Even with inflation in 1970. It only took 1 worker

This is key. I'd add that one needs to be flexible about what they do for a living and where they live but this doesn't compute with some people. A friend's son thinks he's going to be an actor and his parents feed that. OK, he might strike it big but I might also win the lottery but am not counting on it. I've seen the same with parents thinking their kid will become a pro athlete and the family revolves around that way more than it should. Only problem is, those kids are stars in their parents' eyes only. Reality deficit disorder should be added to DSM-IV.

Quote from Burtakus:

you are not stuck where you are. All it takes is educating yourself, working your ass off, not getting complacent, learning how to make opportunities for yourself, and making yourself valuable in a field that has potential for better than average earnings. Some careers just won't get you there no matter how educated or hardworking you are.
 
Quote from KINGOFSHORTS:

At the household. Wife stays home, they own a home, college is cheap etc..

So If it only took 1 worker to earn enough to support wife, two kids,mortgage,TV set,car,10% savings in the bank a year.

What exactly happened in the last 39 years?

Taxes were also higher as well in 1970.

You just described me and my own family situation almost exactly. Even the savings rate.

I'm not wealthy, just a middle class engineer. It's called "only buy things you can afford" aka "live within your means."
 
I think it's become a lot easier for people to spend money they don't have which has helped blur the distinction between "needs" and "wants."
Quote from stevegee58:

It's called "only buy things you can afford" aka "live within your means."
 
Quote from volente_00:

Yes you raised your income but also raised your obligations as well.



In the end, are you really any more happier than in the first scenario ?

Me and my family are much happier. There are no questions about that.
 
Wow, all these bullcrap responses and no one realizes the importance of worker vs executive pay, and the change to "Corporate America."

In 1965, the average CEO was paid 24 times the average worker. In 2005, CEO pay was 262 times the average worker pay.

Basically, the executives are taking all the money.

Our govt has become a Corporate Fascism. They keep raising our taxes and doling out to the corporations and their buddies, who in turn give money back to them. The rest of us are just pawns.
 
Then become a CEO. Instead of whining about what others have, focus on what you can do for yourself.
Quote from Pilotboy:

Wow, all these bullcrap responses and no one realizes the importance of worker vs executive pay, and the change to "Corporate America."

In 1965, the average CEO was paid 24 times the average worker. In 2005, CEO pay was 262 times the average worker pay.

Basically, the executives are taking all the money.

Our govt has become a Corporate Fascism. They keep raising our taxes and doling out to the corporations and their buddies, who in turn give money back to them. The rest of us are just pawns.
 
Quote from Pilotboy:

Wow, all these bullcrap responses and no one realizes the importance of worker vs executive pay, and the change to "Corporate America."

In 1965, the average CEO was paid 24 times the average worker. In 2005, CEO pay was 262 times the average worker pay.

Basically, the executives are taking all the money.

Our govt has become a Corporate Fascism. They keep raising our taxes and doling out to the corporations and their buddies, who in turn give money back to them. The rest of us are just pawns.

The bullcrap is complaining about how much someone with more education, experience, motivation and commitment than the average worker makes.

CEOs don't work 40 hour weeks. They also generally have more education. The average worker includes 30 year olds while the average CEO is older. The average worker can't go to jail when the financial statement aren't right (not right doesn't mean fraudulent). The average worker has 1/10000th the liability a CEO has. The average worker would not take the risk of a $1 salary and base the rest on performance. The average worker does not get his personal email and number plastered on the internet when things go wrong.

I'm not saying come CEOs aren't overpaid, but to compare them to the average worker from 30 years ago and then today is not apple to apples. The job of a CEO has changed so much while the average worker is just that, average.
 
Traditional college education is turning into a big scam. It is way too expensive for the value you receive. People get into debt up to their eye balls or their parents give a big chunk of their retirement money in return for ever lower paying jobs after graduation. When everyone becomes a college graduate, it is not rare or as valuable anymore.

There is nothing in a regular bachelors degree that could not be learned from a good low cost on-line college. You could take your lessons from the best professors instead of some teaching assistant. Some foundation should step in and offer free on-line accredited college degrees.

This way people could graduate without debt and work their way up.
 
Quote from makloda:

Food & Beverage is 15% of the BLS basket. See

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/05/03/business/20080403_SPENDING_GRAPHIC.html

You honestly believe food prices went up only 3% from 2007 to 2008?

I keep track of this and it's 10-15% a year depending on the item. Some items undergo regular 20% increases for the past 5 years.

Here is something I found quick:

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/70sfood.html

Now go look up these prices at your local supermarket. And consider how much the food quality has also deteriorated.
 
Quote from KINGOFSHORTS:

At the household. Wife stays home, they own a home, college is cheap etc..

So If it only took 1 worker to earn enough to support wife, two kids,mortgage,TV set,car,10% savings in the bank a year.

What exactly happened in the last 39 years?

Taxes were also higher as well in 1970.


INFLATION IS A THIEF, MY FRIEND.

Blame the FED.

Four years @ a private institution (like the ones many of us ETers matriculated at) cost upward of $200,000!!

Think about it.


Good post. Thanks.
:)
 
Back
Top