How wealthy or how not-wealthy are you?

[RD]

There is no need to reply with your net worth in the thread because I understand that some of you just do not want to disclose it for privacy reasons, and that is perfectly understandable and respectable, but if you could do the poll it would satisfy my curiousity.

One reason I put this poll together is because of statements like hotrod98's, "I kind of wish that we had bought the SRT10 instead"   just a lil jab, no harm foul (for the record hotrod98 is a great guy, downhome Arkansas type and I would give my life for him if need be).   Also, I do not think I have seen this type of poll on here before.

[Mass_Mopar]

where's the negative?  still in college here

[RD]

where's the negative?   still in college here

there ya go!

['CUDA360]

DO you mean on your taxes or including under the table   

[Mass_Mopar]

where's the negative?   still in college here

there ya go!

haha too late, but thanks

[Shakey]

I've always been taught that rich is not defined by how much money is in the bank but how healthy, happy and content one is in life.

Myself, I have beautiful & loving Wife, a healthy and happy (for the most part) Daughter that will be two in February, numerous trustworthy friends that are fun to be around and of course an extended family that is something right out of the Waltons, or is it the Simpsons.      Without being a braggart, they all love me just as much as I love them!

I am also very fortunate to be healthy and wise enough to hold a position within a company that enables me to keep a roof over my families head, warm home cooked meals on the table every night (thanks to my Wife) a couple of reliable vehicles in the driveway and a toy, my '69 Charger.   

If you ask me, I am one of the richest people I know.   As far as wealthy, well let's just say I could always use more disposable income however I also realize that money is not necessarily the answer.   It does make things easier sometimes!

I know some very wealthy people that are the most miserable and unhappy people you will ever meet.   They have children that are spolied and ungrateful and are used to having things handed to them.   When things don't go their way - look out!   The old saying is true, money doesn't buy true happiness.

[Charger_Fan]

I voted my personal income, not what my wife puts into the pot too.

[Ponch ®]

not counting the + equity to my house (which I don't really have access to anyway), I'm definetly in the (-) group (school and car loans). As far as my work income goes, well...we all gotta pay bills, don't we?

As a very wise man I know (Vainglory) once put it, I'm living on "credit and expectations" of a college student.

[41husk]

I just figured it out, I am going to be 46 and at my current salary I have projected that in order to be financialy secure I can retire 5 years after I die

[Arthu®]

Well as I am still school I don't really have all that much money. I do get payed quiet well at my jobs. But I would have no idea what I make in a year. Varies too much month to month. I spend rediculous amounts of money on cloths and certain alcoholic beverages that cost too much money. And I am lucky enough that my parents pay for my school. Still no matter how much I make even if it is close to 2k a month I will spend it in half a month. I don't know what it is than I will spend 10-15 days broke than I party on again. :S

Arthur

[Orange_Crush]

Anyone who thinks 100 grand a year is rich is in for a sad lesson when they get there.

[last426]

It's funny, money just doesn't matter to me.   My income is well off your scale yet my daily drivers are a 79 Honda motorcycle (okay, it's a CBX) and an 85 GMC little pickup.   My clothes are all from Ross, just bought an iron from goodwill, have not been to a fancy restaurant in a year.   I just put in a bunch of flagstone myself -- about a year ago I posted some pics of a big old rock I moved when I put in my pond.   I guess what I am saying is that although I could afford better or to pay people, something in me just won't let me.   And that is not really a good thing!   But it will let me retire fairly soon and time is what is absolutely the most valuable thing that we all have. Kim

[RD]

It's funny, money just doesn't matter to me.   My income is well off your scale yet my daily drivers are a 79 Honda motorcycle (okay, it's a CBX) and an 85 GMC little pickup.   My clothes are all from Ross, just bought an iron from goodwill, have not been to a fancy restaurant in a year.   I just put in a bunch of flagstone myself -- about a year ago I posted some pics of a big old rock I moved when I put in my pond.   I guess what I am saying is that although I could afford better or to pay people, something in me just won't let me.   And that is not really a good thing!   But it will let me retire fairly soon and time is what is absolutely the most valuable thing that we all have. Kim

Kim,
  I would like to buy you a    that is truly cool how you feel, and oh, will you adopt my family? j/k

[ChargerBill]

I agree that income and assets are not the best indicators of how "wealthy" a person really is. You could have more money than Gates, but if you're health is poor, your family hates you, you have no friends and you are so busy you have no time to enjoy the simple things, then you are not wealthy by any means in my book.

