So what sets me apart? Certainly not income or wealth level. Possibly age, stage of life, preparation , stability, asset management for goals and location. I simply do not think I am that much smarter than most Americans, that the average American saw $7,500 in increase expenditure (unadjusted or compensated) during the last year or two. Maybe it's just my time to have it figured out, this time. If it makes you feel any better, I lost my ass during the Son-Of-A-Bush crash and had to work another 11 years ot put it back together and retire bulletproof, after loosing 35-40% of retirement investments, and a plant closure that cut off income and investment. So, you fked up this time and I didn't. It obviously happens. Some people learn from mistakes. Others (who haven't been through 2 or 3 of these) possibly don't. Some people like to bleed for others, whether they know any of the injured or not. I don't know where you fit in or even if you do.