Poll of the Day > If you won the powerball would it solve all your problems?

(+) Yeah! (+)

blu posted...

Yes, everyone cant be wealthy to a point they can live off investments. Nothing would ever be produced! Everyone cant also do the same job. The size of your family and when you have children is a personal choice. Having a kid or two should only push retirement back a few years.

A house isnt a necessity, its an indulgence. Shelter is a necessity, maybe a small apartment you split with a SO. Maybe a good sized 1 bedroom for $1000 a month, leaving them with a full $8000 to spend throughout the rest of the year if they need to live on 20k. Yes, you do have to consider how much a person spends. They can choose to spend their money on something other than a income-generating asset, or they can spend it on a consumer goods.

Spending 15-20k isnt cardboard boxes and ramen levels of spending. Its a single bedroom apartment on the outskirts of a city, healthy meals, transportation, and good entertainment. It also leaves the average American able to save $10,000. Cardboard box and ramen is spending like $300 annually. The idea isnt to live a shitty life, but if buying luxury items are what makes life worth living for you...retirement isnt your thing.

Having a child is going to push it back as much as it does. The problem is you won't know how much you have to spend on the child until after you have it. For things like medical (Whether they have a disability or not), food, clothes, school, etc. It'll probably push retirement more than a few years.

That's if they live in a place where they can find an apartment for that price. Depending on the state, they might not. And that also depends on if they make as much as you're saying they will make. Which also depends on the area they live in. And how much they are actually getting paid for that job. And if they can actually get it. You'er making a lot of assumptions. Not only that, but you're making it at a time where you really can't because the world is very different now. And could end up very different after this whole thing is over.

And the reason I say cardboard boxes and ramen is because whenever people bring up living a certain way, everyone always immediately turns to you can live cheaper. Which usually involves moving into somewhere small and possibly uncomfortable. And changing lifestyles like telling people to not have kids, or get rid of pets, or something similar. I like that you think you advice can work for anyone. But I wholeheartedly disagree. I think it can work for some people, possibly. But I disagree with you thinking it could work for most people or families. And I disagree with you thinking it would be easy for most people, as well...
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LinkPizza posted...

Sure. People can learn a skill and do that. But not everyone. Not even almost everyone. If everyone did that, those jobs would be overfilled with people. Meaning that most of those jobs would either start paying less (not in as much demand anymore), and people wouldn't be able to get them as there would be no open spots (or they wouldn't be open for long). That being said, it's not as easy to save, either. How much a person can save, if they can save, depends on a lot of things. How much money they make is one thing, but you have to consider how much they spend. Like on a house, and other necessities. And how big their family is. And that stuff changes with the area they live in. But that can also change how much they make.

And even then, saving can only go so far sometimes. I know plenty of people on base who save a good amount. Usually because they're married mil-to-mil. And even then, it would take a lot to save the amount you're talking about saving. Well, without living a shitty life, that is... If they want to live in a cardboard box and only eat ramen for a while, they could save faster. But most normal people don't want to live a shit life for however many years to have a better one when they're old and about to die...

Then people should...

waste less money on ordering food/eating out. Plan groceries and meal prep to avoid waste.

not take out car loans on vehicles they cannot afford. Consider going without a car if in an area with public transit, or going with only 1 car between you and a partner.

get roommates to reduce how much they pay on rent

If there aren't enough good areas to live with job opportunities within your immediate radius, do something about it and expand your search.

Unless someone is the primary caretaker for someone and needs to live in an exact area (e.g. taking care of a parent nearing end of life), if they haven't tried or considered the above, it's hard to sympathize

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Clench281 posted...

Then people should...

waste less money on ordering food/eating out. Plan groceries and meal prep to avoid waste.

not take out car loans on vehicles they cannot afford. Consider going without a car if in an area with public transit, or going with only 1 car between you and a partner.

get roommates to reduce how much they pay on rent

If there aren't enough good areas to live with job opportunities within your immediate radius, do something about it and expand your search.

