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We refinanced our house at 3.3% rate with a cashout last year and paid cash for a manufactured home in a gated all ages community. We own the land,so no lot rent.Although all the kids are here in CT, we don't see them a lot due to jobs,school and their own social lives. The area is small town and very popular with retirees,so there is a myriad of clubs and activities to participate in. We already have a social group there from our several visits,which we don't have here! So we're going to go fishing,camping,garden etc. and have the kids for visits and come back to visit. We've never been big spenders,so should have a comfortable retirement. We'll be selling the house we live in,and have considered the $$ needed when one of us departs. So no mortgage, low taxes, low POA, low utilities, near the ocean, between 2 "big shopping" areas, and no snow.
Yes, and I'd add, average would be where the outgo can be maintained at just less than or equal to the income. Saving may be possible, in some cases. In others, careful spending would allow a similar quality of life to the one that existed before retirement/illness/loss of income. It's more than getting by -- it's enjoying life while holding the reins on spending.
The problem with 'average' in a case like this is that generally people associate with others in a similar financial status so average to them is not what is average to others.
And, in your original post you used the word 'wealthy'. I doubt many think of $4500 a month as wealthy .
I sure don't. Especially if it's before tax income. Robyn
Just what I was thinking. Most people seem to think "normal" people make just a little more than they do, regardless of the amount they make. In the Economics Forum, there have been a number of threads where people argue about what constitutes "middle class" or some other such financial concept. Believe me, there is no general agreement. Those people who earn $150,000 per year and claim they are just middle class make me want to puke. I disagree with the OP that it is obvious common sense where we stand.
Depends a lot on the nature of your income - and where you live.
If I had $150k/year totally earned income subject to both federal and state tax - as well as FICA - in the greater Los Angeles area (high COL area) - I reckon I'd be at most middle class. Where I live - and how my net income works out in terms of taxes - I am in a much better place. Robyn
I stand by my unqualified term "average." Those who want to continue to debate what is "average" can do so. I'm more interested in the general subject of the OP based on subjective assessment of one's situation.
Sorry,in a previous post I mentioned we were moving.The home we've purchased is in SE North Carolina. We could stay in CT on our retirement income,but would not have much of a lifestyle. And driving today reinforced it for me: leaving for Florida tomorrow, and driving to DD's was icy and nerve wracking. And we have to worry about the flight leaving. So tired of living by the weather!
There's nothing wrong with simplicity, making the best decisions you can with what you know, and moving forward. Most of us aren't able to make every single decision about our futures. We have to rely somewhat on instinct (if our instincts have served us well during our lives). You are doing an excellent job, lenora.<snip>
Where I'll live: My next move should work pretty well for the next 10, 15, 20+ years, I hope. For a period of time, we'll rent in NH. I like this, because I can withdraw from my 403(b) without paying State taxes. When it comes time to buy, my husband is strongly leaning towards VT, but we'll have to weigh the tax situation. There are differences between the states, too much to go into here.
How I'll live: Condo or small house with minimal maintenance, or others doing the maintenance. Definitely be near a town with services and cultural offerings.
I really don't know what it means as far as life expectancy or future treatment, but I am moving close to a top-notch medical facility. For years I wanted to move to another area where I'd spent summers for decades and have many friends, but the medical resources are practically nonexistent, and I'd never consider that now.
This next move is to a college town, so, yay.
Transportation: No idea how to handle this in the future. Now, of course, we drive, so a mile is nothing, 50 miles are nothing. My husband has a 4-wheel drive and can take me in bad weather.
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Thanks for the pep talk! IMO, Hanover is a lovely town and I guess Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center will do in a pinch. Even if I don't "move" to the cottage (which is about 20 miles from Hanover) I still intend to spend at least the summer months "up there" on the lake. Your enthusiasm is contagious...keep us informed.
I think it differs among the socioeconomic classes and, of course, ethnic groups. I don't know anyone who would prefer to put his or her child in day care, but I realize there are parents who would choose to do so.
However, based on my professional experience, it seems that it is the husband's mother who tends to cause conflict. I don't know why, but for some reason, mothers of sons seem to have more difficulty (to put it nicely) letting go. (I try to be extra careful not to give "motherly advice" to my sons and/or sons' significant others, but sometimes it just happens and I have to quickly backtrack.)
Modern day multigenerational housing is designed to allow for privacy among the different generations. I think it's a wonderful idea.
I would have cut my wrists if I had had to live with my MIL. She despised me. I was always courteous to her. I could have lived with my mother. She never interferred in my married life. but I like the idea of generational living.
The problem with 'average' in a case like this is that generally people associate with others in a similar financial status so average to them is not what is average to others.
And, in your original post you used the word 'wealthy'. I doubt many think of $4500 a month as wealthy .
I guess everything is relative but when the word is used, I do think most people are referring to a situation that is not just "more than I have"
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Even if I don't "move" to the cottage (which is about 20 miles from Hanover) I still intend to spend at least the summer months "up there" on the lake. Your enthusiasm is contagious...keep us informed. 
