Quote - *That sounds like an amount that is way below median income for Europe.  When I was making only $1500 a month, I definately didn't choose to live where the rent is $700. I'd get a share rental with roommates that is more in my price range.

Try that when married and having 3 kids ;-)

I'm not complaining though, I'm not in debt and we're even putting a little aside each month. But one has to make choices. Not using the car for everything, but using bicycles instead saves a lot of money. We're not renting movies and such, nor is the tv on all day. Not taking baths, but shower (not too logn either) instead. We don't shop at the most expensive supermarkets and we go to the market once a week for fresh produce, a lot cheaper (and often better quality) then in the stores.

It's amazing how all of the little things add up in the end and you find that half of the money and luxury you thought you needed you don't need at all.

Not buying every poser content item I see helps a lot also. Keeping a budget when it comes to buying content is a great help. But even with my income I'm still able to spent some on Poser content (and buy Poser upgrades), but I make sure I don't overspent or waste money on items that look great but will never be used at all.

*That sounds like an amount that is way below median income for Europe. 

*I wish it was true. According to the most recent official studies, the median income in Europe is 30% less then in the US. There may be jobs where you get paid more, but looking at the broad scale of things, the income is 30% less here then it is in the US.

As for my personal situation, it was by choice. I'm only working part-time and I do that on purpose. We can live from the income we do have and by not working full-time I have time to spent with kids and wife. It's a choice,a bit less luxury, but a bit more quality when it comes to family life and for us that is far more important.

I stand corrected, but still, the difference is apples and oranges when it comes to gas prices for the most part. Europe has more public transit options than the US over all which gives you options that we just do not have when it comes to getting where we need to go. Your $9 a gallon can get you where you need to go with more public transit options and shorter distances as a whole than our $5 a gallon and longer distances having to be covered.

You also have health care that's available to more people over all than we do. Doesn't mean it's better mind you, but you do have more coverage for the population as a whole. Our higher incomes get spent on higher insurance and medical coverage so I still think it's pretty much an even wash when you take it all into account.

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