Posted on 10/26/2006 6:18:46 PM PDT by mustang buff
WASHINGTON - When he was asked recently why Americans aren't delighted by their strong economy, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson called that the $64,000 question.
(Excerpt) Read more at startribune.com ...
As it was with that long swim to the egg, "getting ahead in life" is supposed to be a "struggle".
This economy is just fine.....
Want more, then work harder. Don't work, don't support this country, don't follow the rule of law and do nothing but bitch and ask for handouts.........no problem....you can starve to death for all I care.
"Still, is it me, is it just New York, or is everyone stressed and overly touchy?"
Move to the Texas hill country, enjoy the hunting season and the awesome BBQ.
This is what happens when people are conditioned to believe that having 100% of the population on the right side of the bell curve (regardless of what is being measured) is mathematically possible.
Because some of us live in Michigan.
You may think this might sound a touch off subject, but how old are both of you? I am pushing 40 and honestly have never had it better in my life. Opportunity is huge! Interest rates are in the basement! The economy favors entrepreneurship like never before, and puts me right where I need to be fiscally. Why you guys find it sooooo tough is not because of the economy at all. Look a little closer to home to find out why your struggling, OK?
I live in NY too and everyone I know here is struggling including me. But basically it has to do with being in NY. High Rents, Mortgages, taxes, etc. Even with a good salary you just can't make ends meet. Its doesn't have anything to do with the overall economy its just NY. As long as you live here you will be struggling unless you are rich.
I am in my 40's and its really got to do with what state you live in. Try living in NY State and you will find yourself struggling and living from paycheck to paycheck. Its stinky NY.
I live like you do. Ain't it relaxing? I have a small house in a small city, older car (paid for), home-cooking, and pay off my credit card bill every month. I am paying tuition for one son at a state college. I am able to do all of this and work only 20 hours a week because I planned carefully for it. If I need money for something extra, I work more hours. Of course, none of this would be possible without the blessing of good health.
not to mention the necessities, HDTV wide screens, cell phones for each family member, high speed internet, $200 sneakers, new Dodge truck, Xbox 360, etc.
You and the Greek philosopher Epictetus (55-135 AD) would have been the best of friends.
Epictetus said: “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
I admire your philosophy and try to apply it my own life.
Oh, and the truck, too -- though I'm a Ford man myself. LOL.
I buy one new vehicle every 12-14 years.
I'm retired and keeping my head above water only with the grace of God. That said, I planned ahead ten years ago when I was working and set money aside in a bond to buy a new car, if needed. Three weeks after the bond matured, my old car needed major repairs, so I bought a new car. The moral of the story - plan ahead so you can treat yourself to a needed expense when needed. Otherwise, live frugally and economize when you can.
I lived there for three years back in the early nineties. Yes, the cost of living is high, I agree.
Your point is valid but Florida also required a two-family income.
I'm not going to dice this idiotic comment into confetti in front of everyone like I'm tempted to.
I'll just point out that you have drawn a conclusion without any evidence and certainly without comprehending what was written about the subject.
A little closer to home, indeed.
"Too many people who make decent incomes think they're entitled to live like the wealthy, rather than be content with the blessings they have."
You just hit the nail on the head.
Madison Avenue has convinced way too many of us that we just CANNOT be happy without a big screen TV, a Porsche, and a 5000 square foot home.
People that buy into their hype will NEVER have enough money!
"Perhaps we'll see more kids entering needed and professional-geared fields like engineering as college becomes more of an investment.."
Don't bet on it. The outsourcing and H1B visa insourcing of engineering jobs is further decreasing an already low engineering enrollment in this country.
Engineering is one of the toughest curriculums there is.
Few people want to work that hard to have their careers truncated at age 40.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.