What does it mean to make "good money"????

[diamondfan]

I know you are not having a pity party! I just think it would be nice if we paid our teachers more, and showed that we value the ones who are good and dedicated and try to make a difference for our kids.

 

[LitigatorChick]

Both of my sisters are teachers, so I understand! There is that bonus of summers and holidays off though!!!

 

[Haven]

Date: 3/2/2008 10:59:12 PM
Author: LitigatorChick
There is that bonus of summers and holidays off though!!!

That's what I thought before I actually ever taught--summers off, HA! I'm still waiting for that to become a reality.

I did enjoy reading this thread, though, and back to the topic of making good money, I asked a good friend about this yesterday. She and her fiance are pretty high maintenance people--they have flashy cars, the newest gadgets, trendy clothes, etc., and they have them all the minute they hit the market. She said "good money would be making about a million a year. But then after I made that it would just have to be more because I'd need more over time to support my lifestyle." It's really astonishing how different our perspectives are.

Then I asked my students about this today, and one sophomore lit class collectively decided that $40,000 a year is "good money". I was shocked--that's less than a brand new teacher makes out of college at my school. Perspective, perspective.

 

[pennquaker09]

I think making good money is being about to live without worry - for most people.

 

[BlueJeans]

Date: 3/3/2008 5:09:09 PM
Author: Haven

Date: 3/2/2008 10:59:12 PM
Author: LitigatorChick
There is that bonus of summers and holidays off though!!!

That''s what I thought before I actually ever taught--summers off, HA! I''m still waiting for that to become a reality.

I did enjoy reading this thread, though, and back to the topic of making good money, I asked a good friend about this yesterday. She and her fiance are pretty high maintenance people--they have flashy cars, the newest gadgets, trendy clothes, etc., and they have them all the minute they hit the market. She said ''good money would be making about a million a year. But then after I made that it would just have to be more because I''d need more over time to support my lifestyle.'' It''s really astonishing how different our perspectives are.

Then I asked my students about this today, and one sophomore lit class collectively decided that $40,000 a year is ''good money''. I was shocked--that''s less than a brand new teacher makes out of college at my school. Perspective, perspective.

Oh that''s really interesting. I was wondering was the younger generation thought. I would be curious to find out if they had an active part in the financial aspect within their families. You know house, gas, garbage payments. Hummm-

 

[diamondfan]

Haven, I think a lot of people think that, but I know a lot of summer is spent cleaning out your room, organizing, at our school the teachers have a lot of in service days and meet to do placement for new and current students...and then coming back to get the room ready and all the units set. My kids school does a thematic unit each year and so they theme all or most of the lessons to that theme. This year it was the Renaissance, last year the Rain Forrest, etc. So they adapt all that they can to that theme, and then come with projects and ways to decorate their class, and plan field trips. Summer is busy for them for sure!

 

[chiapet]

Date: 3/1/2008 9:31:14 AM
Author: ursulawrite
Each time I come to answer this question, I end up stumbling. My gut says upwards of $500k, but then I start thinking about Manhattan co-op boards and their definition of ''good money'' (aside from having enough to pay the mortgage on an average $1.8m apartment you also need, say, $150k in cash in your bank account). It''s probably closer to $1m. But that sounds ludicrous.

I think that the mere act of living in Manhattan gives you a distorted and unshakeable perspective about the notion of ''good money''.

I totally agree with you! Living in Manhattan totally warps your view on money and income. My best friend lives in Denver and she thinks that I earn a "good salary"... but then after taxes (which is super-high in NY) and living expenses, I basically have nothing left for savings. I''m always amazed how cheap groceries are when I go to other states. In Manhattan, everything is double the price! I can''t even imagine having kids in this city. Diapers are twice as expensive and tuition for private pre-school is as much as college tuitions! I can''t wait to move out of NY!!

 

[elle_chris]

Date: 3/4/2008 9:55:17 AM
Author: chiapet

Date: 3/1/2008 9:31:14 AM
Author: ursulawrite
Each time I come to answer this question, I end up stumbling. My gut says upwards of $500k, but then I start thinking about Manhattan co-op boards and their definition of 'good money' (aside from having enough to pay the mortgage on an average $1.8m apartment you also need, say, $150k in cash in your bank account). It's probably closer to $1m. But that sounds ludicrous.

I think that the mere act of living in Manhattan gives you a distorted and unshakeable perspective about the notion of 'good money'.

I totally agree with you! Living in Manhattan totally warps your view on money and income. My best friend lives in Denver and she thinks that I earn a 'good salary'... but then after taxes (which is super-high in NY) and living expenses, I basically have nothing left for savings. I'm always amazed how cheap groceries are when I go to other states. In Manhattan, everything is double the price! I can't even imagine having kids in this city. Diapers are twice as expensive and tuition for private pre-school is as much as college tuitions! I can't wait to move out of NY!!

I wouldn't say everything is twice as much. I started shopping in Chinatown for fruits/veggies as it's waay cheaper then let's say your local Gristedes.
Also, waaay uptown, harlem and above, things start to cost less as well. Not really convenient for me as i'm downtown, but it's an option.

Regarding moving out, yes it's going to be less but so are the salaries.

 

[ursulawrite]

Date: 3/4/2008 9:55:17 AM
Author: chiapet

Date: 3/1/2008 9:31:14 AM
Author: ursulawrite
Each time I come to answer this question, I end up stumbling. My gut says upwards of $500k, but then I start thinking about Manhattan co-op boards and their definition of 'good money' (aside from having enough to pay the mortgage on an average $1.8m apartment you also need, say, $150k in cash in your bank account). It's probably closer to $1m. But that sounds ludicrous.

I think that the mere act of living in Manhattan gives you a distorted and unshakeable perspective about the notion of 'good money'.

I totally agree with you! Living in Manhattan totally warps your view on money and income. My best friend lives in Denver and she thinks that I earn a 'good salary'... but then after taxes (which is super-high in NY) and living expenses, I basically have nothing left for savings. I'm always amazed how cheap groceries are when I go to other states. In Manhattan, everything is double the price! I can't even imagine having kids in this city. Diapers are twice as expensive and tuition for private pre-school is as much as college tuitions! I can't wait to move out of NY!!

Only when I visit London do I think NYC is reasonable. I love living in Manhattan, though; wouldn't trade it for anything (well, apart from an On Prospect Park condo or a fixer-upper townhouse in the Heights).