Anonymous wrote:You seem to be focused on saving and paying off debt, which is great. But at the same time, you feel deprived.

So spend some of your money. Live the life you want to live. You're rich (yes, you are) and only going to get richer.

At the same time, quit looking up. Even Bill Gate can find someone to envy if he wants to. It's pointless.

At least keep in mind that probably 99% of DCUMers are looking up to you.

This is one of the few productive responses to this thread and I think this is what OP was looking for, not a lot of BS about how he should feel more grateful.

It looks like PP kind of knew that her feelings are not right and wanted an advice, so please don't be judgmental. PP, I hope the responses help you to put things in perspective. I just want to add that you should be the most secured person financially, you are rich but it is not just money that makes people happy. Keep on doing what you do for saving but enjoy life ,relax and don't worry about money.

You seem to be focused on saving and paying off debt, which is great. But at the same time, you feel deprived.

So spend some of your money. Live the life you want to live. You're rich (yes, you are) and only going to get richer.

At the same time, quit looking up. Even Bill Gate can find someone to envy if he wants to. It's pointless.

At least keep in mind that probably 99% of DCUMers are looking up to you.

Anonymous wrote:If this isn't a troll I honestly think you might want to see a therapist to help you see yourself more clearly. Maybe you have issues with anxiety? Because you're doing FINE.

Agreed. A therapist may help you change your perspective.

Your friends don't "seem" to be as concerned. You have no idea what is really going on. We have friends who lost their house and they never mentioned any financial struggles in the months leading up to that.

Anonymous wrote:If this isn't a troll I honestly think you might want to see a therapist to help you see yourself more clearly. Maybe you have issues with anxiety? Because you're doing FINE.

Some of the wealthiest people are some of the most miserable! For some, that's how they got wealthy, it was their intense misery and their drive to chase happiness ("If I only make more money, I will finally be happy").

Definitely not a troll, but therapy could help the OP.

Someone is always going to have more than you, and if you're always looking at that person as your comparison point, you will always feel poor. You need to take a slightly wider view of the world.

If this isn't a troll I honestly think you might want to see a therapist to help you see yourself more clearly. Maybe you have issues with anxiety? Because you're doing FINE.

What are your hobbies? If you have some favorite activities - I would spend my time and money in that. If you just compare yourself with others materially - then you are doomed.

Alright, people. Dial it back. Would you lash out at someone who lost his job in the downturn, now the family has to revert to one income, possible foreclosure, kids being pulled out of private? No, of course not.

You think someone from the third world will have any sympathy or comprehension for that person though? I mean, geez! That family has access to running water, for starters!

Anyone who has felt "poor" in the US should be able to relate to OP. We are all rich!!! Just relative.

OP, get your head screwed on straight, and see how humanity really lives! If you feel poor, you are nuts. Money isn't everything anyway, and you have enough for the rest of your natural life, if you don't go crazy. Did Jesus tell you in a dream you can bring it all with you to the pearly gates? I didn't know Heaven had safe-deposit boxes for rent.

If I was in your situation I would take more vacations to exotic destinations. I would also not sell my house but definitely get some cosmetic upgrades. Same for the yard - I would get some landscaping done that will bring me joy.

Anonymous wrote:you are a total dick

I was going to write a much longer, nicer post but screw it

+1 to pp

Anonymous wrote:Here's some perspective: your post is so out of touch with the average person, both in America and DC, that I feel really angry reading it. Your lack of awareness for need vs. want, haves vs. have nots, and uncalibrated self-pity scale is disgusting.

Amen.

Anonymous wrote:Ok - I'm sure I'll get a lot of grief. We just paid off our house. We have no debt and have 2.4M net worth. We have 1.6 M retirement, 500k. house equity, 200k college savings, 100k cash. I know we aren't poor but it seems like our friends are doing so much better. They have nicer homes, take better vacations and don't seem as concerned about money. We make about 235k combined and our salaries are equal. It seems like so many people make 200k each these days.

Please tell me that I live in a bubble.

what is this supposed to mean?

You need to move or something. Your neighbors and coworkers have a profound affect on your happiness. It's not about raw dollar net worth. Happiness is a state of mind, and everything is relative. When I see someone get all miserable at you because you have 2.4m and they don't, I just see another version of the same sickness. They are living in the US, and have an abundance of resources already compared to the rest of the world.

I grew up poor, but it was poor in the US....can't imagine what being born in ebola-stricken places must be like, growing up living on subsistence farming, maybe having one toy to play with.

But then again, I really don't have many neighbors, so it's easier to get myself in a healthy frame of mind.

You have to exert more self-discipline not to let your friends and neighbors affect you. As PP's said, volunteer. Help out the less fortunate. Studies have shown, such activities are win-win for everyone!!!