Unless someone is the primary caretaker for someone and needs to live in an exact area (e.g. taking care of a parent nearing end of life), if they haven't tried or considered the above, it's hard to sympathize

If that's what they're spending it on. But we don't know. Just because a lot of people eat out doesn't mean everyone does. And depending on the area, public transport isn't always a reliable option. There are places that don't have any. And in the places they do, some only work at specific times. Like where I am, it's only a 12 hours operation for buses. Vans run for longer. But depending on how far you have to go, it could end up costing more than a car and gas in the long run.

Some people have roommates or spouses. But depending on the area, it can still be costly. Expanding you search is good, but then you would definitely need a car. And depending on how far you search, you may need to move. Which can be pretty costly in itself. People have tried the above. It's literally not something everybody can do. It's really that simple... It doesn't matter if you can't sympathize. But it some cases, you're telling people to also give up a good life now to have a slightly better one when they're older. If they even make it to that age...
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LinkPizza posted...

Having a child is going to push it back as much as it does. The problem is you won't know how much you have to spend on the child until after you have it. For things like medical (Whether they have a disability or not), food, clothes, school, etc. It'll probably push retirement more than a few years.

That's if they live in a place where they can find an apartment for that price. Depending on the state, they might not. And that also depends on if they make as much as you're saying they will make. Which also depends on the area they live in. And how much they are actually getting paid for that job. And if they can actually get it. You'er making a lot of assumptions. Not only that, but you're making it at a time where you really can't because the world is very different now. And could end up very different after this whole thing is over.

And the reason I say cardboard boxes and ramen is because whenever people bring up living a certain way, everyone always immediately turns to you can live cheaper. Which usually involves moving into somewhere small and possibly uncomfortable. And changing lifestyles like telling people to not have kids, or get rid of pets, or something similar. I like that you think you advice can work for anyone. But I wholeheartedly disagree. I think it can work for some people, possibly. But I disagree with you thinking it could work for most people or families. And I disagree with you thinking it would be easy for most people, as well...

I agree a kid with a disability would push retirement off more than a kid without a disability, but its not the standard. Having a kid is also expensive, but its a one time expense per kid. People typically dont have a kid with a lifelong disability, its an exception. Food and clothes are inexpensive if you choose them to be, expensive if you choose. For a young kid theres nothing wrong with thrift shopping for clothing, or have a few outfits you found on clearance. Very low cost. School amounts to notepads, writing utensils, folders, some money for projects or labs.

How much someone makes and the cost of living does depend on the city. Luckily, nothing is preventing a move for most people. Most people also arent in a super high cost city. Nothing is also preventing people from choosing a career that earns more...even managing an In & Out or a Taco Bell location pays over 50k. Being a lead at certain call centers, some jobs, sales, medical tech...you cant get these things tomorrow but you can look at what youre good at and start from there.

And yes, you can always live cheaper. There is utility in money for having a good life, but theres diminishing returns. Getting my 3rd guitar or getting professional screwdriver over the bargain bin doesnt really add much. There just needs to be a point where you can say this is enough instead of having lifestyle inflation.

Unless youre in the inner section of a major city you can find a quality apartment for under 1k a month, especially with a roommate or someone else to help with economy of scale. Playing games 1-2 years old, watching movies 6-8 months old, playing sports, inviting people over for a park BBQ, using the library, not buying things that dont get used often, travel to Central America now and do Europe for when youre more stable. There isnt a huge lifestyle adjustment needed to get spending down to early retirement levels if you have decent (40k+) earnings. Not having a oversized house, luxury vacations, luxury vehicles. Theres definitely no reason to not have a kid or get rid of a pet, theyre only expensive if you choose to make them expensive, beyond initial costs.

A bit off the topic, but I split a 800sq ft luxury apartment with my gf. Its an indulgence, its a waste of money but I love the location. I spend around $600 on it ($7200/year) because we split expenses. Before we had a 700 square foot for $400 each ($4800/year) center of a midwestern city. Before that I had a roommate in a two bedroom town house and paid $450. But figure food is $2000 a year reasonably, $3000ish transportation (could be lowered, I usually walk or bike but choose to keep my car), maybe 1-2k on utilities and other things that come up, and that leaves thousands a year for entertainment, gifts, my kitty, doctor visits, travel while still living on under 20k.

I guess I just dont see what part is difficult or sounds shitty. Possibly making a move from family, but a move isnt entirely needed unless you really live in the middle of nowhere.

blu posted...

