[ldayley]

I agree, but only because I routinely speak with people who make double that and still struggle to pay monthly bills. Short answer: financial outcomes aren't about the number (above a basic threshold), and they’re almost entirely a function of behaviors & (some) luck.

Paying more is still a valid form of defense against petty corruption, though.

[linotype]

If someone paid me $800k per year, I would be retired in three years. You’re right on the behavioral aspect, for sure.

[b112]

What often baffles me is the "buy a whole bunch of things on credit", and then get laid off and have not a penny left.

I've seen stories of actors in Hollywood banking $15M from a movie, buying all sorts of property with mortgages, boats, cars, all on credit, then losing it all due to default without that next movie.

Behaviour indeed.