Also, todays economy $100K/year isn't really considered rich anymore...of course, we all could use more money to bay off debt, take vacations and retire sooner...I wouldn't mind.

IMO THIS one small example of wealth: Christmas 2004 I invited 30 of my closest friends to a Christmas party and sit down dinner at my house, white elephant gift exchange, sang Christmas carols....about 20 showed up because many others had plans. This year I had ALL of them calling me asking when my party was going to be because they had such a great time, the food was excellent (they couldn't stop talking about my Turkey and stuffing) and many of them became friends that hang out to this day. 36 are showing up this year...all are bringing side dishes or desserts. You might think they come to have an excuse to tie one on...actually we don't drink out of respect for the few who have a problem with it. It's about friends and family and love and enjoying the little bit of time we have here on earth.

Another thing, no matter how low I've ever gotten in life, no matter how much in debt I've been or how little I've had in my bank account, I've NEVER gone without the basic necessities in life...never. Even when the outlook was hopeless, God has always provided for my needs...I cannot explain it any other way.

[RTPTRON]

If you are alive and participating in this hobby you are doing OK!!!!!   Our hobby is for all of us. When we are at shows talking about our cars no one ask what your income level is.   We are all the same.   

[RD]

Anyone who thinks 100 grand a year is rich is in for a sad lesson when they get there.

well i can honestly tell that making 100 grand a year is a helluva lot better than making $21,000 and below with a family.   It is all about how you spend the money.   I live less than comfortably, but there are more times than I can count that I have to rob peter to pay paul just to make sure my family is okay.

I am not being snide or cocky OC, just telling ya how i see it.

[RD]

If you are alive and participating in this hobby you are doing OK!!!!!   Our hobby is for all of us. When we are at shows talking about our cars no one ask what your income level is.   We are all the same.   

i dont mean this thread as a bash against the well off or not well off, just a lil survey is all.  I do not hold any ill-will towards any one of our brethren in the hobby.  I mean, if this thread is going to go south or hell in a hand basket, I will just have a mod delete it.

[TeeWJay426]

I voted my personal income, not what my wife puts into the pot too.

Same here. Also need to echo the sentiments of others here- the size of the paycheck doesn't determine 'wealth' unto itself. I've been through both good financial times and bad, but as long as you have the basic necessities and family that love and support you, you are indeed rich.

[Old Moparz]

I guess what I am saying is that although I could afford better or to pay people, something in me just won't let me.   And that is not really a good thing!    Kim

That's because you're more of a tight-wad than I am.   

[RD]

I voted my personal income, not what my wife puts into the pot too.

Same here. Also need to echo the sentiments of others here- the size of the paycheck doesn't determine 'wealth' unto itself. I've been through both good financial times and bad, but as long as you have the basic necessities and family that love and support you, you are indeed rich.

wording is everything, changed from rich to "wealthy" 

[Charger_Fan]

I guess what I am saying is that although I could afford better or to pay people, something in me just won't let me.   And that is not really a good thing!    Kim

That's because you're more of a tight-wad than I am.   

Never thought I'd hear that one.

[ChargerBill]

Wording IS everything... good call.

[last426]

I guess what I am saying is that although I could afford better or to pay people, something in me just won't let me.   And that is not really a good thing!    Kim

That's because you're more of a tight-wad than I am.   

