A couple earning $500,000 a year should feel rich, right? That’s top 2% territory in America—plenty of cash to save, invest, and splurge on the finer things in life. Or so you’d think. But when I dive into the financial lives of high-income households, the reality often doesn’t match the perception.

Take, for example, this fascinating duo I wrote about: a $500K-a-year couple, both lawyers in their early 30s, raising two young kids in New York City. On paper, they’re living the dream. In reality, their budget tells a much more relatable tale of financial pressure, thanks to the crushing costs of big-city living.

The good news? With some strategic financial planning and the right tools, even households like this can break free from the rat race faster than they think.

Below is their infamous budget—yes, the one that went viral and made the finance internet collectively gasp. With a

Keep reading this article on Financial Samurai.