How well is your living status?

llg, PhD, RN · May 18, 2007

I'm a big believer in the old saying that "It's not how much money you make, it's what you make of the money you have."

Over the course of my career, my income has varied greatly as I took different jobs, went to grad school a couple of times, etc. Currently, I am making more money than I ever have -- but I feel "poor" because I spend a lot on an expensive home and am only 10-15 years away from retirement.

Nursing will provide you with a middle-class income. Whether or not you feel comfortable and satisfied with that will depend on how well you manage your money and what your desires and expectations of life are.

NoeIssa · May 27, 2007

I guess with every job its how you can handle your money and even millionares go broke sometimes.

Raeth · May 27, 2007

You should be making more than most people in the country. Median household income is somewhere between 45-50k (I think) and average RN salary is just under 60k. So if you manage your money right you shouldn't have too much trouble having a decent life. Especially if you're willing to work where there's a good balance between COL and wages. I've noticed in some areas that you won't make a lot more yet be paying $$$$ for housing.

I've seen too many people who focus on having a big house that it ends up being all they can afford.

estuh · May 27, 2007

Before I left Kenya for Australia I was living quite well. Nurses are badly paid there but I started a small business because I love the fine things in life and it was doing quite well. And I have no dependants so I had it all to myself.

Cmariehart · May 27, 2007

I would have to say maybe. I live at home, I pay all my bills, I have a car (piece of junk that it is, but it's still mine) I have money left over to do things for myself. And I pay my loans. The most expensive money drainer I have in my BF, he's a pain in the orifice.....

teeituptom, BSN, RN · May 29, 2007

You should be making more than most people in the country. Median household income is somewhere between 45-50k (I think) and average RN salary is just under 60k. So if you manage your money right you shouldn't have too much trouble having a decent life. Especially if you're willing to work where there's a good balance between COL and wages. I've noticed in some areas that you won't make a lot more yet be paying $$$$ for housing.
I've seen too many people who focus on having a big house that it ends up being all they can afford.

60 k, is that all ya'll get. Ive made over a 100 k per annum for at least 15 yrs now. What are ya'll doing wrong.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · May 29, 2007

I'm a big believer in the old saying that "It's not how much money you make, it's what you make of the money you have."
Over the course of my career, my income has varied greatly as I took different jobs, went to grad school a couple of times, etc. Currently, I am making more money than I ever have -- but I feel "poor" because I spend a lot on an expensive home and am only 10-15 years away from retirement.
Nursing will provide you with a middle-class income. Whether or not you feel comfortable and satisfied with that will depend on how well you manage your money and what your desires and expectations of life are.

Im about 10 yrs from retirement, Im feeling well off. Ive provided well for me family, raised 7 kids. Have a nice home, good income, I can golf on pricier golf courses. I take vacations. Life is good. Im not rich but I am doing quite well.Far better than what I envision middle class as. I actually feel as though I am very well off. Financially, security wise, golf wise.

If I was going to give anyone one particular bit of advice-------GET RID OF ALL YOUR CREDIT CARDS- NOW

ERRNTraveler, RN · May 29, 2007

60 k, is that all ya'll get. Ive made over a 100 k per annum for at least 15 yrs now. What are ya'll doing wrong.

What type of nursing do you do? How many hours do you work each week? What area of the country do you live & work in?

Lynda Lampert, RN · May 29, 2007

I have a theory:

Ionafey's theory of economics, part one: All life expenses will expand to fill all available money regardless of how much money there actually is.

You read it here first, folks. I've seen it happen!

Iona

teeituptom, BSN, RN · May 30, 2007

What type of nursing do you do? How many hours do you work each week? What area of the country do you live & work in?

1 ER

2 Texas

3 fulltime, 40 hours a week not that wimpy 32 or 36 hours that counts as full time now

Raeth · May 30, 2007

I have a theory:
Ionafey's theory of economics, part one: All life expenses will expand to fill all available money regardless of how much money there actually is.
You read it here first, folks. I've seen it happen!
Iona

Isn't that the truth! It's like they decide that everything that was just fine before they made that much money suddenly isn't enough. :trout:

I have a friend who's now making over 125k... what does he do? Buys a brand new wakeboarding boat, a house that's too big/expensive, a new truck, and spends an ungodly amount on a wedding (8k for the dress!!) Now he's just gotta pray that he never gets hurt and is out of work.

Not that you can't have those things if you make enough money. I think it's just that some people decide to go do it right away. The money starts burning a hole in their pocket. Which is scary considering all of it is financed...

VIXEN007 · May 30, 2007

I like what Apostle Paul said about being content no matter what state you are in. If you are never content, no amount of money will help. I vowed long ago to keep the little things dear. Like treating my kid to a Dairy Queen cone. Or, browsing in a Thrift store. I don't need a new car to be happy. I just need my old car with a cup of coffee and my wet wipes. I would rather spend money on education and travel than on things that get broken or lost.