what it costs ?

[GordMay]

This should spark some interesting observations.

What It Costs to Live Well:
http://www.forbes.com/home/realestat...rtner=netscape

Location to Location: Cost Evaluation:
http://www.forbes.com/2005/06/16/cx_...rtner=netscape

[Alan Wheeler]

Man am I glad I didn't have a mouth full of coffee when those figures flashed before my eye's.

[ssullivan]

That is why I had so much trouble saving up for a boat, for those who followed all the belly aching.

Even on the most strict budget (no new clothes for 2 years, driving a $5000 Hyundai, living in a basement apartment for the lowest rent available in the ghetto), it took us almost a year to save up just the downpayment on the boat we are purchasing.

It gets really challenging when you put the analysis of incomes (like the one I posted in my rant on this board), alongside the cost of living in the North East US.

Ahhh... the times we live in. I'll be glad to check out of it for a while.

[Alan Wheeler]

Nah Sean, I was meaning quite the opposite. I can't believe how much you guy's earn. That's simply unbelievable. No wonder BC Mike went back to Canada.
That sort of income would be considered mid-high executive level here. The normal well paid Joe Blog is ranges from $12.-$14.hr with better earners at $15.-$18./hr. Some earn less, although we have a minimum wage of about $9.00. Our cost of living is very expensive. Our current fuel price is $1.31/ltr. That's Litre, NOT Gallon. Our taxes are high and we seem to get very little for it all. Plus we pay two to three times what you guy's do for stuff. It was only a few years ago that our NZ$ was at 38cents to your US$. Now it is at 69, but falling again.
Anyway's, I don't want this to become political and whiney, so I will stop here.

[BC Mike]

I do not make very much and I have already earned it this year. Not having any exspenses helps a lot. Everything is paid for, finally. My costs are food and clothing plus utilities. One way I keep costs down is to fix most everything myself. I also keep stuff for a while if it provides good service. Like my 41 Ford tractor, 53 Gilson rototiller / mower, 78 3/4 ton truck, and 79 28 foot boat.
Michael

[Starbuck]

This whole article reflects a lifestyle that is well beyond the majority of working Americans. So Kiwis & Canuks, take courage.

Once you store away the dinghy you learned on, you realize that sailing ain't cheap. Trouble is, by that time, the bug has bitten, and the infection has to run its course. However, many of us take up sailing precisely because it gives us some release from this mentality of materialism & consumerism. I can't speak for everyone, but I certainly resonate with nothing in that article.

Notice the keywords that indicate it is for the upscale: affluent, private school, beach house, BMW, Lexus. There is nothing wrong with any of these things, per se, but we shouldn't use this fantasy family as a measuring stick for our own happiness or success.

Gord, I'm getting to know you're sense of humor, and I know you had your tongue firmly tucked into your cheek when you posted this. I know you're not trying to suggest that this is some kind of representative American household.

Still, it does make one marvel to imagine the lifestyle. I wonder if this fantasy family is happy. But wait, I can answer that: no sailboat was mentioned, so how could they be?

Thanks for the laugh.
____________

[Alan Wheeler]

Hehe, I think I like your sense of humour too Jeff.

[boredinthecity]

Perfect lives

I was wondering what the author would think if his wife turned up to court in divorce proceedings with his list!!

But then again in his perfect world his family wouldn’t get divorced, his wife wouldn’t have a drinking problem, he wouldn’t have a gambling problem and his kids wouldn’t need rehab for drug addiction,

So how much money would he need if he had 2 ex-wives and 3 kids from those marriages?

Right!!