How Rich Is Rich?

[jeffrey]

When asked what defines "rich," a lot of people say it means never having to worry about money again and working only if the mood strikes. It's not a bad definition. But it's not an entirely truthful one either, for reasons I'll get to in a minute.

Since there are those who insist that a single number can define "rich," let's appease them first. Here are rough estimates using the typical "not-a-care-in-the-world" standard... [read more at money.cnn.com]

[shelbylovesmelby]

I agree w/ the definition really. But not everyone needs $ to feel like they can have a rich full filling life. It's the struggles & experiences in ones life that make one rich in knowledge & know how.

[scfr]

To quote one of my favorite musicians:
"I'm alive and I'm free. Who wouldn't wanna be me?" - Keith Urban

[PrincessPerky]

He cites H.L. Mencken, who "defined a wealthy man as one who earns $100 a year more than his wife's sister's husband."

"Rich," in other words, is the guy in your circle who has more than you.

I like that deffinition..

considering I am often thought of as being rich due to staying hom and not taking any form of welfare, I figure rich is a very relative term!

[tinapbeana]

rich is so cultural it's scary. i am rich by definition in any 2nd or 3rd world country. i am well off by definition in most 1st world countries.

my income makes me middle class in the US, my lifestyle makes me lower-middle, my savings capabilities makes me upper-middle.

the fact i don't use credit cards makes me an american anomaly (except for on savingadvice, of course!).

i don't feel i am rich because i currently couldn't live for an extended period of time without working, so i like that definition. for me at least, 'rich' means options are available that would otherwise be cut-off simply due to money. rich is guaranteed comfort, rather than a lavish lifestyle....

[PRICEPLUS]

I like my definition of rich!

"You know you are rich when you have to think of ways to spend your money!"

[sarah]

I think rich is being happy regardless of your financial status. Using that definition I am rich.

[PRICEPLUS]

sarah, that is a heck of a good definition! Thank you for the reality check!