[poincaredisk]

What are you saving for? I keep hearing people in the US earn much more, and it's certainly true in absolute terms, but... I live in a poorer (but not poor, just not germany/france) EU country, with a relatively good but not great salary. I earn way more than I need - I can afford the apartment I want (recently moved to a bigger one due to becoming a parent), I know medical bills won't bankrupt me in case of emergency, I can afford things I want (computers, clothes, eating out, sport equipment, car). Despite not really trying I still save a lot of money.

At the same time, I hear about IT people living in an American metropoly, earning much more than I do, and supposedly struggling with bills. I wonder if the cost of living differences are that huge, or maybe I just have low standards, or is it something different altogether.

[wait_a_minute]

A house, land, hobbies, an emergency fund in case needing time away from work, investments, nicer things, a stay-home wife, children, traveling, supporting loved ones, there are so many possible reasons.

[culopatin]

I’m saving to buy land and enjoy hobbies I wouldn’t even dream of trying in Europe because I’d be living in a small apartment. Nothing wrong with that, I actually grew up in that sort of life. I’m not your average American… I’m not even American. My salary is modest, not Silicon Valley/Netflix senior numbers, and I don’t live paycheck to paycheck. But the “eh it’s good enough” life of Europe and the country I grew up in is… well, too small for my dreams.

[pokerface_86]

porsche’s and penthouses