Jesse Williams, a 39-year-old disabled veteran, and his family navigate life in Austin on an annual income of $120,000. This financial situation stems from a combination of disability benefits and workers’ compensation received by his wife. The Williams family, which includes their 13-year-old son, represents a segment of Texans grappling with the challenges of affording living in the capital city.
Williams enlisted in the Navy in 2006 with aspirations of becoming a nuclear reactor operator. However, after working in a shipyard, he developed lung and autoimmune diseases that ultimately led to his medical retirement in 2012. Upon returning to Central Texas, he began the process of applying for disability benefits while still in the military.
In a recent discussion, Williams shared insights into how families like his manage their finances amidst the fluctuating economic landscape. Although inflation is beginning to stabilize and housing prices in some areas, including Austin, are declining, costs related to gas, childcare, and groceries continue to rise, putting pressure on household budgets.
The median household income in Austin stands at approximately $91,000, surpassing the state average of $76,000. Yet, many families contend that they require a significantly higher income to live comfortably within the city.
Adapting to Life’s Challenges
After leaving the Navy, Williams explored various jobs before enrolling at Texas State University in 2016 to pursue a degree in media, aiming for a career in television news. However, the physical demands of the job, particularly the need to carry heavy equipment, prompted him to shift his focus to digital media with a minor in theater, aspiring to enter the legal field.
Just months before his graduation in 2023, the family faced a devastating fire that caused substantial damage to their home. The following year, Williams underwent a double-lung transplant, further complicating their financial situation.
Living on a fixed income has necessitated careful budgeting. Their primary monthly expense is their mortgage, which they pay at a rate of about $2,000—considered relatively low for Austin, thanks to favorable interest rates during the pandemic. Williams noted that had they sought a loan today, the costs would be significantly higher.
As a disabled veteran, he benefits from a property tax exemption in Texas, which he estimates saves him around $3,500 a month. This tax relief is vital for maintaining their home in Circle C Ranch, helping them stay in the area they love.
The family allocates around $650 to $700 each month for phone, utility, and internet services, alongside grocery expenditures of $200 to $250 weekly. To manage costs, they’ve reduced their consumption of red meat for both health and financial reasons, with Williams often seeking out clearance items at grocery stores.
They also spend approximately $150 weekly on gas for their two fuel-efficient vehicles. Unfortunately, their financial constraints prevent them from contributing to savings or retirement accounts.
As a volunteer with the local nonprofit We Luv Video, Williams can bring home movies for family entertainment at no cost. In the summer, they purchase season passes to local amusement parks like Typhoon Texas, strategically packing their own meals to avoid the high costs of in-park concessions.
Now that their son is older, Williams is eager to explore new job opportunities, expressing a desire to return to work alongside his wife’s fixed income.
