Today, achieving a six-figure salary is a challenging dream for many people, but this couple in the story proves that it can come true in life.
The couple has a combined income of $200, 000, which seems like a good salary
Natalie Fischer, 25, and her husband, Keldon, 30, are a tech-industry couple based in Seattle. Despite earning what many would consider a comfortable income, the couple struggles with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
In their Seattle residence, the couple has a two-bedroom apartment with a monthly rent of $2,378, which is the city's average housing cost.
Additionally, the couple has expenses including $1,163 on bills, $200 on groceries, and a startling $300 on dining out, totaling an average monthly spend of $4,000.
Natalie, a content creator, said: "We're both earning over $100k and as we started to earn more money we treated ourselves a lot more."
The financial strain intensified after their $20,000 wedding expenditure last year.
Natalie and Keldon decided to take drastic measures to combat their escalating expenses.
They started canceling gym memberships and reducing beauty expenses. The couple farewelled their $208 gym memberships, halted Natalie's monthly $100 manicures and pedicures, and limited their dining-out escapades to once a week.
Just five years ago, we were broke college students. As we started to earn more money, we treated ourselves more. We weren't too concerned about spending money going out, getting my hair done, or going traveling." The realization that their savings were suffering prompted the couple to reevaluate their financial habits.
"I was living beyond my needs," Natalie confessed. "I want to greatly increase the savings we have, and I feel like we spend way too much, so I am trying to balance it this year." Their goals for 2024 include restricting clothing expenses to $10 each per month, eliminating gym memberships and dining out, and halving their food bills.
Nowadays, the couple faces a change in economic
Natalie said: "I was living beyond my needs," Natalie admitted. "I want to greatly increase the savings we have and I feel like we spend way too much so I am trying to balance it this year.
She added: "I know we have experienced lifestyle creep - that is a big reason to why I wanted to downgrade my lifestyle and track where every dollar is going."
Now, the couple is experiencing a change in their standard of living due to the economic recession. This highlights the importance of financial awareness and planning in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
