We asked crew where they spend the biggest part of their paycheck.

Their answers ranged from well-planned investments to not really knowing. 

We were proud to learn that a full fifth of the respondents save it. Some are saving for something specific, such as buying a house or starting a business, but others said they are just plain saving.

An equal amount send it home, some to support their families, others to fix their houses.

The next largest group – about 18 percent – spend it on having fun, going to nice restaurants or buying dive or fishing gear.

Much of the rest were split evenly between traveling, going to school or other things. One respondent said he winds up spending much of his paycheck on traffic tickets.

And there is still a portion, albeit small, who invest. We didn’t ask too many details about that, so maybe some of our “save it” answers – those saving for real estate – really would fit better here.

About the Author

Dorie Cox

Associate Editor