The cost of living in 2024....

[Revving2Redline]

What I've noticed without going into too much political, everything is going up in cost and everything shrinks with age. I think I was on a rant the other day about how a bottle of 12 oz beer had 355 ml and now that same bottle only has 11 and 1/2 ounces and you're paying more for it. There is a way that's been known to calm down this Sharp uptick called supply and demand. Just imagine if nobody bought fuel for an entire day as an example

 

[Revving2Redline]

Mike Rowe tried to get the message out, but yeah he is often censored for doing it.

Except when he's doing the Ford commercial I really like that guy and it's one of those shows he gets kind of in-depth with it. I also like to watch that show how it's made.

 

[Pablo]

.......everything is going up........everything shrinks with age.

Have you been hanging around my house again????

 

[99Saturn]

Congrats on your daughter’s accomplishment. I didn’t read all 5 pages, but if I followed:
Year 1 = $20k
Year 2 = $17.5k
Year 3 = $15k
Year 4 thru 5.5 = $60k

Somewhere between $112.5k and $130k (I might have misunderstood the yearly cost) for 5.5 years? $23k to $24k a year?

My costs were somewhere in the $16k to $20k a year range back in 2008/2009 for what most would likely call a do nothing undergrad (BA economics and political science) plus a 5th year for grad school (MBA). Honestly doesn't seem that far fetched or crazy to me, I would do it over again, probably would work less during if I could do it again. I’m sure I’ll feel differently when it’s time for mine to go if they do!

Based on what you posted, she’ll be at $57k pay on the night shift with no overtime… better than I was doing starting out. Good luck to your daughter!

 

[ecotourist]

I did college in the late 90's and I'd estimate that my college bill was about 1 year's starting salary for electrical engineering. It's worse now, but I'm not sure it was good then.

I took a mechanical engineering degree in the late 60s/early 70s. My first year's salary was about double the total cost of my degree. And to add insult to injury, there were scholarships (for the top half dozen in a class of 50) and good summer jobs. I actually graduated with money in the bank.

So yes, times have changed.

 

[skyactiv]

This show might interest someone here? I quickly snapped a pic knowing of this thread. It's show time is April 10th @ 8 PM Eastern, 7C. The commercial aired on my local OTA NBC station.

 

[ecotourist]

To give a different perspective, I spent 16 years in post secondary education (3 degrees, certified in 2 professions). It paid off handsomely for me, both financially and professionally. I had a super interesting career and I'd do it all again.

 

[supton]

I took a mechanical engineering degree in the late 60s/early 70s. My first year's salary was about double the total cost of my degree. And to add insult to injury, there were scholarships (for the top half dozen in a class of 50) and good summer jobs. I actually graduated with money in the bank.

So yes, times have changed.

Validates what I've been thinking, this was changing starting in the 90's, when "everyone" was getting pushed to go to college. And colleges were only too eager to ramp up costs, due to trying to court the money students.

 

[Dave Hess]

This show might interest someone here? I quickly snapped a pic knowing of this thread. It's show time is April 10th @ 8 PM Eastern, 7C. The commercial aired on my local OTA NBC station.


View attachment 213336

Trades are very good and lead to a good career.

 

[John105]

Validates what I've been thinking, this was changing starting in the 90's, when "everyone" was getting pushed to go to college. And colleges were only too eager to ramp up costs, due to trying to court the money students.

My dad said a coop in Manhattan was 3 years salary as a newly minted engineer in the mid 60’s. Try that stupid pet trick today—be interesting to know how many years salary it would be for a 22 yo.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Another avenue I would recommend is manufacturing. Around here machine operator pays $22-$25 starting and there always hiring. It involves a lot of loading and unloading of raw materials and finished goods - nothing too heavy but your on your feet all shift and you will work nights for a couple years minimum. The plus side is you will get raises or moved up, and after a while they will pay for trade school and give you an apprenticeship for a higher skilled job if they like you.

When I started in the industry 25 years ago all the machine operators seemed to be men. Now days it seems to be mostly women. I guess the men are too lazy to work all day - don't know?

