Don't hate me b/c I'm rich

**PrairieRose** · 07-23-2008, 10:32 AM

(made you look

)

Ok, I've noticed a 'theme' on another thread about not feeling sorry for the rich and the taxes they pay, etc.... I just wanted to discuss how we feel about a) the rich and b) people who make a large income but aren't necessarily rich. Do you resent or feel jealous of these people or are you happy for them? Do you feel that just b/c they are rich or have some money that they aren't good people? It seems to me that in our society we are taught to pursue the rich lifestyle but we seem to hate rich people. It really makes no sense to me. Naturally I think rich people and people who make large incomes should pay their fair share of taxes, like everyone else but I don't feel justified in knowing that they may pay more than middle and lower income people (relatively speaking). Why should someone who works really hard, manages their money, does without while building a business, tries very hard to do the right things all the way deserve the disdain of those who aren't as 'fortunate' when they reach a certain level of success?
We live in America, we are taught that we have to right to pursue our dreams... . The pursuit of large sums of money isn't always a bad thing is it, as long as you have ethics, provide a valuable service or goods, treat people fairly, etc....???

How do you feel about upper income and rich people? Why do you feel this way?

**Russ** · 07-23-2008, 10:40 AM

You forgot c) Feel sorry for them. The are so deep in debt because of that 4000sq ft home they can't retire until age 75 if ever.

**savvymom** · 07-23-2008, 10:41 AM

If someone is fortunate enough to be rich, then good for them! I wish them well in their continued efforts. Just because you have money in the bank doesn't mean your life is perfect, EVERYONE has problems with something no matter their status. Maybe they work too much, or drink too much, or are lonely, or have trust issues, whatever the case we all have something.

I don't believe that just because someone is rich (whether it be better with money than me, or just a great paying job, hard work, etc) they are better than me. I don't envy them to the point I don't like them. I have been known to say wow, wouldn't it be nice to have that kind of money, but I don't obsess.

I am rich in family and love and that's what works for me.

**freyadog** · 07-23-2008, 10:43 AM

I don't give them any thought at all. Rich is just another group of people to me. Nothing more, nothing less.

Our meager income probably takes us alot further than a rich(unless they are like Gates or whoever) persons income. We have no mortgage, no car payments, no cc's. We don't worry about tax brackets or someone wanting something from us.

Nope don't give them any thought.

**nancycg56** · 07-23-2008, 10:53 AM

I don't begrudge anyone, anything and I'm always surprised at those who do.

There is ALWAYS going to be someone who has more money than me, a better job than me, skinnier than me, more everything than me, yada, yada, yada. Why on earth would I care?

**mom21ofeach** · 07-23-2008, 10:56 AM

"Rich" is a relative term, IMO. To some, I may be considered rich, but to others, poor.

I will say that my dh has worked really hard to make a good living and manage our money. We do not splurge on frivilous luxuries, and we live on a budget. I have noticed thru the years that the more we save and earn, the bigger tax penalty. I resent the notion that just because we make more, we have to pay more. How fair is THAT? In many ways, the "rich" are punished. Because of this, they use creative ways to get out of paying taxes (setting up a business that will make no money on paper, hiring a tax attorney to find loopholes, etc.). I think all the trying to "get out" of paying taxes is what makes people mad.

I think a flat tax, and a national sales tax would be the only real fair way to go.

**shortstack** · 07-23-2008, 10:56 AM

I personally think its not right to lump all "rich people" together. Just as I don't think its right to lump all "poor or middle income people" together. Saying all rich people are horrible with money and in debt is as bad as saying poor or lower income people are lazy and should work harder.
A know a few millionaires and I will tell you that by looking at them you would have absolutely no idea that they were such. Perhaps thats how they became millionaires.

Andrea

**Sonnenwende** · 07-23-2008, 11:07 AM

Why should someone who works really hard, manages their money, does without while building a business, tries very hard to do the right things all the way deserve the disdain of those who aren't as 'fortunate' when they reach a certain level of success?

Why do we assume all rich people are those people? That is like assuming everyone who is poor is that way because they are lazy and want to be on welfare popping out 30 kids all day.

