Do you wish you were rich?

[Douglas Carpenter]

I would define rich as having assets of greater than 8 million dollars and an independent after tax net annual income of greater than $300,000. That is approximately what it would take to just make it into the 1%.

12 votes, 2 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	No, being extremely wealthy would run counter to my core progressive values
	1 (8%)
	The rich are our class enemies. "Is their ought we hold in common with the greedy parasites who would lash us into serfdom and crush us with their might?"
	0 (0%)
	Both #1 and # 2.
	0 (0%)
	It not a matter of politics or even philosophy - but I am just reasonably content without being rich and don't wish to have those complications in my life.
	0 (0%)
	I would like it very much and think it would be just great and a whole lot of fun. Besides I can and would do a whole lot of good with that money.
	10 (83%)
	Dom Perignon is the most fabulous drink the world has ever known.
	1 (8%)
	2 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[Xyzse]

1. Don't really care to be.

I like the security and stability it can provide, but it isn't a big thing.

[NuclearDem]

2. I wouldn't say no.

My values don't change with the size of my bank account.

Lots of good independent outlets that could use a hefty donation.

[VanillaRhapsody]

10. I give my money to DEMOCRATS not "Independents"

[NuclearDem]

11. Correction: Independent media outlets.

[VanillaRhapsody]

12. You mean like "The Blaze"?

[NuclearDem]

42. That's the first thing that comes to mind?

No, I meant like Democracy Now.

[VanillaRhapsody]

43. Shewwww....thank goodness....

one never knows in these parts....

[Douglas Carpenter]

40. actually media projects like FAIR or Democracy Now or other voices that promote an alternative to

corporate news is something I would want to support in a major way if I had major financial resources.

[Warpy]

3. My dad was a peach

and left me enough to live on but not enough to ruin my life.

I am delighted to be in the lower middle class at last but I'd really hate to have to keep track of more than I have.

I am especially glad that it's not quite enough to make me a target come the revolution.

Because my mother came from serious money (all gone in the Depression), I was brought up able to speak the language of old money. Fortunately, a lifetime in the working class has made it impossible to buy any of what they believe.

[MillennialDem]

4. If I could have $2 million now (or more) NOW in short order I'd take it - but only so that

I wouldn't have to work.

Would I keep working at a $300,000+ a year job or try to make myself uber wealthy? No. Just enough to never have to work. $2 million is definitely enough. $1 million probably is too, but borderline.

[KatyMan]

31. that's how we feel...

being Romney or Gates level rich would, of course, be nice (especially when donating massive amounts of money to Planned Parenthood, a Wendy Davis PAC, etc), but ultimately we'd be happy to be able to live our current lifestyle without having to work. I'd even be willing to tone it down a notch in exchange for no working (not that we have a luxury flamboyant lifestyle but you know what I mean).

[Douglas Carpenter]

32. there was a time in which $2 million meant being rich. Now it means being solidly upper middle class

with a secure retirement program. Times have changed.

[Art_from_Ark]

44. In my old neighborhood,

someone who can consistently keep a month's wages in the bank is "rich".

[seaglass]

5. Not sure. It's not something I actively pursue or have made a goal in life. I think it would bring

just as much bad as good. I would like being able to give to others and to take care of my family financially but I think it would change those relationships too.

Plus I would not like to compete with others in my income bracket for who has the best stuff, I don't like those kind of people in my income bracket and I think there would be many more of them in higher brackets.

But I do want to quit my job badly.

So again, not sure.

[shenmue]

6. Hell, I would

[JaneyVee]

7. 1 and 2 are false.

[Throd]

8. $100,000,005 would be great.

[MicaelS]

9. You bet.

I could retire, travel, and help out some friends. Donate money to the local homeless shelters and food banks.

[Jgarrick]

13. Sure...but I haven't put in the neccessary effort to attempt at becoming so.

As for what to do with the money, I'm reminded of someone who had just won the lottery. When asked what they knew what they were going to do with the money, they answered, "Um...enjoy it?" while looking at the reporter as if they were crazy.

