$25,000 vs. $25,000,000 per year

[alarmguy]

There will always be income disparity and difference. But we can off set some issues like a better health care infrastructure, and better food help programs.

Idk why people think this is some radical issue.

Really?
Not radical???? Taking someone's hard earned income by some high authority and redistributing it to who that authority decides should get it, you dont consider that radical?
How is it the USA is the most successful, most powerful nation on earth? By being USSR 2.0?? Or China 3.0??

No one goes hungry in the USA and no one is denied emergency medical treatment. Any starving person can get a debit card to buy food that is automatically recharged every month. Anyone can get emergency treatment in an emergency room and also FREE health care through the ACA and Medicaid too.

Other than that you're on your own. Why do you think others are knocking down our borders to come in here? Because life is so easy.
Over and out... bottom line, everyone wants to rule the world and everyone wants a reason to take your money so they can build power over the people.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

EXACTLY Homeownership is statistically unchanged for the last 60+ YEARS (with its minor peaks and valleys) but for some reason people do not know how easy life is in the USA because the modern home has MANY luxuries that those in the 50s, 60s and 70s and maybe 80s could never have afforded.

The ones that complain always have the loudest outsized voice because the people not complaining are enjoying life instead of whining.

Here is a great read, ohhhh life is so hard in the USA = NOT
https://www.census.gov/library/stor...seholders-drove-rebound-in-homeownership.html

"The U.S. homeownership rate in 2022 was even higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic — 65.8% compared to 64.6% in 2019 — a rebound driven largely by those age 44 and younger, according to the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey"

But how many of those homes were purchased with two incomes, whereas fifty years ago, it was one income?

Still two adults living in it/owning it in either case.

 

[KrisZ]

Just that working more doesn't mean you're going to get ahead, or that you can't save. Life is just that expensive now. What kind of a life is working 60+ hours a week anyway?

Say what? Sure it’s not a guarantee and it depends what kind of job it is, but hard work and putting extra hours when compared to others will get you noticed and will increase dramatically your chances for a promotion or other opportunities. Of course it will sacrifice your personal/family life. It’s called compromises and priorities.

It’s pretty much the main reason for the wage gap between men and women. Men simply tend to put more hours in. But of course no feminist wants to hear that.

The whole "go to college, get a good job, save up, buy a house/car, have a family etc" social contract is no longer valid.

Yes, but look what kind of college degrees people used to take up to the late 90s and compare that to the college degrees people are taking since the 2000s. There is only so much one can do with a generic business degree or some sort of sociology degree.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

Yes, but look what kind of college degrees people used to take up to the late 90s and compare that to the college degrees people are taking since the 2000s. There is only so much one can do with a generic business degree or some sort of sociology degree.

Because around that same time it became a requirement to even apply for average jobs that you had some type of degree. So people who in the 60s/70s/80s could go get a decent career job out of high school, people around the turn of the century cannot. So not only do they have to get a degree, they're also spending a bunch of money on school just to be able to apply for average jobs while also delaying their income for four years.

 

[KrisZ]

Because around that same time it became a requirement to even apply for average jobs that you had some type of degree. So people who in the 60s/70s/80s could go get a decent career job out of high school, people around the turn of the century cannot. So not only do they have to get a degree, they're also spending a bunch of money on school just to be able to apply for average jobs.

Nope, that is simply not true. Trades are the proof of that.
But instead, young people were led to believe that an office job is the pinnacle of one’s social status and that the “dirty” jobs are better left to immigrants, illegal immigrants at that, and we have a bunch of useless degree holders crying they cannot find a well paying job.

One thing they all have in common, it’s never their fault.

 

[alarmguy]

But how many of those homes were purchased with two incomes, whereas fifty years ago, it was one income?

Still two adults living in it/owning it in either case.

Options are great

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

Nope, that is simply not true. Trades are the proof of that.
But instead, young people were led to believe that an office job is the pinnacle of one’s social status and that the “dirty” jobs are better left to immigrants, illegal immigrants at that, and we have a bunch of useless degree holders crying they cannot find a well paying job.

One thing they all have in common, it’s never their fault.

There is definite social stigma around trades, part of which is taught by their parents, and also in part by society. Few people, especially city people want to be a plumber or a mechanic, those jobs are simply looked down upon by society in general. Even here on BITOG right now we have threads about mechanics being thieves and things of that nature. Most people want tech jobs or their parents want them to be a doctor or lawyer or whatever, but this is nothing new either and hasn't changed in decades (aside from tech jobs).

It was far, far easier to get a job out of high school as a cop/firefighter/office worker/maintenance crew with the city etc etc 40-50 years ago compared to now. Not even close.

Stop blaming the kids. Where I live, the house I grew up in was 84k when my parents bought it new in 1978. Today the same house is worth about 2 million dollars. That's just one example, life is exponentially more expensive now than it was.

 

[alarmguy]

Because around that same time it became a requirement to even apply for average jobs that you had some type of degree. So people who in the 60s/70s/80s could go get a decent career job out of high school, people around the turn of the century cannot. So not only do they have to get a degree, they're also spending a bunch of money on school just to be able to apply for average jobs while also delaying their income for four years.

