I probably grew up with between 1/8 and 1/4 of what I make now. We ate lots of pasta and chicken. We had powdered milk. I ate at McDonald's maybe 2 to 3 times during my entire childhood not because my parents were concerned about the quality of the food, but because they simply couldn't afford it. I can recall going to the movies maybe 3 times. Matinees of course. I wore hand-me-downs from my older brothers for the first five or six years of my life, and afterwards I might get new clothing once per year. Trips outside my hometown occurred maybe once per year. I grew up 60 miles from the border of New York, but I never left the state until I was 18, and that was just to cross the border. I got one toy for Christmas and one toy for my birthday. I slept in a room twice the size of my current girlfriend's walk in closet with three of my brothers. We had snow for at least three months, but the room I slept in was uninsulated, and the only heat was from a small radiator in the hallway. I would go to bed at night and shiver under the blankets until it warmed up. In the mornings, my feet would sting on the floor because it was so cold.

On the other hand, I was never without food, and all of my medical and dental needs were met. My father owned the house we lived in (he paid $10,000 for it, I think). He always had a car.

In college, I lived slightly better. I only had one roommate instead of three. I went out to a bar at least once per month. I could afford to buy more clothing, and I got Christmas presents for some of my family members.

My first job after college was at between the 1/4 and 1/2 mark of what I make now (adjusted for inflation). I owned my first car, although it was used, and sometimes I had trouble making repairs. I had a roommate. I could afford to drive anywhere I wanted, although I rarely did.

Post law school, my first job was at about 1/2 what I make now. I could afford to live without a roommate. I could eat out any time I wanted. I didn't have to worry about getting bills paid.

My current salary is nice. I don't have any financial concerns except those pesky student loans. I can save. I can afford a vacation. Paying for dinner for a date is not a problem. The recent increases in the price of gas and food are minor inconveniences. I actually have some savings. I occasionally make small charitable donations. I still live in very spartan conditions, but it's by choice. Incidentally, this only is slightly above the average household income. For me, it's wonderful, largely because I grew with so much less. I have no strong urge or desire to have anything more than I currently have. I have everything I need or want. I don't want a large house. I don't want a fancy car. More rainy day money might be nice in case I got fired or laid off. I have enough to live on for a few months, and I should probably get that up to a couple of years.

This is a bit getting off track of my original point. I'll do one more post maybe tomorrow.