"Broke Bobby" spreadsheet goes viral on TikTok, revealing millionaire salaries
Charlotte, North Carolina – After a TikToker showed off outrageous spreadsheets which broke down the income details of his wealthy friends, the internet was outraged.
Being organized is one thing, but putting your friends on blast for not being millionaires is a whole other beast. On Wednesday, Twitter user Karim Alammuri shared a TikTok posted by user Tom Cruz.
The TikToker showcased a shocking spreadsheet that he called the "Forbes Friend List," which included stats which details his friend's incomes, paid time off availability, bonus amounts, relationship status, and whether they would set foot in a third-world country.
But it wasn't the astronomical pay grades of his top-earning comrades that took social media by storm, but rather the title of "Broke Bobby" given to one of his friends, despite the person in question having a six-figure salary.
TikToker accused of being out-of-touch for "Broke Bobby" spreadsheet
To the average wage earner, though, making $125,000 a year is a significant feat, and certainly nothing to be sneezed at. For Cruz and his friends, though, this doesn't seem to be the case.
"If he's Broke Bobby then I’m poverty-stricken," wrote one commenter. "I'm trying to be Broke Bobby," said another. Twitter users began referring to themselves with comedic nicknames in the same vein, like Homeless Heather and Poverty Pete.
As Cruz runs through the list of his friends and their incomes in the clips, he mentions that the purpose of this spreadsheet is to minimize conflict when planning vacations together.
TikTok salary spreadsheet gives way too much information
Not only does the notorious list include financial and job information, but it also features how much cash they're willing to drop per vacation, and which significant other they might bring along for the ride.
A subsequent video revealed an additional spreadsheet where Cruz listed 10 friends who earned the least amount per year of the group, calling them "the Welfare 10." Sitting at the top was someone named Jake – who is projected to make $92,000 this year.
One Twitter user responded to Alammuri's repost of the video, writing, "Never in a million years did I ever expect to feel myself feeling sorry for someone who makes $92k in a year… like imagine making that kind of money and being one of the 'broke' people in your friend group."
Another Twitter user hit the nail on the head by pointing out the more alarming aspect to the whole scenario: "Imagine setting up a class system inside your friend group lmao."
Put your money where your mouth is
Besides the fact that he put all of his friends on blast by name, it's impossible to ignore the fact that not one woman was included in Cruz's "Forbes Friend List."
It made some wonder whether they'd also call a woman making $125,000 "broke," and whether females with the same job titles would earn comparable salaries.
Since the original video went viral, Cruz posted a follow-up TikTok defending the list and its purpose. In the video, he showed no shame or remorse for his, or his friends', money game.
"Broke Bobby" spreadsheet TikToker makes excuses for post
The real-estate investor starts by saying he will not be setting up any of his high-earning friends with anyone who's attempted to shoot their shot in his DMs and comments.
Next, he assured that the spreadsheet helps those planning trips know who to invite and when, according to their availability and budget.
Cruz defended the list, while nonchalantly explaining how it helps when "booking private jets" and ensuring that no one has "hurt feelings" when they aren't invited on a trip they wouldn't be able to afford.
TikTok salary spreadsheet shows incomes far above the average
Although Cruz was clearly unbothered by the internet's incredulous reaction to his list, users overwhelmingly sympathized with "Broke Bobby," and agreed that a hefty $125,000 per year salary is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, most people cannot dream of affording a private jet – apparently, Bobby included.
According to the 2019 US Census, the median income in the US was $62,843 – nearly $30,000 less than what "Broke Bobby" makes.
Though Cruz's income mysteriously doesn't appear to be listed, it's not far-off to say he might be out of touch with the financial reality of many around the world.
Cover photo: Collage: Screenshots/Twitter/@radio_reem & Screenshots/TikTok/@tcruznc