Absolutely not true. Go to a trade school if you want to go into a specialty. The medical industry and hospital networks will hire you on the spot once you finish a specialized field at a school for one or two years they will then pay should you elect to get further educated while you work.

There are dozens of other fields in the trades, such as building electrical and plumbing as well.

You can work in any one of a dozen automobile plants with just a high school diploma and an income to easily afford a home and support a family

These are just tiny examples. For the people who complain they need to open their minds and look at possibilities because everybody’s making it happen in this country except for the people who complain.

 

[fdcg27]

I have posted before that while those of us who have done well for ourselves and our families have worked hard for what they have, they have also typically benefited from a break or two along the way. Some people work hard and never catch a break and end up with little to show for their efforts. I've known such people personally.
We should all acknowledge, if only to ourselves, that we caught a little fortuitous help along the way. I will concede that I did.
I am now in the fortunate position of deciding whether or not I will retire this year. Finances are not an issue even though wife retired in 2021.
We both worked hard to get to this point, but we also both benefited from the occasional break along the way, as I suspect that most financially successful people have, although it did require effort and and the grit to sometimes endure mentally taxing job circumstance.
Just something to ponder while we denigrate those less fortunate than we have been.

 

[Fitter30]

I've worked for some very rich people that have been generous and friendly. And some the people that had millions and living beyond their means that wouldn't give you a glass of water if dying of thirst. Been at their house early having coffee in my truck sent their 13 year old kid out to come in for coffee with their father. Housekeeper also fix me breakfast. Had a nice chat. Called out to another person that i started up his equipment 9 pm sat. night party was going on. Another contractor was there didn't know him but a union member. Talked he needed a part i had one got the unit it running signed are tickets. Asked what we drank left with a 1/5 of black jack and a case of beer. Talked to a guy that was 85 years old worked for a car dealership Cadillac working for the widow since he was 18 driver and drove him all over the country to deliver cars. Then worked as a servicer or bar tender when they got their. Just a
little insite.

 

[Fitter30]

Just that working more doesn't mean you're going to get ahead, or that you can't save. Life is just that expensive now. What kind of a life is working 60+ hours a week anyway?

The whole "go to college, get a good job, save up, buy a house/car, have a family etc" social contract is no longer

Sorry but worked for a United Association service fitter. Worked 50-60 hour weeks, few 60+. Went to school every winter for certifications in welding, med gas, backflow, plumbing, rigging p, blueprint, osha 10 & 40. Plus all the factory schools Trane , Carrier, York and burner schools. Just to make me more valuable to my union and contractor.
Saving very easy IF you pay yourself first don' t care if it's $10 a check. Take a second job work for a few hours if overtime isn't a option.
Can't remember exactly but early 2000 every one started refinancing homes not once but twice. Living beyond their means till the market crashed.

 

[TiGeo]

If mods don't approve, please delete as required.

Don't worry they will...no need to let them know they are allowed

 

[wpod]

Most people that do ok or better put our much more effort to get where they are that those not putting out the effort to improve and keep up.

 

[Dave Hess]

Jimmy,

There was a time in the USA a person made $10K a year and a 1400 SF house 3-2-2 was only $30K.

Where did you grow up (city) that houses are now worth $2M ?

 

[Mechanician]

Keep in mind "getting by" has a whole different meaning these days.
Most of the younger generations would consider a car without A/C, as not a functioning vehicle.
Living without a cellphone, fast internet, or streaming services? Unthinkable.
There is a different grading scale for younger generations, than what the older generations would consider as a good life.

 

[Pew]

Keep in mind "getting by" has a whole different meaning these days.
Most of the younger generations would consider a car without A/C, as not a functioning vehicle.
Living without a cellphone, fast internet, or streaming services? Unthinkable.
There is a different grading scale for younger generations, than what the older generations would consider as a good life.

Each generation has more creature comforts than the last. It's technological process and a part of the civilized world.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

Jimmy,

There was a time in the USA a person made $10K a year and a 1400 SF house 3-2-2 was only $30K.

Where did you grow up (city) that houses are now worth $2M ?

Suburbs of Vancouver

Although the story is similar throughout the country, aside from the prairies, but cost of living still outpacing wage growth by a large factor everywhere.

 

[Mechanician]

Each generation has more creature comforts than the last. It's technological process and a part of the civilized world.

I think the term creature comforts describes it well.

 

[thastinger]

Wonder if the 25k guy grows any of his own food...don't say nobody ever taught him because nobody ever taught him how to grow that weed plant either.

 

[ATex7239]

I think the term creature comforts describes it well.

But this is the way of the world. It is not specific to one generation or another. At one point in time, AC, indoor toilets, and refrigerators were luxury items and now new homes in the US won’t even pass inspection to be inhabited by code without these items. Folks acting like younger generations are being ridiculous by expecting air-conditioning, smart phones, and internet is utterly ridiculous. It’s the new standard. Who cares if previous gens did not have it. It is a stupid soapbox to stand on IMO.