I am a cheapskate, there is no doubt about it.  I recognized that in myself so about 4 years ago.  Kim

[derailed]

  I guess what I am saying is that although I could afford better or to pay people, something in me just won't let me.   And that is not really a good thing!   But it will let me retire fairly soon and time is what is absolutely the most valuable thing that we all have. Kim

Kim, I think that is a good thing! I also enjoy doing alot of the stuff on my house myself when I have the time and at least you know its done right and how you want it. I also would never buy a new overpriced vehicle either. I have a 97 Camry with 160,000 miles. To me thats just broken in. Some people can make all the money in the world and still want more and never be happy cause there flat broke.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

FWIW, living in NY (5 boro's) and making over 100k does not make you any type of "wealthy" either......I think it depends on your location as well

[69_500]

Definately depends on your location. Around here $100K a year would make you sitting pretty. However $100K a year where my Aunt and Uncle live, and you'd be scraping by.

[Chris G.]

I guess what I am saying is that although I could afford better or to pay people, something in me just won't let me.   And that is not really a good thing!   But it will let me retire fairly soon and time is what is absolutely the most valuable thing that we all have. Kim

Boy I sure wish I could live like that. Unfortunately I spend my money without thinking first (sometimes). My friend has your exact same outlook. He penny pinches like you wouldn't believe. He's always hunting for a deal, whether it be a garage sale or swap meet. He will always talk a price down. He's constantly thinking about how he can save a buck. We all joke about it with him, but in the end he's the smart one. BTW, he bought a Hemi 'Cuda about 6 years ago for around 30K. To say he won't cash in on that car would be a huge understatement.

[Telvis]

If I didn't have to support my ex wife I would be much better off. 

[greenpigs]

My X should support me

I do ok and have what I want, for some it may not be enough but I'm happy.

[chrisII]

this year i made about 7g more than a year ago. and im about 3 grand deeper in debt! but the debt is all for capitol investments of one type or another,(one being my charger) i could sell several of these investments for much more than i paid, and pay off all of my debt. i am selling a couple things right now and that will put me back to where i was. if i sold the charger in spring i could probly pay off 1/2 of my debt.  but being that ive sworn to die owning that car i kinda doubt it will happen. i have no kids , and i make more myself than alot of married couples i know, so i guess im doing fine.....and this isnt counting the couple hunderd a month i get paid to drink with my friends lol 

[Charger_Fan]

.....and this isnt counting the couple hunderd a month i get paid to drink with my friends lol  

You get PAID to drink with your friends?? That's a job I definitely feel qualified to handle!

[tomonty]

I am a broke as hell college student working part time. I don't save enough money, I go out more than I should, and I am in debt,  but I have the best friends anyone could ever want, 3 Chargers to tinker on and a great supporting family. As long as there is cold beer, good friends, and Mopars, I have everything in the world I could ever want.

Mike

P.S. In some parts of the country making 100k a year might not be much, but I don't know what I would do with 100k. 

[Troy]

I know that in some places (such as parts of California and New York) $400,000 will barely buy you a mobile home or possibly a 1 bedroom house on less then 1/4 acre. Where I live that same amount of money would get a 6,000 sq. ft. house with a barn/massive garage on 5-10 acres. I am positive there are even cheaper places to live than here so that really plays into the whole salary game. I could make a lot more if I moved but if my cost of living goes up a higher amount then it really isn't worth it. It's not how much you make - it's the size of your Charger fund that matters...

Troy

[TruckDriver]

I just figured it out, I am going to be 46 and at my current salary I have projected that in order to be financialy secure I can retire 5 years after I die

I'm going to be 42 this spring, and I will be able to retire about 15 years after I die. So your not alone

I make about $38,000 or so every year. But I live pay check to pay check raising my 2 boys just barely getting by

[twilt]

i have come to the conclusion that it doesnt really matter if i make $45k or 80k a year.   At the end of the year, the checking account still looks about the same and i dont know where the money went.

[2fast4u]

   If I made a $100K a year....I'd own a HEMI car of some sort!   I've nothin' to hide.    I roughly gross $36k a year and scrape by....rob peter and IOU paul sometimes...it really sucks having an Ex-wife who lives really good(who also just bought a brand new car at the dealership I work at) and my 2 boys don't see much of the fruits of my labored money she reaps every month.

