The old question of how much money is enough..

carang · 06-08-2010, 08:30 PM

sorry, if i misunderstood the comment. there was no paragraph break and i assumed it was all meant as one comment and that it was directed at me (since i was the one that mentioned the childcare).

my "not the mother" comment was merely what i have witnessed in the past... many fathers, although they love their children dearly, have little to do with "these matters" and leave it up to the wife. i deal with children and their parents on a daily basis (i own a playgroup centre) and i have seen this attitude more times than i care to count.

apologies if your comment was not directed at me.

limepickle · 06-08-2010, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by stones10:

Hi Carang,
Who is being negative? I was trying to fend of a sarcastic comment. I also appreciate any reply given to me...surely it is pretty obvious that my comment was to one person...who in turn I could have been rude too but I choose not. I suggest you reread what I wrote and take that into consideration. I was going to open up a childcare thread elsewhere as this thread was particularly about the money. I answered the way I did to that person because I wasn't sure if this was the forum for childcare. I really appreciate any information about childcare as this is the most important thing and I find your 'Not the mother' comment a little offensive...you know men can care about their children's wellbeing as much as the mother. I have a million questions about bringing a child into HK but I think you have different forums for that.
That all said, I appreciate what you wrote. Some things you wrote I had found on forums, other stuff I hadn't so it was great to read.
For anyone to take a moment out of their day to write any informative comment, it is very much appreciated.
Thanks.

Hi there, my income is broadly in line with yours (a little less in fact) and I comfortably save every month, eat out whenever I want, can go on nice holidays, and am generally fortunate enough to be able to buy whatever I want (within reason). I'm married with a young baby and my wife doesn't work. When my wife was working we saved her entire salary and some of mine too. We live in a slightly cheaper apartment - nearer 20k per month. I'm a brit, mind you, so have no extra taxes to pay.

Good luck!

bdw · 06-08-2010, 08:51 PM

In broad terms, your income will be sufficent. I think Carang and I focused on the school and childcare side of things because you will probably find that to be your biggest expense (after housing) if you are looking for an 'international' english education. The local chinese system is not for everybody.

Having two young children myself, it was a major pain to get my kids into a school. Living in Discovery Bay didnt help as they have massive waiting lists and I didnt want my 5yo taking a bus commute for an hour every morning.

hrp10 · 07-08-2010, 02:08 AM

start saving and everything would be fine!

MisterTanaka · 07-08-2010, 03:18 AM

Limepickle briefly mentioned an important point: taxes.

Income taxes in Hong Kong are quite low compared to many countries. You don't say where you're paying incomes taxes now, but in my case, paying Hong Kong taxes on HK$80K would result a significant tax savings -- and, in effect, receiving a higher take-home pay -- over paying US taxes on the same amount.

'Tis just one reason of many why I miss Hong Kong!

Load Toad · 07-08-2010, 05:08 AM

Bet you don't miss the property or rental prices though.

stones10 · 16-08-2010, 07:25 AM

Thanks everyone for the comments (I had some problems getting back into my account - thus the delay in response). I have other questions on Tax (Australian Section 23AG exemption removal) and childcare / accommodation) but I will seek the appropriate forums.
Thanks.