"Dnil, whats sad is, those who 'earn' their way to being 'successful' in financial terms. I began in Seattle with $100 and suitcase full of clothes, after 22 years, my wifes income and mine classify us in the eyes of the IRS as "Rich",Yehaw, wtg rip

. American dream still possible then?
however, our property taxes ALONE ($4200 a year ) and our house payment ($2000/month) make our income meager.Sure, we have a very nice house and land, but hey, we 'earned' it, by working hard, saving money, investing wisely, but now we're labeled as 'rich'.
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

Hell, I am pretty sure you're rich compared to me even WITH all of the above

Maybe it's all about priorities. I cannot get myself to say "I am poor because I have no money left over on my salary", if I've spent it on a big house, big car, luxury items and whatnot

For all intents and purposes, if your income is significantly above the average, you'll be classified as rich. Your spending habits or priorities then dictate how much money you actually have to play with

.
I'll never have any money. I burn 'em as I gettum. Still, I hope to be rich
It takes the incentive to work even harder out. The Al Gore type gov't wants to take
money out of the 'working-class-who worked hard-to-become-successful" and distribute it to those who have no incentive to work for their own success.
Yeah. that's what's wrong with ALL socialist systems; rewarding irresponsibility and punishing the responsible.
But, Gore is pretty moderate compared to the people around here. Very moderate in fact. Your worst case scenario ain't that bad.
Btw, regarding property tax; i never understood the concept. Why the HELL should you be forced to pay TAXES for something you've ALREADY paid for and paid SALES tax on? Something to do with investing in property and later selling them?
"oh, you own a computer. That'll be $5 a month, please. How many forks do you have?"
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StSanta
JG54 "Grünherz"
"If you died a stones throw from your wingie; you did no wrong". - Hangtime