Am I POOR?

Question

I am going to be starting my first job in a month as a teacher getting paid about 30000, and my husband is in the military getting paid about 35000!
So, together we only make about 65000-70000 a year.
Im 21 and hes 24.
Anyways.....I DO NOT want to be a teacher my entire life....I actually want to be a school counselor or teach at a community college...which then I will get paid about 50000, but I NEED expirience first!
So, is this a really CRAPPY SALARY?

Answer 1

for your age that is pretty good, but it all depends on cost of living where you live

Answer 2

You don't say where you live - how can we know? My first year of teaching - not too long ago - I was only paid 24k a year. If money is your thing, then it will never be enough.

But NO, you are not poor. By no means do you live below the poverty line. According to the US Government, the poverty line for a two person household is 14K a year. So you are not anywhere NEAR the poverty line.

As far as "only" making 65-70K a year, so what?? You are young yet - you don't make the "big bucks" until you are older. Accept what you have and be grateful.

And if you don't want to be a teacher all your life, then go back and get more education. To teach at a community college - which isn't all that different from teaching high school - you need at least a master's degree.

NO it isn't a crappy salary.

Answer 3

No, you can thank America's Government for that. Maybe Roosevelt and the New Deal and all those darn welfare and Government handout programs. The Government will give you everything you need these days. You're in college and I bet you're on financial aid, right? Maybe scholarships and loans and stuff too.... Even the homeless people have shelters they can go, and food they can eat. Even the criminals get a home and 3 meals a day. Depends on what you think "poor" is though. It seems people in poverty stricken neighborhoods are really materialistic, and if they were poor they couldn't do that. If they were poor food and survival would be the only thing they'd think of.

Answer 4

Heck no - that is a really great starting salary - especially for your age. $65-70k a year combined is more than most american couple earn that are in their 30's.

I'd be considering yourself fortunate and start counting some blessings. Just be smart about your expenses and don't get caught up in the credit race and go run up a ton of debt.

If you are smart, I'd be putting at least $500 a month away in an interest bearing account - or better yet - into a Fidelity Select mutual fund, something in biotech, aerospace, telecommunications, or pharmaceuticals.

You don't touch it and let things ride, keep putting in $500 a month for like ten years, by the time you guys hit your 50's - it will have grown into a huge Golden Nest Egg.

Answer 5

Considering your ages you guys are doing pretty well. Add into that the US is one of the richest countries in the world and worldwide you are rich.

Although teacher salaries are not great, the raises are pretty steady. The same can be said for the military and the benefits are very good. The first few years can be time consuming when teaching. However after getting the basics down and having lesson plans to draw from, having summers off makes your salary seem much better.

Answer 6

Don't get so uppity. A lot of people don't make that kind of money at age 21 or even 31 or 41. If you want to teach college, you'll need at least a master's degree and you may make less, because you probably won't be teaching as many classes to start. A counselor job would also required and advanced degree or two. How do you know you'll get paid $50k to start?

Answer 7

That is a good starting salary for most of the country.
I have a degree in finance but took an uncoventional finance related job so I only make $27,000 a year. But that is a good income for my area. I pay my bills and take a summer job to save up for big purchases like a car this fall or a house in 2 years.

Honestly you both make good money for your ages.

btw I am 24 and my boyfriend is a full time student at 26 so I know what a "tight" budget feels like. :)

Answer 8

♥ The AFT teacher salary survey for the 2004-05 school year found that the average teacher salary was $47,602 so you are below the average, but you are just starting out so that is normal.

♥ I wouldnt say you are poor, but I dont know how well off you are. That would depend on many factors. For example: Do you live in a home that you pay mortgage on or do you rent? how much? how much goes out each month for bills? what about car insurance, possible payments, and maintenance? etc...

Hope this helps!

Answer 9

Sweatheart I have got news for you, If you are making 30,000 a year and can't spell any better then your letter , then you are getting paid to much. PLEASE! If you ever teach at a college please promise me you will go back to english and spelling classes, you need to brush up, you are only 21, im guessing you haven't been out of school for that long and you can't even spell simple words. I'm sorry for being so hard but the truth is better in the long run.

Answer 10

not really- it depends how and where you live.

If you're down south or mid west- that's a good salary.

If you are on the east/west coast- it's a little low. But look at your age.

Hard work, dedication and service will increase your salary. Money isn't everything (but it does pay the bills) Be passionate at what you love to do and the money will come in.


Good luck and best wishes on your endeavors.

Answer 11

You make more than I do. And your husband make more than mine. As long as you can live within your earning means then you are not poor. Poor is making minimum wage and getting only 24 hrs/wk. Or not having a means to make a salary. Count your blessings and stop looking a gift horse in the mouth.