How do you fit into breadline Britain? Take the test

[DillyTante]

Add your details here to see how comparatively wealthy you are compared to the rest of the country.

27% of the UK earn less than we do, and we are living on the edge of poverty apparently.

Badvoc Maybe living with parents is in itself a sign of poverty, and the ability to afford mortgage/rent/childcare is an intrinsic sign of disposable income?

Sorry I meant peope who live in a family home given to them or who have paid off or mortgage....

So, for example, my aunts pils bought her and her new husband a new house and furnished it as a wedding gift.
So they have never paid a mortgage or rent....that's the sort of situation I meant (although I realise tis not usual)

I'm slightly surprised you know what you all earn after tax - I don't. Well, I guess I have a rough idea but I couldn't give an exact figure. Based on what I think our post-tax income is, we're in the top six percent.

hackmum maybe that is why we all know :) If you are in the top 6% exact take home pay probably matters less.

Apparently, we're the 'squeezed middle' with 54% of people earning less than us.

I am surprised we are that 'high' tbh. I feel a lot poorer!

I agree with BonnieBumble. Income alone does not totally indicate the sort of lifestyle you have (unless you earn shedloads). That said however, we clearly have it a lot easier than soooo many people, for which I am very, very grateful!

hackmum - the page links to a tax calculator, so you can work out your post-tax income.

I just did a guesstimate hackmum based on our take home pay plus a bit of CB and tax credits. I don't think it's a precise sort of thing anyway because it doesn't take into account big differences in basic outgoings such as housing costs/ childcare/ travel to name just 3 that others have mentioned.

Hackmum - it's your salary plus any CB you receive. I can understand not knowing your pre tax earnings but surely everyone knows what they earn after tax. How do you budget each month if you don't know how much is coming in?

Not everyone budgets very precisely though BB !

< ponders "actually budgeting might be an idea" wonders about starting thread in housekeeping (or similar) about how to budget, wonders if there is one already - budgeting for beginners anyone ? >

Apparently 99% of people are better off then me!

Think I need to check it

18%
HAVE A LOWER INCOME THAN YOU
You are living on the edge of poverty. Only a small reduction in income would see you slip below the poverty line

16% have a lower income than me, and I am in poverty. This is true as exH has no job and pays no maintenance.

If I were still part of a couple and he earning, that figure would be 70% and we'd be part of the squeezed middle.

'I'm slightly surprised you know what you all earn after tax - I don't. Well, I guess I have a rough idea but I couldn't give an exact figure. Based on what I think our post-tax income is, we're in the top six percent.'

I think you answered your own question there . I know exactly what I earn, and exactly what I pay out, all in a spreadsheet. Unfortunately the figures do not always match :( If you are in the top 6% I don't suppose you need to know the exact figures.

There are people here who are in the higher percentage but don't feel better off. And people saying it doesn't take into account outgoings. Well, the outgoings don't matter as such, because they are still part of that wealth. Yes, some of the higher earners may still not have much spare cash at the end of the month because of high mortgage costs etc. But high mortgage costs a generally because of a bigger house, which is part of being better off. Outgoings aren't a factor in how wealthy you are because for most people outgoings are a choice. You may have less money left over at the end of the month but that is because you live in an X bedroom house. You can come and live in my tiny 2.5 bedroom house and have plenty left over at the end of the month if you like!

For some of us it's not a case of "we have to ease off on the treats" or whatever. It's a case of "can we afford to go shopping for food before the end of the month".

Why on earth would you want to tweet the result?
We are well off - 89%. While we are cutting back on some things I do feel it and count my blessings.

( There are some good ideas on family budgeting I've just checked out under "Money matters" topic - but it all looks a bit difficult )

'I CANNOT believe we are in the top 5th of household incomes.

We are mega skint all the time!' Catinboots, I really doubt you are mega skint. You are a victim of your choices. What does all your money go on? A house probably, but that is your choice and your luxury. If you are skint enough that like many people you can't afford to buy food might I suggest selling some assets?

If 27% have less than you (above somewhere) and still counted as poverty - does that mean 1/4 of us are in poverty...?! That seems an odd definition of poverty?

I really really don't "get" the whole "well we have more outgoings" of the better off. Of course you do, you have more money so can afford a better house, private schooling, after school clubs, better car etc. Exactly what those in poverty can't afford at all. It's choices, and the wealthier can make choices.

"Outgoings aren't a factor in how wealthy you are because for most people outgoings are a choice"

I'd have to respectfully disagree there Dilly as I think outgoings are often hugely effected by circumstances.

eg We used to live in London with much higher rents/ housing costs than out here in the stix.
Before we inherited some money we had a much higher mortgage
If you have young children you will either earn less as SAHM or pay out for childcare.
If you can't find suitable work locally you may have to pay out a big % in travel costs.