<<<So, it's really weird to hear people at work (two income, no kid families) talk about massive trips they took to foreign countries, where they stayed in six-star hotels, and flew first class, and all that good stuff, and then in the next breath talk about how they wish they got paid every week, instead of every two weeks, because it's so hard to pay bills on time that way. Even though the wife of the couple does get paid every week, the husband gets paid every other week, and that's enough to make things difficult. But at least once a month they go skiing...>>>

I know a couple who are essentially living the American Dream. Their families came from Vietnam in the 70s. The husband went to med school and became an internist, the wife went to work for her husband for awhile, but is now a SAHM. Anyway, they have a very expensive home in arguably the most expensive neighborhood in our town. They have two adorable children, both in elementary school. They take trips all over the country. I think the thing that surprised me though, was that last year the husband bought a sports car. Not sure what make/model it is, (maybe a Honda?), but it's a small two-seater that cost quite a bit. He didn't get this car to replace his other car, he bought it as an addition, he already drives a Mercedes and his wife has a Lexus. And I'm left wondering, why do they have 3 cars with only 2 drivers in the house? It seems like such a waste. Recently the wife was telling me about one of their trips and complaining that everything was so expensive. I just sat there amazed that she and her husband could spend so much money on homes and cars and then even begin to complain about the costs associated with one of their weekend trips.

LWW