I know someone who felt pressed financially while living single on $70k, and thought all his problems would go away once he doubled his salary. He got a new job that pays $120k. Now he lives in a fancier apartment & keeps little in the fridge (eats out / orders in most meals), feels the same financial pressure, and thinks that pressure will go away once he starts making $200k.

@justinskycak In fairness the last 5 years really blew things up. $120k was significantly better not very long ago.

@neilquinn @justinskycak This does not apply. He clearly has fancier apartment and eats out more, if you believe OP. So even with inflation, he had the chance to be flush with cash and keep his lifestyle stable.