I agree a kid with a disability would push retirement off more than a kid without a disability, but its not the standard. Having a kid is also expensive, but its a one time expense per kid. People typically dont have a kid with a lifelong disability, its an exception. Food and clothes are inexpensive if you choose them to be, expensive if you choose. For a young kid theres nothing wrong with thrift shopping for clothing, or have a few outfits you found on clearance. Very low cost. School amounts to notepads, writing utensils, folders, some money for projects or labs.

How much someone makes and the cost of living does depend on the city. Luckily, nothing is preventing a move for most people. Most people also arent in a super high cost city. Nothing is also preventing people from choosing a career that earns more...even managing an In & Out or a Taco Bell location pays over 50k. Being a lead at certain call centers, some jobs, sales, medical tech...you cant get these things tomorrow but you can look at what youre good at and start from there.

And yes, you can always live cheaper. There is utility in money for having a good life, but theres diminishing returns. Getting my 3rd guitar or getting professional screwdriver over the bargain bin doesnt really add much. There just needs to be a point where you can say this is enough instead of having lifestyle inflation.

Unless youre in the inner section of a major city you can find a quality apartment for under 1k a month, especially with a roommate or someone else to help with economy of scale. Playing games 1-2 years old, watching movies 6-8 months old, playing sports, inviting people over for a park BBQ, using the library, not buying things that dont get used often, travel to Central America now and do Europe for when youre more stable. There isnt a huge lifestyle adjustment needed to get spending down to early retirement levels if you have decent (40k+) earnings. Theres definitely no reason to not have a kid or get rid of a pet, theyre only expensive if you choose to make them expensive, beyond initial costs.

A bit off the topic, but I split a 800sq ft luxury apartment with my gf. Its an indulgence, its a waste of money but I love the location. I spend around $600 on it ($7200/year) because we split expenses. Before we had a 700 square foot for $400 each ($4800/year) center of a midwestern city. Before that I had a roommate in a two bedroom town house and paid $450. But figure food is $2000 a year reasonably, $3000ish transportation (could be lowered, I usually walk or bike but choose to keep my car), maybe 1-2k on utilities and other things that come up, and that leaves thousands a year for entertainment, gifts, my kitty, doctor visits, travel while still living on under 20k.

I guess I just dont see what part is difficult or sounds shitty. Possibly making a move from family, but a move isnt entirely needed unless you really live in the middle of nowhere.

It's not. But that's why I also included regular children, too. As in stuff like broken bones. I think about 1 in 3 children get a broken bone or something. And that has additional cost. And that's just one things. But children have a bunch of extra cost that people sometimes don't think about. And can easily push back retirement more than a few years. Especially if you were trying to save money. And most parents will save money in a separate savings for something like college. Which can also disturb savings for their own future. And it's not a one time expense for a kid. It's usually many, many, many expenses over 18 years. +/- a few years depending on each situation. Idk why you think it's a one-time expenses. And even if it was, it would definitely not be a cheap one...

The main thing preventing a move for most people is money. I don't know why people think moving is cheap. Not only that, but finding a place to live. And choosing between renting and buying, depending on the situation. So, there's that. That's what prevents most people. That and not having the right amount of credit. Which can easily happen. And getting a management position isn't always easy. Some people can easily get them. But depending on the place, that job could be given to a friend of the owner, even if they don't deserve it. And even then, I don't really think it pays as much as you think. Not from what I've seen, at least...

You can always live cheaper. Doesn't mean a good life, though. There's a limit of how frugal you can be before things start getting shitty.

Not always. It just depends on the area. If the area was fixed up recently, prices can be pretty high. And like you said, cities are expensive, as well. Like New York and DC. California, as well. Some other cities is certain states are cheaper, but you always get paid much less, as well... As for how much of a life change you have depends on you current lifestyle as of right now. Even when I lived cheaper than all the stuff you mention (by not buying any games, not taking any vacations, not doing anything that would cost money), I still had a hard time saving because I just didn't make enough at my old job. So, it goes back to being able to make enough. And that can easily be what stops them from being able to save. And if you already have a kid or pet, then not having one doesn't matter anymore as you already do have one. And most people aren't going to give either of them up... It's And it's not always up to the parents to decide how expensive it's going to be. Life happens. The unexpected happens. Like all the time... It's rare to find a family with kids where unexpeected cost didn't come up multiple times...