    But the oldest just turned 18 and hopefully I can cut it in half as soon as he graduates!!

2fast

[NHCharger]

At the end of the year, the checking account still looks about the same and i dont know where the money went.

You sound like my wife.

My wife thinks I'm a tight-wad. Being a contractor my income varies from year to year so I'm very careful about spending my money.

[skyhawk61]

According to an old saying, "money cannot buy happiness"

This is most certainly true.  Those folks worth $30 million are not any happier than those with only $20 million in their account.

[TK73]

According to an old saying, "money cannot buy happiness"

This is most certainly true.  Those folks worth $30 million are not any happier than those with only $20 million in their account.

I'd rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable... 

[tomonty]

I'd rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable...  icon_smile_big

I would have to second that

[TruckDriver]

I'd rather be rich and miserable than poor and miserable...   icon_smile_big

I would have to second that

I would agree with that too

[69charger2002]

yeah agreed on everything said so far. especially about it's not how much you make, it's how you live.. also location is very correct. $100k goes a LONG way down here..welllllll... except i guess trying to buy insurance in new orleans now.          only thing that kills us is tax is 9.5% here. absolutely insane. so i buy most stuff online.. am hoping to have the house paid off at 33.. of course then the wife will want to build one.. ahh well. life is awesome
trav

[Vainglory, Esq.]

Credit and expectations, baby.  Credit and expectations.


Oh, and even though money can't make you happy, I'd rather cry in a Charger than a Yugo.

[kab69440]

Anyone who thinks 100 grand a year is rich is in for a sad lesson when they get there.

I do not want to hear it. Get yourself a single digit hourly wage job and attempt to keep your home from forclosure.  I dare you.

[Chryco Psycho]

anyone who thinks living on 100,000 is not weathy better try living on under 18K like I am 

[73dodge]

I own a Charger under restoration and I am broke

need I say more?

[triple_green]

Interesting thread. I am a financial planner and I measure a persons wealth by assets, not cash flow. Cash flow is a measure of whether you are increasing or eroding your net worth.

Some interesting stories from some past planning jobs:

1) I had a doctor who was making $230K a year in the early 90s and who had almost no net worth. He as leasing two cars for $700 each, leasing a house for $2500/month and ate out a fancy restaurants every night, oh yeah there was the alimony to the two ex-wives...

2) I had a single mom with 4 kids who had an income of $900/month and was saving $200/month (she had some church subsidized housing).

It just goes to show: "It's not how much you make it's how much you keep".

3X

[andy74]

i am having a off year this year,and wil probably end up around 60,000. when i lived in florida that was plenty,but here in upstate new york im just scrapping by,i do have a double wide mobile home,a 03 grand am on lease,and the charger,plus we have plenty of food,the lights are on etc.i save about 300 a month in to a account,and have 6 %of my pay go into a 401k. my wife makes about 5000 a year,works part time,and takes care of the 3 kids the rest of the time.so,it does depend on where your at,and how you spend it. when i was single,and had no kids,i lived in a apartment with 2 buddies,made about 18-20 grand,and had a blast!!!

[RD]

Credit and expectations, baby.   Credit and expectations.


Oh, and even though money can't make you happy, I'd rather cry in a Charger than a Yugo.

how true is that!

[Orange_Crush]

Interesting thread. I am a financial planner and I measure a persons wealth by assets, not cash flow. Cash flow is a measure of whether you are increasing or eroding your net worth.

Some interesting stories from some past planning jobs:

1) I had a doctor who was making $230K a year in the early 90s and who had almost no net worth. He as leasing two cars for $700 each, leasing a house for $2500/month and ate out a fancy restaurants every night, oh yeah there was the alimony to the two ex-wives...

2) I had a single mom with 4 kids who had an income of $900/month and was saving $200/month (she had some church subsidized housing).

It just goes to show: "It's not how much you make it's how much you keep".

3X

This is the point I was trying to make.   

Unless you make bank like Bill Gates, you're gonna hurt if you don't know how to manage it (can anybody say "Hammer?"   I knew you could).

