Why can we all afford trailers?
 

Just something an American living overseas notices - all the news I see talks about how bad things are in America, yet it seems like a lot of people are getting new trailers, trucks, etc.
Are we in the upper-class?
Seriously, I always love to talk to successful people and find out what they do.
We do well in Korea because we have a unique skill-set (speak English and Korean) and know how to run a business.
How does everyone else afford such nice trailers and trucks? And especially, how do some travel so much?
Be discreet, but it would be interesting to find out the demographics of people here.
Business owner, dot.com millionaire, frugal, work your butt off, old money... ;)

The news hear reports that Europe is is in a horrible mess but all the people I know there are just like us, doing ok but not progressing, only the rich are doing great!

Just like in my area our economy is bad up to 20% unemployment but that does't mean that everyone is unemployed.....There are still alot of us with jobs, DW & Myself have been blessed in that respect....... Not upper class by any means bought a 6 year old truck to tow with & a low priced quality built camper both of which we are paying on......... we come under the work your butt off group.... but I can see where others might think we have alot........Both of us basically work two or more jobs each..............not cause we have to as much as we want to........

we are in the work your butt off group.been lucky to keep going...hope all is well for you over there.

We come under the group that worked their butts off for 45 yrs and made do with what we had. We are now retired with everything paid for and are enjoying it while our health is still reasonably good. As both of our boys tell us laughingly, "Out pi--ing away our inheritance." and we answer with "You better believe it!"

We started with nothing and still have most of it!

There is a lot of money floating around, both 'old' money and new. But it simply isn't spread around very evenly. Many people get paid far more than they are worth, with an equal number getting paid poverty wages for hard work.
On a site like this, one will obviously get a distorted view of things, as those who are having a hard time feeding their kids will obviously not be posting here.
We should all consider ourselves so very fortunate to have this luxury.
Easter is a good time to reflect upon that, don't you think?
:bestwishessign:

I'm blessed with a job I love (17 years as a police officer and K9 handler for last 7). i work many hours But I don't really consider it work because I truly love my job.

I try and save all winter so that I can enjoy our family vacations in the summer with out the stress of "how am u going to pay for this?"

The reason why we got into camping was because after the initial investment, the cost of going on a family vacation dropped considerably allowing us to vacation more.

Where before camping we were limited to one trip a year, now with the camper we average 6 trips a year.

26 years of being a Paramedic and taking minimal time off, I am bound and determined to make the years our son has left at home memorable for him and us. I don't want to look back and have to say "I wish I had". No doubt, it is hard. But I will do what is necessary to spend time with my family in the outdoor setting. I want him to respect and interact with nature, not just some dumb video game.

Cut expenses, live within your means.
We've had many years living paycheck to paycheck. My wife has been at the same employer for 17 years and has been promoted several times. Her income covers the regular household bills. We bought our house in '99 and didn't buy as much house as the mortgage people said we could and we've refi'd a couple of times. So while the cost of living has gone up our mortgage and home energy bills are lower now than when we moved in 14 years ago!

New car wise, i'm 50 and we bought a new '13 silverado. That's my 5th new car. (86 S10, 89 S10, 88 Jeep, 96 voyager). I've had loans on them and sorta on our last 'round' of cars (home equity line of credit).

The house could use siding, i'd love to repave the driveway, add a barn/workshop but don't have the money for these things at this time. Maybe if we'd not bought the camper...but quality of life - camping with the kids - has some 'value' beyond dollars and cents. We want to 'grow' good kids that become good citizens.

And they'll have to take care of us in our old age as we're not saving for retirement in any meaningful way.

Camping is NOT a poor mans activity. A 15k camper, a $40k tow vehicle and $50 a night compared to perhaps, $100/night in a hotel and a $25k car (with better mileage and cheaper tires).

I'm still amazed at other people - our house cost $115k and might be worth $160k today - across the street they've built 5 new $250-350k homes in the past 7 months (yes, over the winter). A friend just sold their house (175k) and bought one (285k) and only one income.

I think much of the problem with the economy is perception. But then i'm living in an area that didn't have a very bad time. If shell comes through they're to build at least 1 (perhaps 2) billion dollar frack gas refineries here.

College attendance is at an all time high - and an all time high cost. Go figure.

x 2!!!
Work hard! Play hard! Should save more,Kid's will only be ours "in house" for a short time. Try to enjoy!
10 yr old truck,payment on camper,two other old payed for vehicles, keep it simple, be thankful!