Deleted
Joined: May 19, 2024 11:09:26 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2011 11:54:54 GMT -5
I saw this more or less fluff piece about loving the rich. I feel about the same way about them. townhall.com/columnists/katiekieffer/2011/08/01/why_i_hope_the_rich_get_richerWe hurt ourselves by envying, over-taxing and slandering the rich. Anti-wealth public policies will only persuade independently wealthy Americans to shut down their businesses, stop hiring and retire early to their hammocks in the tropics. On the other hand, if we “love” the rich, we will receive the love back in the form of ample jobs, loans, innovations and investments.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 19, 2024 11:09:26 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2011 12:05:20 GMT -5
I used to reflexively despise the rich. Then I met some on a personal level. Not the super-rich but 7 figure net worth types. They've all busted their butts to get there - invested in education, worked on a business, invested their dollars where other people spent them, and been really disciplined. Some came from disadvantaged backgrounds but they all really are into family and intelligent.
|
|
djAdvocate
Member Emeritus
only posting when the mood strikes me.
Joined: Jun 21, 2011 12:33:54 GMT -5
Posts: 75,233
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"000307"}
|
Post by djAdvocate on Aug 3, 2011 12:14:15 GMT -5
the rich thrive on adversity. that is why they are rich.
|
|
|
Post by Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ on Aug 3, 2011 12:14:42 GMT -5
I used to reflexively despise the rich. Then I met some on a personal level. Not the super-rich but 7 figure net worth types. They've all busted their butts to get there - invested in education, worked on a business, invested their dollars where other people spent them, and been really disciplined. Some came from disadvantaged backgrounds but they all really are into family and intelligent.
Really anyone can be worth a low 7 figure net worth by the time they are 40. For any two income, middle class couple this would be a piece of cake. Just need to exercise a little bit of restraint, hold back on the dream house, not buy new cars every few years, no piss money away on making your house a showcase. It is quite easy.
Several folk here are quite wealthy and got there by being business owners or investing. I am not naming names because I am bound to leave a few out. I respect all of them and value their input here. I want to be like them not destroy them.
|
|
|
Post by Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ on Aug 3, 2011 12:16:57 GMT -5
the rich thrive on adversity. that is why they are rich.
True, they put money into areas that are depressed, such as real estate, stock market etc. Many here continued investing during the down turn and have double our money. Anyone is free to invest in areas that are depressed. It takes guts. A wealthy real estate investor buying a dilapidated property and fixing it up is helping the neighborhood.
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,445
|
Post by thyme4change on Aug 3, 2011 12:26:33 GMT -5
If one of my college buddies showed up in a Lambrogini, I would be totally jealous! And, I would gossip behind his back about it - but - yeah, I know plenty of people that started businesses and are employing dozens of employees. They are good people. (And one asshole.)
|
|
|
Post by Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ on Aug 3, 2011 12:35:22 GMT -5
If one of my college buddies showed up in a Lambrogini, I would be totally jealous!
My oldest son sold his townhouse back in 2005, and put all the proceeds into starting an auto towing and road service business. For a couple of years he owned a new Mercedes E Class Sedan and a new Corvette.
Eventually he got rid of both and bought an Escalade and a suped-up motorcyle, speed boat and jet-ski.
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,445
|
Post by thyme4change on Aug 3, 2011 12:46:50 GMT -5
And I'd be jealous of him too. I have a friend who has a plane and motorcycle and once owned a boat - and I'm jealous of him. I mean, not like yelling, fussing, stabbing him with a knife jealous. But still. I'm not ashamed to recognize that I would love to have all the toys, but don't feel like I can pay for them.
|
|
❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,858
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
|
Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Aug 3, 2011 12:50:46 GMT -5
<--- doesn't personally know any "rich" people.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 19, 2024 11:09:26 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2011 12:54:41 GMT -5
I mean, not like yelling, fussing, stabbing him with a knife jealous. But still. I'm not ashamed to recognize that I would love to have all the toys, but don't feel like I can pay for them. I feel jealous of people who seem closer to me. If you're rich and can afford something, I get it. I'm jealous of people who walk into Nordstrom and spend a ton of money there. Statistically it doesn't seem like most of them are rich and yet they seem to experience a lot less money stress.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 19, 2024 11:09:26 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2011 13:01:38 GMT -5
And I'd be jealous of him too. I have a friend who has a plane and motorcycle and once owned a boat - and I'm jealous of him. I mean, not like yelling, fussing, stabbing him with a knife jealous. But still. I'm not ashamed to recognize that I would love to have all the toys, but don't feel like I can pay for them. Having all kinds of "stuff" really doesn't create any happiness. Over the last 6 years we've gotten rid of all the toys except for a medium sized cabin cruiser boat. Even that has next to no hours on the drives because it's not often used. The grass isn't really greener on the other side of the hill. I gave away more to the local charities around here last year than it cost for us to live here.
|
|
safeharbor37
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 23:18:19 GMT -5
Posts: 1,290
|
Post by safeharbor37 on Aug 3, 2011 13:02:21 GMT -5
[/size] You probably do. You may even be one; it depends on what you mean by "rich."
