I do believe some people can make a relatively decent salary ($100-$150K) and save a good portion of it every month. It depends on lifestyle. For example, riding a free shuttle or the Caltrain to work and back is a lot cheaper than driving.

People CAN create wealth from salaries (albeit more slowly). If they are trying to support an entire family on one salary, probably not. That’s a good argument for a dual-income household … to get ahead, save money for retirement and kids’ college and avoid living check to check.

(flu just mentioned trying to support an entire family in SV on one “enginerd” salary, which I feel is unrealistic.) Of course, I agree that you are just “paying bills” without the other able-bodied adult(s) in the family bringing in income.

I don’t know if that’s what he was trying to do while living in SV.