If you are making 100 grand a year and you have two 500 dollar a   month car payments and a 2500 dollar a month mortgage, once you pay insurance, utilites, food, etc...you'll be surprised at the fact that you'll be struggling at the end of the month.

Sure, you're buying nicer things, but you're still overspending.

[dkn1997]

while 100,000 sounds great, you have to take it into context.  I realize that it's way more than single digit wages, but as previousely stated, Ny city metro area and california have a way of eating into that. 

my wife and I  live ok.  No vacations, but we are able to pay the mortgage, car payment, and  never carry any credit card debt.  We also are able to give the kids a good christmas.  But, it's not RICH.

Even though we are comfortable, it's not RICH AT ALL.  I would never presume to put a dollar amount on rich because it really depends on where you live.

I agree with the guy who said that if you are in this hobby with a car, you are doing ok. 

[Shakey]

It just goes to show: "It's not how much you make it's how much you keep".

3X

Some of the best advice I have ever received was to put money away.  At 21 I started stashing $200.00 CDN a month in mutual funds.  It hurt at the time, but it sure is nice watching it grow.

[charge69]

I make well over 100K a year and my wife makes a nice income working , also. Hasn't been that way for very long and we struggled for many years. We were very happy before and still are , but I can tell you money does not buy happiness!! Many friends ( Where I work , everyone makes over 100K a year) who are miserable. If you are happy and make good money , it is usually not the money that keeps you happy! Does cut down on some of life's worries , though.

[41husk]

I know that in some places (such as parts of California and New York) $400,000 will barely buy you a mobile home or possibly a 1 bedroom house on less then 1/4 acre. Where I live that same amount of money would get a 6,000 sq. ft. house with a barn/massive garage on 5-10 acres. I am positive there are even cheaper places to live than here so that really plays into the whole salary game. I could make a lot more if I moved but if my cost of living goes up a higher amount then it really isn't worth it. It's not how much you make - it's the size of your Charger fund that matters...

Troy

[NHCharger]

when i was single,and had no kids,i lived in a apartment with 2 buddies,made about 18-20 grand,and had a blast!!!

That's where the phrase "when your single, your pockets jingle" came from. i was in the same boat back in the late 70's/early 80's. Single, sharing an apartment with a friend, no one to worry about but me. Was in a rock band, life was a constant party. Don't remember much of what happened from 18-23. Just know that I woke up one day, the haze had cleared and I was married.

[charger490]

I was driving truck for 43 years making a good wage and ended up making 50000.a year when i finshed working. i took a lump sum payout and invested in the stock market 130000 invested in cisco sys.and that turned into about 7,000,000 million.

I live in a log cabin on three arecs witha 30 by 50 garage to store my cars in .i dont do vacations. i still work on a farm and part time as a cdl instructor.i dont give money to charites only to people i want to give it to so dont ask.i help my kids and grandkids if they need it and pay for collage for them .i guess i was luckey in the market charger490

[Ponch ®]

I am a broke as hell college student working part time. I don't save enough money, I go out more than I should, and I am in debt,  but I have the best friends anyone could ever want, 3 Chargers to tinker on and a great supporting family. As long as there is cold beer, good friends, and Mopars, I have everything in the world I could ever want.

That's my problem. I have about half of my monthly income left over after paying bills. Theoretically, I should be able to save some $, but I'm out every weekend, I buy shit I dont need, and go out to dinner more often than I should. In the end, I always end up struggling a few days before my next paycheck.

As the late, great George Best once said: "I spent most of my money on fast cars, birds, and booze. The rest I squandered". 

[chrisII]

.....and this isnt counting the couple hunderd a month i get paid to drink with my friends lol  

You get PAID to drink with your friends?? That's a job I definitely feel qualified to handle!

I am "stage manager" for a local rock band that plays out 3-5 times a month feb - dec. i figure out things like power requirements,light set ups, program and run the light show, and do some sound mix adjustments. i currently get paid $50 a night + free beer, unless we have large shows where we use the big PA. I own 1/2 of the big system so i am paid for hauling it to the show, and "rent" + my normal pay wich is higher for higher than normal paying shows. of corse I ENJOY doing these things so basicly im being paid to hang out and drink with my friends. this weekend we have 2 shows in the same bar.so its still 1 setup 1 tear down, ill make $100. to me its a sweet gig!

