[katiesue]

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.