What is Middle Class?

[dmek25]

thats what i call living large. if i go by schneeds recipe, i think im middle class. but i never really thought about it

[RobH4413]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

In my experience, the majority of Americans seem to live paycheck to paycheck, whether they are making $15,000 per year or $150,000 per year. People's "needs" tend to increase as fast as their incomes.

You're totally right.

Every american should read a book called "affluenza". The basis of the book is essentially "mo money, mo problems". It touches on some actual studies rating ones own happiness, wealth, etc.

Talks about how happy people say they are in "poor" countries. It was a pretty interesting read.

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by saden1

So if you're single and make 85K, what are you? You most certainly are not wealthy.

Depends on the cost of living in your area. I guarantee 85k for a single person not living in a major metropolitan area or in a wealthy/trendy neighborhood is doing pretty damn well for themselves.

Around here, (Lancaster, PA Amish Country!) My fiancee and I bring in about $80 k per year, own our home and live pretty comfortably, but were we to live in NYC, we'd be living in a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment somewhere...

Scheisse- I posted this before reading down the thread...

[redsk1]

The thing is when a persons income rises they typically spend or buy more and they are not any more wealthy than before. But if your income rises and you continue living frugally thats when your "wealth" increases. For anyone that is looking for an interesting read, The Millionaire Next Door, goes into greater detail.

[724Skinsfan]

This sort of belongs on this thread in a roundabout way:

Has anyone utilized Bank of America's Keep the Change program? Like? Dislike?

[saden1]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

This sort of belongs on this thread in a roundabout way:

Has anyone utilized Bank of America's Keep the Change program? Like? Dislike?

Yes, I do. You earn peanuts (5% match after first 3 months) but at least you are earning something. I enrolled a month and half ago and I have saved up $50 or so thus far. Nothing special but it'll probably come in hand Christmas time.

They match your savings 100% for the first 3 months so that's $100 match right there in my case. Not bad eh?

[dmek25]

Originally Posted by BleedBurgundy

Depends on the cost of living in your area. I guarantee 85k for a single person not living in a major metropolitan area or in a wealthy/trendy neighborhood is doing pretty damn well for themselves.

Around here, (Lancaster, PA Amish Country!) My fiancee and I bring in about $80 k per year, own our home and live pretty comfortably, but were we to live in NYC, we'd be living in a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment somewhere...

Scheisse- I posted this before reading down the thread...

i tend to agree, but.. last year( i live right down the street, in Lancaster) me and my wife made about $150,000. 22 years ago, together we made $28,000. it is definitely true, the more your income goes up, the more your lifestyle changes, and becomes more expensive. those who choose to try and keep the same lifestyle, are the ones, monetarily, end up with the most cash

[724Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by saden1

Yes, I do. You earn peanuts (5% match after first 3 months) but at least you are earning something. I enrolled a month and half ago and I have saved up $50 or so thus far. Nothing special but it'll probably come in hand Christmas time.

They match your savings 100% for the first 3 months so that's $100 match right there in my case. Not bad eh?

Thanks, saden. I noticed the max they will match you during the first 3 months is $250. As long as there are no drawbacks that I'm missing, I think I'll sign up. Like you said, peanuts but good for things like Christmas or Redskin SB parties.