Caddis, and Elvis;

I 100% agree. Even with a side business and a wife that works we will never buy that "Captain's" house. Why? No need to.

Problem for these guys as they explain it to me is this. Wife did not work onB scale, never has worked, and they got though that. Wife never went to school, met in the military, had kids young, as no job experience, and for the most part could only do hourly work now. Some wives of the guys I have flown with have gone back to school and gotten good jobs, but most have not. Add to this, bought a big house in 2001, kids went to school in 2004-2008, no retirement savings, have 15-20 years left on house note, etc. In effect, they have no option with the housing market where it is but to work their butts off.

Now add, a boat, fast car, second house, and a second wife, girlfriend etc, and these guys are in a corner.

I agree it is not the way to live, but when these guys lost their retirements and then could not sell the large house, they lost options. Yep, I shake my head because I live on less than I make, but it is always a good reminder of where I do not want to be in my mid 50's.

May of these guys want to get rid of the max pickup, they want to fly over vacation, etc. The good thing is that it is widespread. Some guys I fly with on the other hand drop have of their trips and are coasting to retirement.