Alex Buscemi
A TikTok user recently sparked a heated debate after posting about her financial struggles despite having a combined household income of $120K.
In the now-deleted video, the woman expressed her frustration about living paycheck to paycheck and the challenges of making ends meet even with what many consider a substantial income.
Are her complaints valid? Or does her $120K household income — well above the US median of $74,580 — make the video completely tone-deaf?
This woman complained that she was struggling to make ends meet on her combined household income of $120K
In the clip, the woman passionately asks, “Why am I still living paycheck to paycheck? WHY?”
She emphasizes that her job pays a decent amount, which she describes as “very median, very average,” and argues that she should be able to live comfortably on it.
However, despite this seemingly solid income, she and her partner find themselves struggling financially.
The woman detailed how she and her partner are left with little money after covering basic expenses like the mortgage, groceries, and gas.
“We just got paid this past Friday and we paid the mortgage, bought some groceries, put some gas in the car, and guys, it is Tuesday and we have like $200-$300 to last until next Friday.”
Her video resonates with many who feel the same financial squeeze, but it also drew significant criticism.
Many TikTok users were quick to comment, with some accusing her of living beyond her means and not budgeting properly.
One comment reads, “Well, that’s called living above your means, sweetheart,” while another suggests, “Anybody making $120k a year who is only responsible for providing for themselves should have no trouble saving a significant portion of their salary. My suspicion is she’s buying luxuries she can’t actually afford.”
However, the debate also had its defenders who pointed out the increasing cost of living and the impact of inflation.
One supporter highlighted, “People are missing the point entirely. She’s complaining about the fact that six figures isn’t even enough to live off of which is valid because that’s insane.”
Another added, “It’s frustrating and obviously unsustainable. I’m really sorry about the people that actually make minimum wage in this country and about all the future adults that will have to deal with this.”
In the now-deleted video, she acknowledges that things could be far worse, and she feels for younger people forced to live with their parents
The video also addressed broader issues faced by others in similar situations.
She mentions, “Forget about me, because we’re still living…it’s not as horrible as it could be,” and then points out, “What about these young kids trying to start a life — trying to get out of their parent’s house and be independent adults? They CAN’T.”
This conversation on TikTok reflects a wider sentiment felt by many in the current economic climate, where even those earning relatively high salaries are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Nevertheless, before you hit record and shout “Woe is me” at the internet, it’s important to realize that while you may be unable to buy that new car or take that fancy vacation, other people are wondering where their next meal will come from. And to them, your problems would feel like a blessing.
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