Santa:"Yeh, I see yer point. Still, do the following and then count the money you have: sell the house. Move to a small apartment, like where I live (more like a room). Drop the car. Drop expensive habits. Let the kids go to cheap colleges Don't indulge in vacations. Buy only life necessities. I guarantee you you'll be rich compared to me.."
-Can't sell the house, anything smaller would cause alot of friction, since everyone currently has their own bedroom. Housing in Seattle area within 45 miles of the city is this: Average cost of 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1800 sq.ft. house is $214,000. They make 4 bedroom apartments, but they are about $1500.00. For another $500 a month, I can own a house.
-Cars: Necessary in the U.S., since we're not small like Europe and public transit only goes to about a 30 mile from the city, no trains except for long distance travel of 200 miles or more. I drive a 10 year old truck.
-My most expensive habit is AH. I spend about $20 cash every 2 weeks.
-Kids have their own mutual funds for college, that only costs us $100 a month.
-We take a 1 week vacation to go fishing or camping each year, total cost, about $300. This year was an exception (2 weeks) since I had a family reunion.Guess what we did, went fishing and camping!
-We only buy life necessities, diapers, food, clothing. No extravagance, we're simple people, I think the most extravagant thing I have is a nice pair of snow skiis that I never use since we don't want to pay the price of tickets, which is about $150-200 for the family to go.
So, there you have it, I'm already living like you, except I have baggage, wife and kids. I work until June 26th every year for the taxes I pay, from June 27th on is money I earn for my necessities.
Any other suggestions?
[This message has been edited by Ripsnort (edited 09-06-2000).]