And maybe you were happy with that. I have a roommate and we split expenses. And even without buying myself nice things, my expenses are higher than that. Some people can find a good area that's cheap. Not everyone can. And even in good areas, it doesn't matter if the person who owns the place charges more...

You never see it, though. I've been in your topics, so I'm not surprised you don't see what can be difficult or shitty about it. You humble brag all the time. So, I wouldn't expect you to understand how normal people live...
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I always win paintball.

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gguirao posted...

Most, but not all.

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The main thing preventing a move for most people is money. I don't know why people think moving is cheap. Not only that, but finding a place to live. And choosing between renting and buying, depending on the situation.

https://www.uhaul.com/UBox/RatesUBox/

About 2k to move an average amount of stuff completely across country. Not bad. Can be done in a credit card as a last resort to move to a new job. You can find a place to live using apartments.com, takes 5 minutes to make a meh decision. A couple hours to make a better one. Make a reddit thread for input on where you chose and youre golden. If its not great, can move after a year. Ive had 5 places in the last 5 years in 3 different states and did 3 of the moves on my own (with just friends, without hired help) to help move, never personally thought of it as a something difficult.

LinkPizza posted...

So, it goes back to being able to make enough.

Then someone can learn a skill. How much you make isnt an inherent personality trait you cant change. My process was googling top 10 highest paying college majors, choosing two of what was the most interesting at the cheapest college I could find, looking at the 10 highest paying jobs for that major, and choosing one based on interest, shadowing, and bottom 25th percentile pay mid career. That put me my annual income in the top 1-2% of America with very little luck involved. But, you can still have be nearly as monetarily successful with just an associates because you star earning earlier. Its hard with kids, I really feel for divorced single parents and cant relate to their situation.

LinkPizza posted...

And it's not always up to the parents to decide how expensive it's going to be. Life happens. The unexpected happens. Like all the time... It's rare to find a family with kids where unexpeected cost didn't come up multiple times...

The unexpected is expected. You dont know whatll happen, but you know something unexpected will likely happen.

LinkPizza posted...

Idk why you think it's a one-time expenses.

Actually having the kid, I mean. First year hospital bills, pregnancy. Sorry, that was totally my fault for being unclear >_<

LinkPizza posted...

And even without buying myself nice things, my expenses are higher than that. Some people can find a good area that's cheap. Not everyone can. And even in good areas, it doesn't matter if the person who owns the place charges more...

What does your spending breakdown look like? I own luxury items, eat out frequently, dress well, travel, keep a generosity budget, and Ive never felt like I was being deprived. Ive always felt my spending is over-indulgent if anything. Even during the period as a student when I spent 12.5k a year, the lifestyle wasnt bad.

CedarPointcp posted...

do you think it would

Nope. I'd still have this head pressure and anxiety issues. However winning a lot of cash certainly would help with my other problems.

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blu posted...

The main thing preventing a move for most people is money. I don't know why people think moving is cheap. Not only that, but finding a place to live. And choosing between renting and buying, depending on the situation.

https://www.uhaul.com/UBox/RatesUBox/

About 2k to move an average amount of stuff completely across country. Not bad. Can be done in a credit card as a last resort to move to a new job. You can find a place to live using apartments.com, takes 5 minutes to make a meh decision. A couple hours to make a better one. Make a reddit thread for input on where you chose and youre golden. If its not great, can move after a year.

Then someone can learn a skill. How much you make isnt an inherent personality trait you cant change. My process was googling top 10 highest paying college majors, choosing two of what was the most interesting, looking at the 10 highest paying jobs for that major, and choosing one based on interest, shadowing, and bottom 25th percentile pay mid career. That put me my annual income in the top 1-2% of America with very little luck involved. But, you can still have be nearly as monetarily successful with just an associates because you star earning earlier. Its hard with kids, I really feel for divorced single parents and cant relate to their situation.

LinkPizza posted...

The unexpected is expected. You dont know whatll happen, but you know something unexpected will likely happen.

