Hellobee Boards

We're average. But I do feel the sense that there are a lot of people on here who have a lot of money or just spend a lot. But I also know there are people on here that really budget and scrape by so I think there is a mix.

I think there are people on all ends of the spectrum, but maybe slightly more skewed towards being more well off? Or rather, it might seem that way since to me, it seems like it's slightly more skewed to bigger cities on the coast (bigger salaries but higher cost of living). Or maybe that's my perception, but I certainly think there are people from all of the map, financially.

Yes! To the point where I've stopped posting here regularly! I found myself comparing too much and it became unhealthy. I am a permanent lurker!

@Foodnerd81: this!

It seems many HBers live on the east coast in major cities or burbs of big metro areas such as NYC, Boston, etc.. Which requires higher costs of living and higher salaries.

I think there are many budget-conscious bees on the site, and even those who are well off also tend to be somewhat frugal (everyone knows you need to have good money management to "make more"). I also think that the majority of people never see themselves as "rich"! Upper middle class wouldn't say they're loaded, they say the people above them are. Then those people say they're not rich, the people above them are! So it's very relative and based on perspective!

Whereas myself, lower middle class and very frugal, I view "well off" as someone making 100k+ but in many parts of the US that is very average per the cost of living! It might buy me a mansion here but in NY you'd only be able to afford a basic house and amenities.

So not sure what to vote because I don't view it as average but not loaded. Higher than average maybe?

I definitely think that the majority of people here are more well off.

@MrsTiz: I agree with your baby gear statement. DH would have laughed me out of the store if I tried to spend that much on a stroller or crib.

I would agree with higher than average, but I know a lot of that is skewed by where people live.

Why not do a yearly income poll and find out?

I believe that a good portion of the people who are regular posters here are well off OR spend way more money than they actually have. I know consumer credit card debt in the US is pretty high and a lot of people spend beyond their means so, I wouldn't be surprised if some people who do spend a lot (and talk about it on here) are in that position.

I'll admit, some of the posts I see on here really make me wonder since we seem to scrape by each month (after paying bills and saving) and other just seem to have cash to throw around whenever they want.

I cannot imagine spending $800 on a stroller....or a glider for the nursery. Also, I have seen posts on here about where people grocery shop. I am amazed at the amount of people that shop at Whole Foods exclusively!

I think that it is definitely a higher than average income level on here. I know that I am smack dab in the middle class, and I find it hard to relate to posts on things like cleaning services and 200$ purses. Nothing wrong with those posts at all, gives me something to work towards

I know there is a huge 'wealth' disparity based on where you live, but yes, I do think that it trends towards upper class on here. I've actually been meaning to write a post about how those of us with disposable income have different choices than those who do not...but I'm lazy

@Mrs. Pen: Totally agree with this!

Having seen the income polls of the past I know we're on the low end of the scale... usually the lowest option (we are barely considered middle class). lol Not comparatively speaking though, even taking living expense of location into consideration, I would say the majority of HB members all well off (or above ones means), highly educated families.

i feel that a lot are really well off. def more then what im use to seeing. me and my hubby live on a stirct budget so sometimes i feel out of place on here (only finacially speaking). we cant afford to splurge on things like expensive outfits or gear.

i also think a lot of it has to do what region of the country you live in and how expensive your area is.

I think it is higher than the average income but in no way do I think that makes some rich.

I voted loaded, but I'm thinking comparatively. Compared to me, most of the ladies here are ballers.

I am on the lower end of this spectrum. We pretty much live paycheck to paycheck. We don't have 50k in the bank, we barely have 4k. I buy used clothes, toys and books. We buy store brand and rarely go out to eat. I would never ever buy a diaper bag over $45 and our glider literally came from the trash. I bargain hunt! I think most of the bees are way better off than I am.

@regberadaisy: Well I guess that depends on your definition of wealth? If you are able to afford what would be considered expensive in whatever area, I would consider you well off. If that means you can afford a huge mansion in Alberta, but only a tiny apartment in New York, you're still just as "rich".

Also, just having money doesn't even mean you'd spend more of it. My husband and I make a hefty income, but currently we live in a very, very modest home compared to what others would buy with the same income. We are being very smart with our money so we're 10 times richer later. We're still well off now.

I still think income is a good general way to see how well off someone is.

If you compared our salaries to the rest of the site's we would be consdered affluent, but considering we live in NYC it is totally misleading. Most expensive things I own were purchased for me by my parents who are rich. They definitely don't support us at all financially other than providing the DP on our apartment, but they LOVE to spend $ on us in general.

Well, i think the majority of people posting on HB have desk jobs that tend to require some sort of higher level of education/professional education, so I think that skews it :). Your "average/middle class/etc" person may not be tied to a desk as much!

Generally, though, yes, i think there is a higher proportion of professional people on HB with desk jobs and the ability to post online, though!

@pui: I like your definition. I agree that the ability to afford what is considered 'nice' or 'well off' in your area makes you well off. You put it better than I did lol

@Bao: Me tooooo.

@Mrs. Pen: Oh ok. I wish Long Island wasn't so far away from everything for our family