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,445
|
Post by thyme4change on Aug 3, 2011 13:04:46 GMT -5
I know - but I would still like to go out on a jet ski, or drive a nice fun sports car - instead of getting into my 8 year old Honda every day for the next 12 years. I have some nice stuff, and I like it. Luxury items are nice. Toys are fun. If money were unlimited, I would have more.
|
|
shelby
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 21:29:02 GMT -5
Posts: 1,368
|
Post by shelby on Aug 3, 2011 13:14:35 GMT -5
jma23 I agree I have never been a stuff person. Some people are impressed by stuff but many are not. If it's what you strive for fine, just don't let it define you.
|
|
floridayankee
Junior Associate
If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Feel Free to Stand in Front of Them.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:56:05 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
|
Post by floridayankee on Aug 3, 2011 13:24:30 GMT -5
<--- doesn't personally know any "rich" people. You "know" me. I'm just rich in other ways.
|
|
floridayankee
Junior Associate
If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Feel Free to Stand in Front of Them.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:56:05 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
|
Post by floridayankee on Aug 3, 2011 13:42:34 GMT -5
And I'd be jealous of him too. I have a friend who has a plane and motorcycle and once owned a boat - and I'm jealous of him. I mean, not like yelling, fussing, stabbing him with a knife jealous. But still. I'm not ashamed to recognize that I would love to have all the toys, but don't feel like I can pay for them. I can honestly say that "stuff" really doesn't impress me much. Sure some of these would be nice, but unless I'm willing to put forth the same effort that these folks do, I really can't get jealous. Now, I would love an 18' or even the 22' Livin Lite VRV' toy hauler (customizable and all aluminum so it's light enough to haul with my Tacoma). I simply can't justify the price considering the few times/year I'd get to use it. Unfortunately these things are fairly new so finding a decent price on a used camper is highly improbable.
|
|
|
Post by ed1066 on Aug 3, 2011 13:50:06 GMT -5
And I'd be jealous of him too. I have a friend who has a plane and motorcycle and once owned a boat - and I'm jealous of him. I mean, not like yelling, fussing, stabbing him with a knife jealous. But still. I'm not ashamed to recognize that I would love to have all the toys, but don't feel like I can pay for them. Having all kinds of "stuff" really doesn't create any happiness. It also does not automatically equate to wealth. In fact, all those toys are actually terrible investments and generally a huge waste of money. If one truly has enough disposable income to buy these things and not sacrifice anything else (saving, paying off debt, education, etc.) then I think it can be justified. But if someone chooses to buy a boat or sports car instead of saving for their children's education or their own retirement, I think that's a poor choice...and truly wealthy people generally don't get that way by making a lot of poor choices...
|
|
shelby
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 21:29:02 GMT -5
Posts: 1,368
|
Post by shelby on Aug 3, 2011 13:51:59 GMT -5
Having all kinds of "stuff" really doesn't create any happiness. It also does not automatically equate to wealth. In fact, all those toys are actually terrible investments and generally a huge waste of money. If one truly has enough disposable income to buy these things and not sacrifice anything else (saving, paying off debt, education, etc.) then I think it can be justified. But if someone chooses to buy a boat or sports car instead of saving for their children's education or their own retirement, I think that's a poor choice...and truly wealthy people generally don't get that way by making a lot of poor choices... oh my gosh I think I found the first thing I can agree with ed on
|
|
|
Post by Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ on Aug 3, 2011 14:06:50 GMT -5
Having all kinds of "stuff" really doesn't create any happiness.
I never said he was happy or not, nor that I was jealous. He is doing quite well and having a good time.
He's got hot chicks falling all over him as he is quite good looking. I'd gladly take on his rejects. But then again, I am currently on Chemistry.Com and PlentyofFish and am fighting off a large number of very attractive 50-something women myself.
|
|
|
Post by Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ on Aug 3, 2011 14:08:28 GMT -5
jma23 I agree I have never been a stuff person. Some people are impressed by stuff but many are not. If it's what you strive for fine, just don't let it define you.
18 years ago I severely downsized. My living arrangements since then do not allow for accumulation of anything more then necessities. I have everything I need. Not really a "stuff" person anyway.
|
|
AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:59:07 GMT -5
Posts: 31,709
Favorite Drink: Sweetwater 420
|
Post by AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP on Aug 3, 2011 14:12:38 GMT -5
the rich thrive on adversity. that is why they are rich. So, we should create adversity for the rich to thrive on? Gimme a break.
