is what frequently happens on MN.

Yes good point. You get sort of trapped in this though, one more year, one more bonus etc. He will retire before 60 certainly, and once the children are off there will be more time.

No mention of sitting with d.c To do homework or spending time with them .... did he read them bedtime stories?

ok, monthly income around £14k, mortgage £6k, school fees £5k. Then annual bonus on top which varies.

What is the point if it isn’t just boasting though?

And I say this as someone comfortably off, so it doesn’t upset me personally - but unlike the S&B threads asking for an opinion on expensive bags there’s no purpose to this.

I know! Feeling nervous to have put myself out there a bit! Ready to run away when it gets nasty.

Some people are genuinely interested I think.

When you go to the supermarket do you ever really look at the prices? Or is there just no need?

What are the big projects you can't afford?
Is your DH planning to retire early (FIRE)?

We have similar income but both work full time. Why did you give up work? Are your children preschoolers?

This very sad

did try a part time job 5 years ago and whilst I loved it, it cause too much stress at home because my husband is used to me doing everything

Badically are you just there as housekeeper and nanny?
Whatabout you?
What s your hobby?

Go back to work
You can afford housekeeper
Get a fulfilled life for you

So £3k remaining each month for everything else? You’re not that wealthy then.

Are you happy OP?

No, he hasn't had time to enjoy any of the, thats all been me. partly why me working didn't work for us because he cannot be at all flexible with school run, homework, after school play dates etc etc. I've done a lot of voluntary roles, but finding a part time job that is school house is difficult.

Do you have a pension he pays into or investments set up in your name? What do you do all day?

What is it with MN and the fury at women who don't work? OP can afford not to work.

there is no need. We eat well but we're not quaffing champagne every day, eat normally I think, I love to cook.

I did try a part time job 5 years ago and whilst I loved it, it cause too much stress at home because my husband is used to me doing everything

I think it's really sad you gave up a job you loved to appease your husband who wanted you to be there to do jobs on demand. Do you worry about the example that sets any daughters you have?

Why did you make the choice to quit a part time job you love rather than hire in someone (on the days you worked) to cover the things your husband was 'used to you doing' by which I assume you mean cooking and cleaning?

We are also in this bracket, but very different lifestyle. Joint income approx £600k, although split quite unevenly. Both work FT. Just bought a (terraced) house but until a few months ago were in a rented 2 bed flat. 10yo car worth approx £12k. No children yet so no private schools, no ski chalet, no gardener (but we do have a weekly cleaner). The money goes into investments, adventurous travel, and rapid pay down of the mortgage.

I've just seen the monthly breakdown, so please ignore my question about what you can't afford. I wouldn't assume you weren't wealthy though, because that's about assets more than income.

So £3k remaining each month for everything else? You’re not that wealthy then.

Don't be ridiculous. Having a massive income and choosing to spend it all on massively expensive things doesn't make you any less wealthy than someone who chooses to only spend 20% of it.