Actually having the kid, I mean. First year hospital bills, pregnancy. Sorry, that was totally my fault for being unclear >_<

What does your spending breakdown look like? I own luxury items, eat out frequently, dress well, travel, keep a generosity budget, and Ive never felt like I was being deprived. Ive always felt my spending is over-indulgent if anything. Even during the period as a student when I spent 12.5k a year, the lifestyle wasnt bad.

2k is a pretty high amount still. Not really pocket change. And getting a credit card, if they could, may be a bad idea if they are already struggling. As for apartment hunting, if youre only spending 5 minutes or a couple of hours, youre doing it wrong. Especially without seeing the place in person or knowing the area well. Asking people is fine and all, but still not the same. As everyone has different standards for what they consider nice, or a good area. Or whats cheap or expensive for the area.

Thats if they can learn a skill. Not everybody can just learn a new skill and be good at it. Or has the time or money to do so. With or without kids.

Yes. The unexpected happens all the time. And usually, with a cost. You have to factor that in. But its impossible to factor that in since the unexpected is a mystery until it happens. But if you dont plan for it, it usually means youre going to have a bad time...

Sure. Thats a one time thing. But its something that you're paying for for the next 18 years or so. Having a kid isnt the most expensive part. Thats usually everything after...

My bills are rent, Internet, power, gas, water, car note, car insurance (which is high due to not having money at a certain time), phone, and food. Splitting with my roommate, we can split the rent and bills and can usually get it down some. In the end, though, personal and split bills end up being more than I would like. Its definitely better with my current job. But my old job was barely keeping me afloat.

As for you college lifestyle, you have to remember, just because it wasnt bad for you doesnt mean it wouldnt suck for others...
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ChaosAzeroth posted...

I voted no because technically it wouldn't solve all my problems.

I did, however, comment the majority would be solved and outweigh what wasn't.

Why feel bad though?

Because they obviously have problems that cant be solved with money... which means theyre actual problems - not ones most of us complain about having.

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zebatov posted...

Because they obviously have problems that cant be solved with money... which means theyre actual problems - not ones most of us complain about having.

Fair enough.

Although I think money can solve actual problems too. Like medical issues.

It would solve all if them, and open a host of new ones

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ChaosAzeroth posted...

Fair enough.

Although I think money can solve actual problems too. Like medical issues.

You cant fix cancer 100%. You cant fix missing limbs 100%. You cant fix depression with money (although it can help). Etc.

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zebatov posted...

You cant fix cancer 100%. You cant fix missing limbs 100%. You cant fix depression with money (although it can help). Etc.

True, but as you pointed out money can help with depression.

Like I have diagnosed mental illness, and while medication may not 'fix' that I have a better chance at doing something about them with money.

I have joint problems (some I was apparently born with for sure) and chronic pain/fatigue issues. Likely couldn't be completed gotten rid of with money, but they sure could be managed.

Like, again, I personally voted no because it wouldn't fix everything. But I'll admit it could fix, or at least massively help, most of my problems. I can see why people even with 'actual problems' might believe it could solve theirs is all I guess.

I can also see some people in a similar position to myself feeling like managed/close enough is a yes. That a better quality of life is fixing their problems.

zebatov posted...

You cant fix cancer 100%. You cant fix missing limbs 100%. You cant fix depression with money (although it can help). Etc.

With enough money China will supply you with a replacement for any body part you've got cancer in. A missing limb isn't necessarily a problem, with enough money you could have something neat grafted on that could be fun. Depression isn't a problem if you're busy doing stuff, if you have enough resources you can just ignore depression.
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Kyuubi4269 posted...

Depression isn't a problem if you're busy doing stuff,

I want that kind of depression...
Mine definitely doesn't work that way.

Medication helped before, but... Not an option now....

J_Dawg983 posted...

Oh yeah and unless you and someone you care about has some life threatening illness I cant see what probably wouldnt be solved with that kind of money.

Well, an incurable illness wouldn't be. Like mine, sigh.

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Zangulus posted...

Yet another subject you obviously know nothing about.

Yet another subject I'm intimately familiar with. If you don't give yourself time to think, you don't have time to think negatively. Why do you think people bury themselves in work? Get wrecked at the club every night? Generally get destructive? Escapes work, but when you're stupid rich you can escape without imploding, you always have a buffer to keep your head above water.
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