How much money or wealth do you need?

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Originally Posted by Lokasenna

I've noticed, when I've had this conversation before with others, that generally the people who say that money is unimportant are the ones who have come from relatively priveledged backgrounds - I presume that holds true in general?

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I would say yes. I come from an upper-middle to upper class background where money was never an issue (my parents both came from poor backgrounds, though) and so I don't really get too worked up about monetary issues, because it's sort of always been there.
Right now, I basically make no money ($300 a month), but in a couple years when I graduate I'll be doing okay. I don't think I'll ever be rich, but I'll have enough to get by and be comfortable, and that's fine by me. I just want enough to support myself and occasionally do something fun.

It's a difficult question the money one. We've never had much of it, but got by fair enough just the same. It helps that I don't have a car and that we rent cheaply enough, so we have money for theatre, beer, little trips, etc, but not big holidays. Regardless I never sacrifice quality as should be clear. Quality for the small but hugely important little things is a personal motto of mine.

My attitude to money hovers quite a lot. At one point I am fine as I am, at another point I wish to have more to trip around Europe, so more would be needed for that. At another point it makes perfect sense to get a load of cash from somewhere, working wise or whatever, and then to get out of the silly stuff and embrace full on free time, a.k.a paradise! Not likely I am going to do that on a teachers wage though, so would have to seriously think about that one? So anyway, my thoughts tend to hover around dramatically. I certainly don't care for money for the sake of money (to splash around and show off with) but money to get me out of the nonsense world would make sense. However, it's quite easy at the moment, so I don't know - full circle, hovering around...

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Originally Posted by Neely

It's a difficult question the money one. We've never had much of it, but got by fair enough just the same. It helps that I don't have a car and that we rent cheaply enough, so we have money for theatre, beer, little trips, etc, but not big holidays. Regardless I never sacrifice quality as should be clear. Quality for the small but hugely important little things is a personal motto of mine.

My attitude to money hovers quite a lot. At one point I am fine as I am, at another point I wish to have more to trip around Europe, so more would be needed for that. At another point it makes perfect sense to get a load of cash from somewhere, working wise or whatever, and then to get out of the silly stuff and embrace full on free time, a.k.a paradise! Not likely I am going to do that on a teachers wage though, so would have to seriously think about that one? So anyway, my thoughts tend to hover around dramatically. I certainly don't care for money for the sake of money (to splash around and show off with) but money to get me out of the nonsense world would make sense. However, it's quite easy at the moment, so I don't know - full circle, hovering around...

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But while you are hovering around, shouldn't you be looking at the bigger picture ? With both the US Dollar and the Euro facing total collapse over the next couple of years, wouldn't it be preferable to start hedging your bets?

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Originally Posted by Brian Bean

But while you are hovering around, shouldn't you be looking at the bigger picture ? With both the US Dollar and the Euro facing total collapse over the next couple of years, wouldn't it be preferable to start hedging your bets?

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Hmm, I saw your video, but what can I do about it? I don't have any money to put anywhere?

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Originally Posted by The Comedian

I like that philosophy -- one that I can appreciate, though I don't think education and stock are things any more than money is. . . they're both ultimately symbolic and will fluctuate in value based on social or cultural or economic needs at a given time.

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*shrug* I think education is valuable. Knowing how things work is really important to me. As far as my coal goes, my poppa (who's been at that stupid mine since 1968) has it down to a science, so I'm not really worried about it, but you're right it is intangible. I wanted to buy a car, but the guy wouldn't let me (a lot of what I own did come from him, so he gets a say).

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Originally Posted by Neely

Hmm, I saw your video, but what can I do about it? I don't have any money to put anywhere?

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If you haven't any money, you can't lose it, but I have some US dollars and I shall be getting rid of them as soon as I can get to my bank; weather permitting that is. Thank God we are not in the Euro.

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Originally Posted by Kyriakos

Just as much as i need to live with dignity and be able to pay the bills.

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Fine reply.

Like a lot of other people have said I need enough money to make me feel secure. The more interesting question is how do you balance future security vs. present wants?

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Originally Posted by Lokasenna

I've noticed, when I've had this conversation before with others, that generally the people who say that money is unimportant are the ones who have come from relatively priveledged backgrounds - I presume that holds true in general?

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I think it may be partially true. But I tend to think people who come from less privileged backgrounds tend to have a better appreciation of what a livable wage actually is. I remember telling people in university that I was considering teaching high school after getting my degree, and they would comment on how poor teacher's salaries are. I have to wonder what kind of silver spoon one has to be born with to consider 40k a year a poor salary.