[PocketThunder]

when i was single,and had no kids,i lived in a apartment with 2 buddies,made about 18-20 grand,and had a blast!!!

That's where the phrase "when your single, your pockets jingle" came from. i was in the same boat back in the late 70's/early 80's. Single, sharing an apartment with a friend, no one to worry about but me. Was in a rock band, life was a constant party. Don't remember much of what happened from 18-23. Just know that I woke up one day, the haze had cleared and I was married.

Amen brother!       nothing kills a budget faster than being married with a mortgage and a hungry mouth to feed.   But, i'm having a blast with the family life now and its all worth it.   

[RD]

I was driving truck for 43 years making a good wage and ended up making 50000.a year when i finshed working. i took a lump sum payout and invested in the stock market 130000 invested in cisco sys.and that turned into about 7,000,000 million.

I live in a log cabin on three arecs witha 30 by 50 garage to store my cars in .i dont do vacations. i still work on a farm and part time as a cdl instructor.i dont give money to charites only to people i want to give it to so dont ask.i help my kids and grandkids if they need it and pay for collage for them .i guess i was luckey in the market charger490

congratulations on your financial investment.  I am happy that you take care of your family when you can, nothing is more important on this earth than your family.

[Charger_Fan]

I was driving truck for 43 years making a good wage and ended up making 50000.a year when i finshed working. i took a lump sum payout and invested in the stock market 130000 invested in cisco sys.and that turned into about 7,000,000 million.

I live in a log cabin on three arecs witha 30 by 50 garage to store my cars in .i dont do vacations. i still work on a farm and part time as a cdl instructor.i dont give money to charites only to people i want to give it to so dont ask.i help my kids and grandkids if they need it and pay for collage for them .i guess i was luckey in the market charger490

That's a cool story! Lucky in the market...hmm...this may call for a new thread.
I'm striving toward something like that. I'm not sure if it will actually happen, because I'll want to spend extra money restoring my Charger & other cars, but I'm still gonna try.

[Silver R/T]

fluctuating here...

[89MOPAR]

 Also - something to be said about being a miser, hardly anyone has gotten rich by cutting pennies from expenses here and there and hiding them in the matress...

[twilt]

Also - something to be said about being a miser, hardly anyone has gotten rich by cutting pennies from expenses here and there and hiding them in the matress...

thats because a woman would find and spend the pennies if they were hid there.

[Drop Top]

God has seen me through thick and very thin. He has made sure I have had the money for the things that we needed. I raised 4 children. Most of whom are doing better that I am, money wise. I was born to a middle class farmers home that turned to be very well off. Then almost 16 years ago everthing turned upside down. My farther died and didn't have anything in order. Almost lost everthing dew to things beond my control. I evetually got in debt to the IRS for over 3 Million dollors. The good news was that I didn't owe anything else. But now I'm on my way to retireing and working just to keep healthy. But even when I didn't have a plug nickel. I had my family and I was always rich. I am now within 1 to 2 years of never having to worry about money. I have been on the top to the very bottom. Through hard work and help from the good Lord I am almost on the very top again. that. I can work on my cars for a change. I'll also be building an all new and up to date restoration shop with all the tools to make things easier.

[Charger_Fan]

God has seen me through thick and very thin. He has made sure I have had the money for the things that we needed. I raised 4 children. Most of whom are doing better that I am, money wise. I was born to a middle class farmers home that turned to be very well off. Then almost 16 years ago everthing turned upside down. My farther died and didn't have anything in order. Almost lost everthing dew to things beond my control. I evetually got in debt to the IRS for over 3 Million dollors. The good news was that I didn't owe anything else. But now I'm on my way to retireing and working just to keep healthy. But even when I didn't have a plug nickel. I had my family and I was always rich. I am now within 1 to 2 years of never having to worry about money. I have been on the top to the very bottom. Through hard work and help from the good Lord I am almost on the very top again. that. I can work on my cars for a change. I'll also be building an all new and up to date restoration shop with all the tools to make things easier.

