We need actual definitions for these things, you know? Are there any? I'd give a single person with that salary even in NYC a little more of a bump than upper middle class.
True. I wasn't really considering that she's single with no kids. But on the other hand, does age matter? Like, would a 25-year-old and a 50-year-old with the same salary be the same "class"? For some reason, it seems to me like the older person would be a lower class than the younger person, but I really can't explain why. I need to think about this more.
Well, the older person with the same salary may not have the same earning potential. That probably counts for something.
I think I'd consider "upper-middle class" to be somewhere that it's possible to get to with a standard white-collar job, like working your way up as a lawyer or doctor or something, and "rich" would be something that requires more than that -- either inherited money or getting way to the top of a corporation or something.
I'm not sure where I'd put the numbers, but in terms of stuff, I'd say small vacation house on the Jersey Shore is upper-middle, big vacation house in the Hamptons is rich; apartment just big enough to comfortably house your family, but no bigger, is upper-middle, apartment with extra rooms is rich; once a week maid is upper-middle, live-in nanny is rich. (All this for people living in Manhattan. Outer boroughs or suburbs have totally different gauges.)
I would hope that a high-level successful professional would make the kind of money to make them (at least) upper middle class, even in public service. And I would hope that a Supreme Court Justice would be a high-level successful professional. Much like I hope they would be smarter than me.
Anyway. I already had my major event of the weekend, spending the day out in the suburbs with a friend, her hilarious toddler, and delightful husband.
Non-rich is working for your money.
Rich is when your money works for you.
Sotomayor is no where close to rich.
I think, before everything went to hell, first year associates in large firms were starting at about $120,000.
Actually, that seems on the low side, at least around here.
New Kitteh is home! Her name so far is Sophie. There has been no vomiting.
Yay, Perkins and Sophie. I hope the evening goes smoothly. Does she remember you??
Barbara's Peanut Butter Puffins:
I am so psyched for Suzi! She's at the A's game tonight (and crashing at my place after) and the A's are up 6 to nothing in the 3rd!!!
I'm not sure where I'd put the numbers, but in terms of stuff, I'd say small vacation house on the Jersey Shore is upper-middle, big vacation house in the Hamptons is rich; apartment just big enough to comfortably house your family, but no bigger, is upper-middle, apartment with extra rooms is rich; once a week maid is upper-middle, live-in nanny is rich. (All this for people living in Manhattan. Outer boroughs or suburbs have totally different gauges.)
I think if you can maintain more than one home you're more like rich than middle class. Particularly if you live in a pricey area. A little shore house is a fair bit of change spent recreationally.
Of course, I'm leaving room for "wealthy" above rich -- that's where I'd think we're talking multi-generational money.
I would hope that a high-level successful professional would make the kind of money to make them (at least) upper middle class, even in public service. And I would hope that a Supreme Court Justice would be a high-level successful professional. Much like I hope they would be smarter than me.
Yes, exactly what I was wanted to say but I'm wayyyyy less smart than a Supreme Court Justice should be tonight.
