Reply #81: I live in Manhattan and.. [View All]

[nick303]

I would be a bit skeptical about anyone who claims you need 100K out of school to be considered middle class, even here. I certainly wouldn't hire them as my financial advisor. I can tell you dry cleaning doesn't run more than $200 a month and most employers will get you a tax-free unlimited Metrocard for $78 a month. If someone feels inclined to spend money on luxuries like owning a car here, $400 VIP bottle service, or $3000 a month on living in a white glove apartment building, that exceeds what I'd call middle class.

The only kids I know who make 100K+ the first year are investment bankers (100 hour work-weeks), and most traders can do that within two years if they're any good. I make a decent salary but it definitely isn't six figures, and I'm able to sock away over 2000 a month in savings (not even including my 401K).