charknicks
All Star
"Mind you, only 10% or so of people make 100K or more in the US. What is everyone else doing? How is everyone else surviving? It just doesn't make sense. I am blessed to be in the position I am so I am able to save what I am able but what about 90% of the rest of society? So maybe someone who is smarter than me can explain to me how this all works. As of 2019 the US median income is fukking 32K."
I fear there is a bubble that is going to eventually burst.
Gotcha. I read that. And just so you know, this thread by you is a humble brag so lets not kid ourselves. However, you are entitled to pat yourself on the back for accomplishing what you have and being in the top 10% so congrads to you.
Now, to answer the question (if you really wanted an answer) is: Most people are surviving by not being able to save that money, but needing to use it to buy what is needed on a daily basis. For those making just 30k, 40k, hell even 50k (and depending on where you live), that money isnt going as far cause shyt cost alot to survive. More or less if you have kids, a spouse who doesn't make as much, other family you help out, etc., the ability to save just isnt there.
So, Im pretty sure the apartment/home you live in, car your drive (and the note), food that you eat contribute to asking this question 'how can they survive'. The people making 30k cant live, drive and eat the way that you do. You are speaking from a view of a lifestyle you are used to now, and are working hard so you dont go back. Nothing wrong with that at all. Overall, the people making 30k spend that on bare necessities and arent looking at the future/savings, cause they are too busy working/ worrying about today/tomorrow.
Now the real question is: are you posing this question to see what you can do about it and help, or just asking as you sit in a position of more priviledge?