[gist]

> If he owns everything free and clear

So ok say he owns his house. You still have property taxes (in some places can run from 1 to 4% of property value) upkeep family costs and so on.

> and you can live well on $25,000 per year

Not with a family. Not in a safe area or what most would consider a 'nice' area.

[ljf]

Really? https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/ seems to do OK with him, his wife and his child living on a similar amount.