My aunt and I are taking a flight soon.

[ms.pamela]

31. Flying

Here on the west coast $104,000 is barely making it if you have a kid or two. $200,000 a year is considered middle class. I know it is hard for folks living in cheaper areas of the country to understand that especially those whose homes are paid for. I remember reading something recently that explained bill by bill how little a single person would have left each month if they made $75,000 a year and that wasn't for the west coast either. The cost of rent is enormous, example a one-bedroom apartment rents for a minimum of $1,500 a month and that does not include utilities except maybe trash, add on electricity-gas, internet and rental insurance and that amount could easily hit $2,000. Healthcare costs are high, taxes, (federal and state) are high, food is expensive without even eating out. The costs of owning a car- insurance, gas and upkeep adds up, never mind a car payment. Not much left for savings, clothing, entertainment or charity. Getting to the point, this study showed after the person put around 2% of their income into a 401K there was only $3,000 left a year for things like clothing, cable, gifts, charities or emergencies. Probably much less now due to the rising cost of food and health insurance. So much for the great American experiment. I really dislike people l who think like your aunt. Air traffic controllers have an extremely stressful job, so much so it causes many of them health issues. Now they are expected to work without pay, just disgusting.