Where do people get the money?

[MrsLouisTheroux]

I understand that there are people (I thought the minority) who earn a zillion pounds and are very high earners but I just don't understand how so many people afford to eat out, shop, go to the cinema/theatre so often. The huge shopping centre near me is always literally packed with people doing just that. Not just at this time of year either.
The shops seem to be doing brilliantly but I don't know where the money comes from.
DH and I earn a good amount between us and we do nice stuff but can't afford to eat out, shop or go to the cinema more than a couple of times a month and we don't buy a lot when we do go shopping - certainly not for designer stuff.
I thought there was a recession?!
AIBU to wonder how people afford it?

I have increased my working hours from part time to full time so no drop in disposable income but now we have 2 FT working adults and less leisure time

OP I wonder this. Interest rates are low atm which helps those with mortgages. I feel like standing on a soapbox and exhorting them to pay off their debts-quickly!

Also shopping centres do seem busy while high streets are looking shabbier with lots of empty premises.

We are on about 32k between us but have s couple of foriegn hols, a uk one, a decent make car, and eat out a lot. Im just good at finding bargains.

Can I ask Annie - do you have DCs?

What sort of range are you talking about when you say middle class professional salaries?

Yeah we have 2 so far.

Wow - that's a lot out of £32K! Obviously I don't know your personal cicumstances, but to have that level of disposable income I can only surmise your rent or mortgage and childcare is very low?

Creamy - sorry, but I won't disclose my salary or that of DH

Childcare is high but its tax credits so not a lot from me, and mortgage is quite cheap.

"Middle Class professional salaries"
will be household income that puts you in the 7th and 8th decile on the IFS link above

Ah OK - yep, low mortgage and low childcare are a couple of the biggest savings you can benefit from

DH and I were wondering a similar thing recently about a couple we know:

Early thirties with one toddler; he works full time in a factory,she works very part time in a clothes shop, so is more than likely on minimum wage, or just above it.

They seem to have an endless supply of money with loads of holidays, new clothes, expensive baby equipment and expensive furniture, not to mention the numerous nights out.

Neither are from a wealthy family, so it's unlikely that they get much help from family members, and I doubt either has had an inheritance for the same reasons.

I need to learn some tips from them!

I'd say that we fall in the category of middle class professionals who hasn't noticed a reduction in their disposable income - both DH and I have had promotions and are in high growth industries. Most of our friends are comfortable too, though many of them don't have dc. Statistically we fall quite highly on the IFS chart but then so do many people we know. We do realise how lucky we are as we're both from humble backgrounds, but there's definitely a good number of people out there who are spending money that they have (not credit) and not stressing over every price rise - especially where we are in London.

I have a relatively low salary but a high disposable income. This is because I have chosen to share a house with five other adults, making my rent and bills dirt cheap. I Alonso have no car. I'm 32 so it's not ideal but life is for living not slaving away for nothing so I am happy to do this as it gives me opportunities that living alone/with my DP would not.