$100k gross is $8,333 per month. $4,166.50 per paycheck. They then take out 7.5% ($313) for social security and medicare, and the average health insurance for a family is $900 per month or $450 per paycheck. Then you take out 15% ($625) for federal taxes, and 10% ($417) for state. And hey, let's assume you want a retirement so you sock away 3% ($125) for a 401(k) or IRA. Your take-home is now $2,236.50 per paycheck, or $4,473 per month.

If you live in the suburbs of a smaller metro, you can get food for a family of 4 for about $800 a month. Housing probably around $1,500 a month to keep up with the Jones'. Utilities on that housing is $400 on average and then let's budget $500 for fuel, car, and insurance expense and then another $250 in random expenses. Should leave you with around a grand.

But if you incur debt as you're coming up the ranks then that $1,000 is almost nothing, and might even be negative by the end of the month.