Originally Posted by
xjsaab
Too many people in this country live way beyond their means. Hell I've been there myself. We don't need these huge SUV's or McMansions. Go to Europe and see people living in little flats, small cars. The best part is they are happy. This country is too materialistic. It's great that you have that new hummer but if you took your last breath tonight will your kids be taken care of? Will they remember you or your shiny SUV. Live simple.
You can live on less than $30K, it all depends on your ego. That's my two cents.
Truer words have never been spoken so well. I think too many people try to identify with this so called "normal life" by purchasing so many unnecessary things just to impress Joe Blow and his trophy wife next door. I was raised in an Italian family, to appreciate what you have and not want what you dont have because wanting what you've already got will bring you peace and happiness. I make well under 30K a year and I live in the heart of Irvine, CA on UCI campus with my wife. Collectively we might make 30K a year. But we still rock climb 4 days a week, surf all the time, I fly almost everyday, we both have a gym membership and we share a car. We're absolutely content with our life because we are not a penny in debt, we have our health and eachother. What else could I possibly need? Don't get me wrong, I do have goals to get a 50' Bavaria (sailboat) and live on it. I forget who said this quote but I think it's pretty good: "Endulgence is a great reward to one self. Compulsiveness will only get you in trouble."