Reply #175: Here's my situation:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

I was recently laid off, but had a promising interview today, so let's assume I get that job and have the same salary (pre-tax, about $30,000 in Los Angeles):

Pros: No wife, no kids, no pets, no large health insurance payments, generally good health, low gas expenses, no student loans, no car payments

Cons: Credit card debt, $700 monthly rent for a studio apt

The rent eats up 40% of my after-tax income right off the bat. With the CC debt (my fault), it's hard too save up too much. And living in Los Angeles, I'd have to be crazy to even try to buy a house here.

Of course, I need to manage my finances better, but I would GLADLY take $100K a year and be happy. I'm not into new cars or clothes or whatever new overpriced crap is out there.

But to lighten this thread up, I'd like to quote Chris Rock from his most recent special:

"Shaquille O'Neal is rich. The white man who signs his check is wealthy. Oprah Winfrey is rich. Bill Gates is wealthy. If Bill Gates woke up tomorrow with Oprah Winfrey's money, he'd jump out the fucking window!"