03-19-2016, 06:52 PM
(03-19-2016, 07:42 AM)gstanford Wrote: Perhaps people in Europe simply aren't as greedy as those in America and are perfectly content with the GDP per capita.
Who really cares so long as you can pay your bills, put food in the cupboard and have a little left over for entertainment?
Has nothing at all to do with "greed" GStan, has to do with quality of life.
Life is more than work and playing video games.
Boats that can be used for comfortable cruising and watersports are expensive to buy and maintain. (old saying goes "A boat is a hole in the water you throw money into") Vehicles that can tow boats are costly.
If you want recreational property to enjoy the outdoors away from the crowds, it costs considerable money.
Saving enough to continue your lifestyle when retired is expensive as well.
For people in urban areas, just owning a normal house can be very expensive.
Some people want to do things like help there kids buy homes and cars. I gave my son a car that cost us $30K a few years ago for his first car so he'd have a nice vehicle to drive in high school and college. My dad gave me $25K for a down payment on my first house.
There are a million things a family needs more than "a little extra for entertainment" for, and as they are the ones earning the money, they deserve it more than strangers.