How do you define rich?

[Snave]

My answer will be monetary based as that is what I believe the OP is talking about when defining rich. For me, it will be when I reach a point where my investments can generate enough income that I could stop working if I wanted and continue with the same lifestyle. From a salary standpoint, I make a very good living. I also invest and save a significant portion. However, being younger, I have not had as many years to see my efforts compound, etc... Therefore, I don't consider myself "rich."

[kork13]

To be financially "rich", my best definition would have to be something involving an absence of any debt, and enough disposable income such that I could live comfortable, "treat" myself to what I choose, while being able to still give a healthy portion of that disposable money to family, friends, charities, and sometimes the complete stranger (whether through gifts, cash, or other services). On that last point, I believe strongly that to be rich, you have all the money you need, paired with the ability to give it to others in order to make them happy. To put a figure on it, right now I'd maybe say to have ~$100k of truly disposable money in a year would be "rich".

Personally, I live comfortably. Not rich, but I am comfortable with what I make. I have debts which I owe for (thankfully none of that in credit card debt), but I'm recently graduated from college and I can live with that. I make enough in a month that I can pay my expenses, give ~15% of it to my church and charities, save nearly 30%, and still have a few hundred dollars a month which I consider truly 'disposable'--money that i can use as makes me happy. I don't make alot, but I have a stable, secure job, and as I said, I live comfortably. I have some niceities by which I have spoiled myself, but I try to live simply.

Long story short, I agree with what many others have said--"rich" is a state of mind. If you are happy with what you have, and can be satisfied with your position, it doesn't matter how you define "rich".

[mladyd]

I would consider myself "rich" if I had:
A secure job
A home that was paid for
No debt
One year of living expenses in the bank
Solid medical/dental/disability coverage
A healthy retirement fund

Of course there is the usual other stuff like health, friendships, whatnot. But from a purely financial standpoint it's the above.

[djabloel]

I consider rich when one has
1. good health
2. good family built up
3. ability to help the needy

[JinCO]

It doesn't look like anyone is using the Barack Obama definition of rich: "$250K or more of annual household income". I hope Obama reads this forum.