- Wooed
- Posts
- U.S. Median Household Income < Wooed Readers Median Household Income 🤔
U.S. Median Household Income < Wooed Readers Median Household Income 🤔
For moms who manage money, meals, and the messy middle.
Ann Woo
September 15, 2025
In partnership with
Happy Monday!
I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰
Let’s talk numbers. The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that the median household income in 2024 rose to $83,730. Meanwhile, the average household income submitted through the past 14 weeks of Wooed anonymous money confessionals? $317,000. Wild, right? Since these confessionals are completely anonymous (no prizes, no pressure), there’s no incentive to stretch the truth. It’s just an honest peek into how others are managing their money. Whether you’re below or well above the average and want to tip the scale a little, go ahead and submit yours here.
Speaking of averages, in last week’s poll, 41% of you said the air fryer is your go-to kitchen tool. Same and here are all of my air fryer recipes - and yes, I’m working on even more air fryer recipes to add to the site soon! Honorable second place mentions to the dutch oven and slow cooker both coming in at 19% each. Cozy fall cooking energy incoming.
We just passed a major milestone for the Wooed newsletter community: 1,004 subscribers! I went full mushy mode last week, so I’ll keep it simple: THANK YOU. I’m so happy these emails are resonating with you- hopefully equal parts useful and entertaining.
As a thank you, one of you will win the prizes listed below from these incredibly generous brands. It’s something for you and your kids and I hope you love. If you don’t need one of these items, gift it to a friend- any of these would make a fabulous hostess or baby shower gift. Side note: I am not being paid to say of these things below, they’re just awesome brands that I can’t say enough good things about and they’re so kind to gift these items to one of you!!
Souper Cubes: 4 pack of one of my kitchen absolute must-haves. Easiest way to store leftovers and a meal prep hero.
Austin Baby Collection: mealtime bundle that every parent needs for their babies and toddlers. You can’t catch one of my kids without their Austin Baby Co products on them.
ezpz: $50 gift certificate to get all the things for kids 0 to 5+ years old. Their products are sleek and smart and I love them all.
The Lilley Line: hand woven bag that’s on Oprah’s favorite things list!! I have 3 of their bags in all shapes and sizes and they’re so handy. I love the tote for my farmer’s market hauls.
Harvest Snaps: kids snack bundle. These are new products that my kids have come to absolutely devour every snack and lunch time.
Afternoon Foods: dressing starter kit from brand new company that has already saved me a few times when I was dressing-less! Dried spice blends that you just add a couple of pantry items to and voila- you have delicious dressing.
You’re already entered as a subscriber and winner will be announced next newsletter so open up 🙂
As you scroll through this week’s recipes, recs, and confessional, I’ve got a quick question for all 1,004 (!!) of you at the end: what do you check most throughout the day — your email, your texts, or your social media? Tell me in the poll at the end!
Let’s get into it:
Are you taking advantage of your Amazon Prime perks? Whether you’re already a Prime member or considering signing up, here are 9 Prime member benefits you should be using!
For many of us, free shipping and access to exclusive shows and movies is enough reason to fork over the $14.99 per month to get Prime. But if that hasn't been enough to entice you to join Prime, maybe some lesser-known incentives like free music/podcasts, access to lightning deals, and Whole Foods discounts will tempt you to sign up.
Make sure you're not missing out, and get the most out of your Prime membership!
🍽️ What’s for Dinner
Oven-Baked Pork Chops with Delicata Squash - This recipe is flavorful without being complicated and has a great variety of nutrients. I love introducing seasonal produce to my kids and delicata squash is a great one.
Sausage, Potato & Broccoli Sheet Pan Supper - Sheet pan meals for the win! This yummy no fuss, kid-friendly recipe is a busy weeknight savior.
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Great for lunch or dinner and you can easily serve the mixture to kids with rice if lettuce wraps are not their thing yet. 30 minute recipe!
Loaded Butternut Squash Boats - This cozy, comforting fall dish sounds like a delight for a relaxed Friday night date at home.
Quick and Easy Steak Fried Rice - I love this recipe because you can easily use whatever ingredients you have on hand and it makes for great leftovers!
❤️ What I’m Recommending
This section contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you (thanks for supporting the newsletter!).
Mom Content: I’ve got a solid rotation of go-to podcasts, and lately, Good Hang with Amy Poehler has become one of my faves. Amy’s hilarious (of course), and she has great guests like Aubrey Plaza, Seth Meyers, Quinta Brunson, and more. Total feel-good, easy-listening comfort vibes.
Kid Product: Cannot believe that my one year old is walking (where did the time go?!). With her first steps, these are the shoes she’s been wearing. My 3.5 year old wore the same brand when he first started walking as well. Currently on sale here!
💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)
NC Mom of 2 Spends $1K on Skincare Every Quarter And Regrets Nothing
In This Economy? is a weekly series showcasing the costs of motherhood from real moms. Want to share your story anonymously? Submit here — no names, no judgment.
Age: 34
Kids: 2 kids- 5 and 2
Job: Accounting/Controller
Side hustle: Working on it - flipping a rental house at the moment!
Household Income: $300K
Own or rent: Own- $1,700/month
Childcare or daycare expense: $2,100/month
Recent purchase you regret: "Fancy" Beach chair - $100 - Rusted way too quickly - wasn't worth the hype
Splurge and don’t regret: I made a point to really focus on my skin this year - I get quarterly facials and recently purchased medical grade skincare ($1K)
Best “mom sanity” splurge: Bi-Weekly House Cleaner - will never not budget for that!!
Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $50ish
Weekly spend on groceries: $200
Most spent on a kid party: Ugh, probably $500-$750.
Purchase that you don’t tell your partner about: Reverting back to the skincare - he knows I get it, but doesn't know how much...
Saving for your kids college tuitions: Yes we are, but if I'm being honest my husband handles all of that. I know both kids have their own accounts.
Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: That it's okay to treat yourself - you don't have to save, save, save.
Managing family budget: My husband manages most of it - but I try to do my part by cooking at home most days during the week, buying only what I know we'll use and eat, etc.
Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Just learning that they don't need EVERYTHING. Cycle out toys - they forget what they have and think they're getting something brand new!
Money advice for other moms: TREAT YOURSELF every once in awhile. We spend way too much time thinking of our kids and forget we still have needs. (:
Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ____.” Think about taking a break from my hard earned career to stay at home with my boys.
Thanks again for being here. If you love it, forward this to a mom friend—more voices make this better. And if you ever want to share, vent, or suggest something, just hit reply. I’m reading every email!
Woo you next week,
Ann
✅ This Week’s Mom Poll
What do you check more often during the day? |
