Six months ago, my savings was zero. I’ve been saving at the rate of $1000/paycheck or $2K/month since, after covering my $1000/month in rent. So that’s why I figure I can swing $3K/month PITI at best. Of course, then I wouldn’t have much at all left for saving/inventment/401K, whatever. My income a year ago was about $90 (and 2 yrs ago, about $60…three years ago, about $50), plus I had debts I was paying off. My lifestyle is actually pretty modest. I have little desire for much material stuff (other than a nice house!) and toys, and I don’t spend much on “entertainment.” I’m engaged and pay my fiance’s way through school. A baby might come in a year or two, but no child expense just yet.
I don’t expect my income to rise past hopefully keeping up with inflation from here. I’m kind of at the top of the pay scale for what I do.
What’s funny is that a few months ago I was all set to move to Washington state, work from home with the same job and same pay, and be able to purchase a nice home for much less–which was most of the rationale for wanting to move. That option was taken away from me and shortly thereafter I realized that the SD market (and particularly Chula Vista/Otay Ranch, where I may buy) was tanking. I’m downright merry about that coincidence! 🙂
