At one point in time, several years ago, a $60K annual salary would have been quite enough to get by, but this isn’t so for one Tampa mother. She claims to make $60K a year while caring for two children as a single mother. “On paper, I feel like I should be doing okay financially, but in reality, I feel like I’m constantly playing catch-up,” she wrote in a post on r/whatdoIdo.
In her post, Reddit user AttorneyLife8451 or Busybee shared a list of expenses in her post, including how much she makes from her job. With total monthly expenses of $3,891 and take-home income of $4,593, she’s left with a remainder of $702 each month. However, this doesn’t mean this extra amount is being wasted or spent away, as Busybee also has other expenses that she didn’t mention, like medical costs.
That said, in early November, Busybee says she’s yet to pay her rent and has only $200 to her name. “I just want to get to a point where my bills are paid on time, I have money in savings, and I’m not constantly stressed about the next paycheck,” she sighed. “Why does it still feel like I’m barely surviving?”
Many Redditors were fixated on her car expenses, which were allegedly around $693 a month. “You have no business having a car payment that high,” a commenter remarked. “$120 for a phone bill is way too much,” added another. “You’re a mom of 2 on single income. That’s what you’re doing wrong,” accused a third.
On the flip side, a few people encouraged the mother, advocating that she stay positive but create a better budget. “You’re not doing anything wrong!!! Tough to make it today with 2 little ones on 60k. I hate seeing these posts. Take a breath. You’re doing the best you can I’m sure,” said a Redditor.
As for why her car payments are so high, Busybee explained that she bought a 2016 KIA after leaving her ex, even though she had less-than-ideal credit. One person suggested OP consider a roommate, to which she responded, “The last thing I want to do is bring a stranger into my home with my kids. This place is our peace.” In the end, Busybee didn’t come to any conclusion, though many Reddit users are certain it’s not a lack of salary but poorly budgeted monthly expenses.
