While we all may know some highly misguided person who actually thinks money = happiness, I don't think we know anyone who would be surprised to hear the overly abused phrase "my friends and family make me a very rich person." I have to restrain myself from putting a "duh" afterward. Yes, George Bailey is the richest guy in town, we know, we know.

Regarding living on one vs. two incomes, it's something that I believe a lot more people are doing these days, due to the lack of jobs and the high cost of child care. My perspective is different because I've just met a bunch of women who decided to stay home with the children while the husband works. I'm sure the pay that the husbands get varies widely but it seems everyone says the same thing - they never thought it was possible to get by on one income and have multiple children and a mortgage, yet here they are doing it. I know it can be hard to imagine cutting a huge chunk out of entertainment expenses but it's all about priorities.

I hope this doesn't come across as contrary, I don't mean it that way. It's just that it's a common theme among those that chose to stay home with the baby.

I'm not.

We don't actually spend a lot on entertainment. I am glad you guys can afford a family on one income. We really can't. We're on one income right now and we're not able to save anywhere near as much as we'd need to be spending on a child.

I had to give my fish up for adoption.

Some of the Stay at Home Mom's that I know view it as their "job" to make the income stretch as far as possible. Bargain hunting, price comparisons, coupons etc. Any way to make the dollar go further.

I know myself there are a number of things I could cut from my budget (anyone want to buy a pony?) should I need to. But I live within my means with no debt other than a mortgage and I put some aside for savings so I don't sweat it.

As Jen said it's all about choices and what works for you, and your family if you have one.

Through my various jobs over the years I've come in direct contact with a number of very rich people. And they seem to have just as many problems as everyone else. And I don't perceive them as any more or less happy than anyone else I come in contact with.

And there are also a large number of people who are on paper quite wealthy but choose to live in a smaller home, drive older cars, bargain shop for groceries. Rich doesn't necessarily mean a huge house with lots of material possessions. I used to hate having to shop for a previous boss in Beverly Hills because some of the clerks are as snooty as you'd imagine. I'd be sent with orders to say "buy a vase, spend $1000". Now that's a 5 minute transaction for the one un-snooty person who'd actually help me. You can't tell by the way someone looks or how they drive what kind of money they'll spend in your store.

My life would be significantly easier if I had another 'corporate career' income in my life.

I wish my 401K wasn't such a POS. I will probably be working until I die.

Actually, I think that pointing people out as trite is more likely to stop the conversation dead (at least from the trite-ee's point of view.)

VLBM. :)