Like I said in the other thread, I am not jealous of rich people. I have no diamonds in my wedding ring. I don't surround myself with things. I can't take any of it with me when I am gone. None of it is ultimately important. I just strive for a life of simple comfort with my family and to enjoy life one moment at a time.

**Greebo** · 07-23-2008, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by Sonnenwende

Why do we assume all rich people are those people?

90% of today's millionaires are first generation.

I think its PRETTY safe to assume that most "rich" people are exactly as PraireRose described them.

People who aren't responsible with money don't stay rich.

**The Muse** · 07-23-2008, 11:17 AM

There are jerks and nice people in every income bracket and forming blanket opinions about people based on income is ridiculous.

DH and I each pull in 6 figure incomes, but I don't consider us "rich". As high earners with no kids and limited deductions, we pay hefty taxes. We pay significant taxes both from a percentage standpoint and from a dollars standpoint. We're taxed a significant percentage on what we earn, then we invest and we're taxed on that income, too. I don't understand the mentality that we should be taxed even more. Nor do I understand the resentment that I've sensed in that other thread.

I support a flat tax. I do not think that high income individuals should pay a higher percentage in taxes because they're already paying more than low income individuals.

**IntlMom** · 07-23-2008, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by rcannon

You forgot c) Feel sorry for them. The are so deep in debt because of that 4000sq ft home they can't retire until age 75 if ever.

Not all of "us" Russ.

I'm assuming that most here would call us "rich"....not quite at 6 figures..but awfully doggone close.
We have no car debt, cause we are both driving 6 year old paid for cars. We have (almost) no c/c debt...next month we'll pay our no interest c/c off 10 months before the 12 months same as cash is up.
Last but not least, we have waaay less house than the bank says we can "afford"....we only owe about 25% of what it's worth, and hope to have it paid in full within the next few years.

Again, "rich" is a relative term. According to the gov't (and from the article in Greebos post) we are in about the top 10%........ but we choose to "live like no one else so later we can live like no one else". No "toys", watch sales, combine coupons, garage sale shop, clearance shop for clothing,....you know, the stuff we all do!!
In other words, we don't live like we are "rich"...whatever that means!

**Michelle** · 07-23-2008, 11:24 AM

How are we defining "rich"? Is a rich person someone who appears rich because they have fancy cars, a huge home, takes vacations, etc? Or is it someone who by all appearances leads a modest life but has $xxx in the bank "rich"? Or something entirely different? Or a combination?

**nuisance26** · 07-23-2008, 11:25 AM

~Nah, I'm not jealous. I've made choices in my life(not taking out loans for college, getting married and staying home raising children)that will probably keep us in the low middle income range for the rest of our lives. Many who are high income are high income through a good educations and double income households. I'm happy with my choices. I sometimes feel frustrated that my technologically savvy DH(who works a skilled factory job)makes less than his peers who are nowhere near his intelligence but have a college degree. But DH made the choice to go into the Navy and not college and he doesn't regret his decision. If I wanted to be rich I certainly could be. I'm just not willing to sacrifice the simplicity of my lifestyle for only money.~

**suki** · 07-23-2008, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by freyadog

I don't give them any thought at all. Rich is just another group of people to me. Nothing more, nothing less.

Our meager income probably takes us alot further than a rich(unless they are like Gates or whoever) persons income. We have no mortgage, no car payments, no cc's. We don't worry about tax brackets or someone wanting something from us.

Nope don't give them any thought.

Same here... it's just not important to me.

**Samigirl** · 07-23-2008, 11:38 AM

[QUOTE from singersullivan] I personally think its not right to lump all "rich people" together. Just as I don't think its right to lump all "poor or middle income people" together. Saying all rich people are horrible with money and in debt is as bad as saying poor or lower income people are lazy and should work harder.
A know a few millionaires and I will tell you that by looking at them you would have absolutely no idea that they were such. Perhaps thats how they became millionaires.

I don't give most rich people a second thought. I'm too busy working on my own dreams to begrudge anyone else theirs. The only time I attach anything bad to it is when I see some in the media who ruin their children by giving them too much $$...and don't teach their kids the value of hard work. However, I know people who are middle class that do that too. I know rich people that are good stewards with their money. They are smart with their finances, and deserve everything they have. It doesn't make me jealous...maybe I can learn from them....and like savvymom, I am rich in family and love. THAT'S what really matters.