You're making your opinion on an equation that has ever changing variables. There is no right or wrong answer in terms of; is $21/ hour x,y, or z. Example: If you're an upstanding person with good credit, and live within your means; you could easily live well. All the while saving money into the proper ira's and creating compounding wealth. I know plenty of friends who earn approximately 40k/ year, have kids, have a nice home, and Have compounding ira's. Or You could not pay your bills on time, live outside of your means, not save money, buy foolishly, and live paycheck to paycheck. I also have a few buddies that make far more than 40k/year and are always broke... No home, no kids, nothing... They could make 500k/year and they'd still find a way to spend it all. Money is relative my friend. Especially in a country where we're forcefully taught to buy buy buy and live as far outside of our means as possible. You have no idea how many of our clients make 10-15% less than this person, but have accumulated a healthy 6 figure solo stock ira over just 10 years of guidance.