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Originally Posted by blastboy
(Post 138843)
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."
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Originally Posted by xjsaab
(Post 138781)
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. |
Originally Posted by mike734
(Post 138854)
Countries in Europe has a social safety net. You don't have to make as much over there. I know, I lived there for two years. I anticipate retireing there. I will also enjoy a higher standard of living. Don't just say BS. Look up standard of living and do some research. The USA ranks about 9th.
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Originally Posted by mike734
(Post 138854)
Countries in Europe has a social safety net. You don't have to make as much over there. I know, I lived there for two years. I anticipate retireing there. I will also enjoy a higher standard of living. Don't just say BS. Look up standard of living and do some research. The USA ranks about 9th.
True, they do have a social safety net. That does not disprove what the other poster mentioned about size and expense. Europeans tend to live within their means much more than Americans. Further, on the topic of the European Social Safety net, it is interesting to note that in the next 50 years, Europe is predicted to half in population. There social programs (which function much like how Social Security was suppose to, with a number of young supporting a single elderly person) will not be able to work in the same manner, or with the same effectiveness, since the old will outnumber the young. |
Originally Posted by XJPILOT1
(Post 138859)
I lived around the world in the Air Force. The US ranks first for me! That's all that counts not some research you look up on the Internet. That's not BS!
Originally Posted by NE_Pilot
(Post 138888)
True, they do have a social safety net. That does not disprove what the other poster mentioned about size and expense. Europeans tend to live within their means much more than Americans.
Further, on the topic of the European Social Safety net, it is interesting to note that in the next 50 years, Europe is predicted to half in population. There social programs (which function much like how Social Security was suppose to, with a number of young supporting a single elderly person) will not be able to work in the same manner, or with the same effectiveness, since the old will outnumber the young. I agree, however, that many Americans live beyond their means. My opinion is that this is cause by a generation trying to live up to the same standard they had growing up. The middle class was very strong 30 years ago. Today the middle class is disappearing and that spells trouble. |
Originally Posted by blastboy
(Post 138843)
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."
I agree 100%. I never understood the whole keeping up with the Joneses concept. It's pretty ridiculous if you ask me. I drive a beater but it's paid off. :D |
Originally Posted by mike734
(Post 138923)
Most every military guy I've spoken to think the US is the greatest.
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Originally Posted by mike734
(Post 138923)
I'd like to see any source that says the population will decrease.
Europe's birthrates have dropped well below the replacement rate of 2.1 children for each woman of childbearing age. For Western Europe as a whole, the rate is 1.5. It's 1.4 in Germany and 1.3 in Italy. In a century -- if these rates continue -- there won't be many Germans in Germany or Italians in Italy. Even assuming some increase in birthrates and continued immigration, Western Europe's population grows dramatically grayer, projects the U.S. Census Bureau. Now about one-sixth of the population is 65 and older. By 2030 that would be one-fourth, and by 2050 almost one-third. In the 1970s annual growth for the 12 countries now using the euro averaged almost 3 percent; from 2001 to 2004 the annual average was 1.2 percent. In 1974 those countries had unemployment of 2.4 percent; in 2004 the rate was 8.9 percent. almost half of Western Europe's jobless have been out of work a year or more; the U.S. figure is about 12 percent. I agree, however, that many Americans live beyond their means. My opinion is that this is cause by a generation trying to live up to the same standard they had growing up. The middle class was very strong 30 years ago. Today the middle class is disappearing and that spells trouble. But then again, I could be wrong on how that all works. |
All this is bad for Europe -- and the United States.
Originally Posted by NE_Pilot
(Post 138949)
I do not know if the middle class is really disappearing, or infact growing. With an increasing gap between Rich and Poor, there will be a larger difference between Upper Middle Class and Lower Middle Class. So what was once the Lower Upper Class, and the Upper Lower Class, are now becoming part of the Middle Class.
But then again, I could be wrong on how that all works. |
Originally Posted by Freightpuppy
(Post 138930)
I agree 100%.
I never understood the whole keeping up with the Joneses concept. It's pretty ridiculous if you ask me. I drive a beater but it's paid off. :D |
Originally Posted by SAABaroowski
(Post 139027)
If I was on with UPS, I would have a Porsche, not sure silver or black...............:D
If I only knew then (in my early 20's) what I know now. <sigh> |
Originally Posted by Freightpuppy
(Post 139054)
Saab, you should read Rich Dad, Poor Dad......
If I only knew then (in my early 20's) what I know now. <sigh> |
Originally Posted by SAABaroowski
(Post 139063)
hahah I actually have that book, yet to read it though, pretty good ha?
I liked it. |
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