 

[fdcg27]

So many things to consider.
It appears that one can make a good living in the trades, but not everyone wants to be a tradesman.
Where you end up has a lot to do with the connections you make and that does require people skills, especially if you want a nice clean desk job with decent income and a lot of autonomy.
I'm lucky to be where I am as I contemplate retirement, but if you'd asked me thirty years ago, I could not have foreseen it.
Is a degree worth it?
From a solid liberal arts school it used to be. Not so sure these days.

 

[Dave Hess]

Another avenue I would recommend is manufacturing. Around here machine operator pays $22-$25 starting and there always hiring. It involves a lot of loading and unloading of raw materials and finished goods - nothing too heavy but your on your feet all shift and you will work nights for a couple years minimum. The plus side is you will get raises or moved up, and after a while they will pay for trade school and give you an apprenticeship for a higher skilled job if they like you.

When I started in the industry 25 years ago all the machine operators seemed to be men. Now days it seems to be mostly women. I guess the men are too lazy to work all day - don't know?

What industry are you working in ?

 

[SC Maintenance]

What industry are you working in ?

I work for a company that makes instrumentation and controls - so the manufactures are our customers - in all kinds of industries - assembly, stamping, automotive tier supply. You name it.

 

[Jdeere562]

WELL...Unfortunately, the cost of living has finally affected me financially. In order to offset the extra cost for food, electricity, etc, I have a need to make some extra money on the side...it is what it is. So here’s to my new venture.

I am now proud to announce that I am selling ADULT TOYS. I hope no one will feel embarrassed to ask for them. I have all kinds, sizes, and styles according to your needs. I can send pictures and dimensions if needed. Just ask. Discretion is guaranteed!! Ask for yours anytime.
I have everything listed below and more:
-Walkers
-Wheelchairs
-Oxygen tanks
-Walking sticks
-Adult diapers
-Teeth glue
-Heating pads and more

 

[supton]

My dad said a coop in Manhattan was 3 years salary as a newly minted engineer in the mid 60’s. Try that stupid pet trick today—be interesting to know how many years salary it would be for a 22 yo.

A co-op? Usually that's a way to test the waters with someone who hasn't graduated--so you can pay them all the less. I don't know the going rate though. I think my co-op was just over half the pay per hour of my full time job two years later, but full time work had benefits, so there's that.

I do know I should have job hopped when I was younger. That and lived closer to the jobs. My pay has not climbed like what I think it should have, but I haven't chased the ladder enough, so that's my fault. But for years I was content, so...? It's only as I have started saving for retirement, and spent more time thinking about money, that money has become more important to me.

 

[SC Maintenance]

A co-op? Usually that's a way to test the waters with someone who hasn't graduated--so you can pay them all the less. I don't know the going rate though. I think my co-op was just over half the pay per hour of my full time job two years later, but full time work had benefits, so there's that.

I do know I should have job hopped when I was younger. That and lived closer to the jobs. My pay has not climbed like what I think it should have, but I haven't chased the ladder enough, so that's my fault. But for years I was content, so...? It's only as I have started saving for retirement, and spent more time thinking about money, that money has become more important to me.

co-op in Manhattan is an apartment/condo. With a very weird ownership model, but apartment no less.

 

[supton]

co-op in Manhattan is an apartment. With a very weird ownership model, but apartment no less.

Ah. I was thinking job. I should have known, anything to do with NYC (let alone Manhattan) is in its own class.

 

[Dave Hess]

https://www.stlouisfed.org/institut...s-advancing-economic-security-us-young-adults

Very interesting read. ^^^

OP daughter very motivated and will do well in the long run.

 

[Al]

How things have changed. I graduated in '69 in Mechanical Engineering. The going rate was $9600 salary. C ost of my education which was 5 years was under 5K$ My parents paid my way but I had over 6K$ in the bank. Married in my senior year. My wife had her own car (paid) She was teaching at $3600. After working 6 months I bought a new Camaro cash.

In '72 we bought a new house. Those days are so gone forever.

I believe today many should just get a job and go from there. Forget about college.