Quote Originally Posted by JamesXR View Post
I'm calling bullshit on keeping your income secret. That's a stupid cultural issue. People spend so much on products that imply their financial situation, but they can't come out and say it. We're shy about it, because we're afraid that people will look down on us if they know the truth. Also, income can be very different, depending on how it's earned. If you get paid 100k a year, that's not as good as earning 100k a year as interest on your investments. Also, income doesn't take into account your present debt load.
I'll admit, that I'm below the Orange County poverty line, which I think lies around $125k a year. Some day, some how, I will ascend out of grinding poverty and earn a decent lower middle class wage and be able to afford a home. However, with my income going up as property values fall, this looks more and more likely all the time.
Yet again, when it comes to being open about finances, I can't help judging people who are in debt up to their necks, but still buying stupid shit that they don't need. I try not to, but I can't help it. However, I sometimes suspect those people as being behind "It's rude to talk about finances." There was something in the Rich Dad Poor Dad book about the fact that people should talk about their finances a whole lot more. It's a lot better than going through life subtly hinting about your financial situation. Perhaps when I'm satisfied that I'm rich enough I'll just save money and cafepress my bank statement on a shirt. Of course, none of us are ever satisfied that we're rich enough.
Just curious where you are in OC? Newport Beach here.

--Chubbs