Quote Originally Posted by d-ninja
$35,000 is more than enough for someone not supporting a family at any age, to life "comfortably".

I wish I were making $35k, at the age of 19, I'd be f*cking ballin.

I'd be ballin if I made $40k when I'm 21.

Making $250k a year is rich. Making $150k a year is rich. Making $100k a year is rich.
$35k in this day and age is not that much money. Its only about $27k or so after taxes depending on exemptions and what not.

Lets break it down:
Rent/Mortgage ~ $650 at the minimum x 12 = $7800
Utilities (Including everything) ~ $300 (high estimate) x 12 = $3600
Car/Health Insurance (Obviously going to vary, but for the sake of argument) $300 x 12 = $3600
Average monthly car payment (accord to edmunds.com) $480 x 12 = $5760

That alone totals to $20,760 which leaves you with $6,240 which / 12 = $520/month. Thats all you'll have left for groceries, going out, etc. Not going to put away much into a savings account, IRA, or 401k with that kind of dough and expenses.

When you break it down, making $35k a year is really not much, you definitely wouldn't be ballin', especially with increased inflation and energy costs.