|
|
AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:59:07 GMT -5
Posts: 31,709
Favorite Drink: Sweetwater 420
|
Post by AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP on Aug 3, 2011 14:14:21 GMT -5
Having all kinds of "stuff" really doesn't create any happiness. It also does not automatically equate to wealth. In fact, all those toys are actually terrible investments and generally a huge waste of money. If one truly has enough disposable income to buy these things and not sacrifice anything else (saving, paying off debt, education, etc.) then I think it can be justified. But if someone chooses to buy a boat or sports car instead of saving for their children's education or their own retirement, I think that's a poor choice...and truly wealthy people generally don't get that way by making a lot of poor choices... Exactly. Having a lot of destructive assets, particularly in the driveway, is the hallmark of the poor, or soon to be poor.
|
|
AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:59:07 GMT -5
Posts: 31,709
Favorite Drink: Sweetwater 420
|
Post by AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP on Aug 3, 2011 14:17:48 GMT -5
If one of my college buddies showed up in a Lambrogini, I would be totally jealous! And, I would gossip behind his back about it - but - yeah, I know plenty of people that started businesses and are employing dozens of employees. They are good people. (And one asshole.) If you really wanted a Lambo, you'd have one. They're not that expensive unless you buy them new. I had a Ferrari for about 10 minutes (literally- it was part of a deal, but it was titled (and taxed) in my name) before transferring it to another party as part of a deal. We picked that up for $60K. Needed $5K in work (360 Modena), but that and some car shows we like to attend gave me a sneak peak at just how attainable these things are.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 19, 2024 11:09:26 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2011 14:18:58 GMT -5
From what I know about my uncle, he would be considered rich by a lot of people. He opened a plumbing supply business way back when. For the first 2 years they (he & his partner) barely got by. They started with just the 2 of them & many times (like during inventory time) they slept at the store. They also stayed open until 9pm which was unheard of back then. As happens sometimes all of a sudden the build trade took off (about their 3rd year in business) & they were able to hire more people. Even then though one or both of them were always there. They rode the boom up & then sold after about 15 to 18 years. He was pretty well off.
Then a couple of years later he was driving home & a woman came across the center line of the road & hit him head on. That resulted in a badly broken leg & crushed foot, several risky operations (he had a bad heart) & over 2 months in the hospital. The insurance settlement on THAT tipped him over into the rich (at least to most people) category.
I don't begrudge rich people their money because I differ than some here because I don't believe (or assume) that they are rich because they found or won it. Why do people assume that...It's answer is real simple. It's much easier to steal money from someone if you think they won or found it. You don't feel guilt. I bet John Dillinger would have been in hog heaven if he had been able to legislate money away from people. It would have been a win win for him because he wouldn't have had to buy all of those bullets either.
|
|
AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:59:07 GMT -5
Posts: 31,709
Favorite Drink: Sweetwater 420
|
Post by AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP on Aug 3, 2011 14:19:47 GMT -5
I used to reflexively despise the rich. Then I met some on a personal level. Not the super-rich but 7 figure net worth types. They've all busted their butts to get there - invested in education, worked on a business, invested their dollars where other people spent them, and been really disciplined. Some came from disadvantaged backgrounds but they all really are into family and intelligent. People like Obama are targeting the people YOU describe here-- calling $250K a year in income "rich" is beyond naive. No one that is that stupid, naive, or worse-- that thinks WE are that stupid or naive-- deserves public office. Obama is the servant of the "super rich". He is targeting the people you describe-- the real job creators, the millionaires-- on behalf of the billionaires.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 19, 2024 11:09:26 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2011 14:40:28 GMT -5
the rich thrive on adversity. that is why they are rich. I nominate this post for the strangest statement of the day.
|
|
|
Post by ed1066 on Aug 3, 2011 14:41:34 GMT -5
the rich thrive on adversity. that is why they are rich. I thought they are rich because they stole everything from the poor...
|
|
handyman2
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 23:56:33 GMT -5
Posts: 3,087
|
Post by handyman2 on Aug 3, 2011 14:42:49 GMT -5
Those who are considered in the rich catagory today that started from scratch are people who although could buy about anything they want,don't. Working their way up made most I know very conservitive with their money. They think every expenditure of any size through before putting down the cash. Toys don't impress them. Example if they want to go boating on a weekend they don't go buy a boat, they rent one. Much more sound economic reasoning. Now that does not include all people of wealth but those in the million to 3 million who pulled themselves up from scratch that is how many think.
|
|
djAdvocate
Member Emeritus
only posting when the mood strikes me.
Joined: Jun 21, 2011 12:33:54 GMT -5
Posts: 75,233
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"000307"}
|
Post by djAdvocate on Aug 3, 2011 14:47:24 GMT -5
the rich thrive on adversity. that is why they are rich. So, we should create adversity for the rich to thrive on? Gimme a break. interesting take. LOL! no, Paul. but we shouldn't coddle them. they can take care of themselves.
|
|
djAdvocate
Member Emeritus
only posting when the mood strikes me.
Joined: Jun 21, 2011 12:33:54 GMT -5
Posts: 75,233
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"000307"}
|
Post by djAdvocate on Aug 3, 2011 14:48:12 GMT -5
the rich thrive on adversity. that is why they are rich. I thought they are rich because they stole everything from the poor... not my definition. but whatever works for you. ;D
|
|