Because they aren't, you moron. At $250,000, in a 2-person household, you can afford 2 cell phones, 2 cars, your mortgage, your utilities, food, clothing, etc. You do NOT have an excess of cash you can just go out and blow at random on anything you want. You have a decent sized savings account if you're smart, instead.
THAT is not rich - THAT is called being careful with what you have. You still have to look at larger purchases carefully, and decide whether you can afford it, without irresponsibly dumping it on a credit card, and expecting someone else to pick up the tab if something happens.
at $250,000 a year in salary, assuming youre in the 25% tax bracket. Mean that you are taking home $15,625 per month after taxes. Compared to at a single person making $50,000 and in the 29% tax bracket taking home $2,960 per month after taxes.
hmmmm 5 times the pretax income, and 5 times the post tax income. and you say $250k is not rich.
we can even go farther.
Assume a $1,000,000 mortgage, 3 kids and 2 SUV's
Monthly Expenses
Mortgage - $7,000
Household Expenses (utils, food, insurance, gas etx) - $2,500
Car Payment ($2 @ $600) - $1,200
Kids Expenses ($700 / kid per month) - $2,100
Approx Total - $12,800
disposable income left $2,825
Not exactly a struggle to live.