That's so cool DropTop, I wish you the best!

[andy74]

ive seen 490s place,its a very nice spread!! im always glad to hear of people doing well,because when its not so good for me(or anyone)it gives you reason to look up,not down.every indication ive seen shows that my bizz will take a farther down turn before it goes up,which scares the hell out of me,but it cant go down forever right?

[dodgecharger-fan]

Well, I agree with the sentiment that the amount of money you make has nothing to do with wealth.

I voted, though.

[kab69440]

I COMPLETELY disagree.

[CB]

I got a monthly salary, free gas, free car(not decided if the company buys a new one or I got the Merc) with free insurance and maintanance, free cell phone.

Currently paying off the 69 though.

It's gertting better then before,I am satisfied.

[doechsle]

 I'm getting poorer by the month, my pay is the same but the cost is living is increasing faster than I have ever seen it. What the hell is going on?

[kab69440]

At least your pay is still the same. Over a third of mine evaporated into thin air this year.

[andy74]

At least your pay is still the same. Over a third of mine evaporated into thin air this year.

join the club

[last426]

Remember guys, it does not take some genius or anyone special to make a bunch of money.  Everyone on this board can do it if you want.  Being a mechanic comes naturally to me so I did the easy thing, turned screws at manufacturing plants.  I woke up and was 35 and said, wow, am I going to do this forever?  Is my body up to it?  Is this the best use of my time?  The answer was to go back to school and get a new career.  Graduated in 1990 oweing 50,000.  Finally got it paid off in 1998 and then off to the races.  But it does come at a cost.  I hope that as I get older I don't regret having no kids.  But I have friends and a great girl friend, so all is well.  Life is full of choices, life is not full of time to make them all.  One last thing, all my lifetime friends shoke their heads when I went off to school.  What really was happening was they were too comfortable in their lifestyles and too afraid to take that first step.  Don't be afraid.  I knew I could always go back to mechanics if all else failed. You can always go back to what you were doing before the adventure.  You can't go back if you never went forth.  Kim

[CB]

well said Kim. I started evening class to become a funeral director. I will end school June '06 at age 33.
As for now things are running great.

[triple_green]

I made some decisions 10-15 years ago that limit my advancement at work.....won't work 12 hours days day after day....won't travel 2 weeks out of the month...but I still do OK. I like the work, and I get to do some interesting things (for a beancounter). I'm out of here most days by 2:30 and coach track in the spring and swimming in the summer, work with the middleschool youth group at church etc... so I have a pretty good life.

I'll tell you that I used to be able to save alot more money when the kids were younger than I can now. Everything they do or join costs money and it really adds up. But the wife lets me invest in my vices (3 mopars) too!

If you really want to become wealthy read the "Rich Dad-Poor Dad" series. But you will have to work for it and take some risks. I'm not willing to do at this stage of my life.

Cheers!
3X

[MOPARHOUND!]

If you really want to become wealthy read the "Rich Dad-Poor Dad" series. But you will have to work for it and take some risks. I'm not willing to do at this stage of my life.

Cheers!
3X

I'd reccomend the book "The Millionaire Next Door".  Author spent roughly 20 years studying the habits of millionaires and how they got there.  Great reading.  One unusual anomaly stood out, the one profession that had a disproportionate percentage of millionaires were auctioneers.

Another good read in a different context is "The Wealthy Barber".

Places like www.amazon.com have them.

The wife quit her job after the baby was born, and it wasn't long before I realized what doechsle has, we were going backwards each month, dipping into savings to make up the difference.

Left my job that had plateaued (that is, dead-in, no room for promotion) and took the leap of faith and started my own business a little over 3 months ago without a single client lined up.  But, so far so good.  Somewhat like last426 stated, didn't want to one day wake up to realize I never gave myself a chance to succeed.

[nh_mopar_fan]

I'll second "The Wealthy Barber".