[winter is coming]

14. I've got no interest in living the 1% lifestyle. I wouldn't even know how to do it.

But damn, to have enough money to be in the middle class again, and not lying awake worrying about money -- that I'd take in a heartbeat.

[Nye Bevan]

18. I would not live a champagne lifestyle.

I would live in such a way that nobody would really even realize I was rich.

[FreeJoe]

15. I think more is better, but with diminishing returns

I make about 10x what I did at the start of my career. I'm not "do whatever I want all day and fly around the world" rich, but I live very comfortably. I have found that my life has improved as my income has increased, but that the rate of improvement has been slower as my income has gotten higher. In other words, earning $75,000/yr is MUCH more pleasant than earning $37,000/yr. Earning $150,000/yr is noticeably better than $75,000/yr, but the improvement is not nearly so dramatic. As you keep doubling that, I suspect that things get better in some ways, but the major improvements are probably already over.

The biggest improvements I've seen from having money are:
1) Not having to worry as much about money. I no longer worry about being able to feed myself or my family, making my rent payments, etc. I just take it for granted that I'll have enough money for the basics.

2) A nice place to live. Our house is comfortably large, in a neighborhood with great neighbors, and with great schools. Our older homes felt cramped at times. On the other hand, I have friends that have "moved up" from our neighborhood and they complain about the lack of neighborliness in their new locations.

3) The additional freedom of being able to do more different things.

If I was offerred tens of millions of dollars, I wouldn't turn it down, but I would worry about whether it would make my life better or worse. I can say this for sure, if I had that kind of money, I wouldn't let anyone else know. Money doesn't just change you; it changes how people relate to you.

[oneofthe99]

16. No ' I wish I was comfortable

Where I didn't have to worry if what I'm saving will be enough to last me for retirement
or if I was to lose my job how would I pay a mortgage or afford to have my car fixed if it broke.

It would be nice to have a 2 million dollars where these things wouldn't be a concern.

Hell never mind , just a million would accomplish this

[BKH70041]

17. Finding new tax havens and loopholes can be a hassle.

But my clients pay me handsomely to do so. And it's something from which I also benefit.

[el_bryanto]

19. I don't have expensive tastes - but the freedom that that kind of wealth could buy

That's very appealing.

Also I would like an Aston Martin.

Bryant

[herding cats]

20. I don't think I need that much money to consider myself rich.

Not that your estimation of where the 1% begins is off, it's just what I consider mega rich. I'd be very happy with say 2 million in assets and half of your $300,000 in income. I'd consider myself very well off, rich even.

I just realized I've never even tasted Dom Perignon. I doubt I ever will. Even if I had the money I mention above, I don't know if I could waste it on extravagances like that. What I would do is buy well made shoes and clothes, and enjoy having things that fit properly and don't fall apart after their first few washings.

[Douglas Carpenter]

29. I have had Dom Perignon only twice in my life and frankly it was the most amazing drink I ever had.

Last edited Wed Apr 23, 2014, 03:22 PM - Edit history (1)

"Brothers! Come quickly! I am drinking stars!" - Dom Perignon
Dom Pierre Perignon, O.S.B., (December 1638/January 1639 –14 September 1715) was a French Benedictine monk

"My only regret in life is that I did not drink more champagne." - John Maynard Keynes (on his deathbed)

[herding cats]

37. Maybe I'll splurge on a bottle for my 30th wedding anniversary.

That seems a worthy event to try something so special.

[Douglas Carpenter]

38. it would be worthy of a 30th wedding anniversary

I might suggest serving it very cold and with strawberries on ice if you want something sweet and not too expensive. Although beluga caviar for something really classic and admittedly considerably more expensive

[Zorra]

21. I've been blessed with great riches most of my adult life. I haven't

ever had a whole lot of money, but I've been blessed with good health, had lots of free time, been able to make a living doing things I enjoy, have been able to travel, had one great love, and always had more than I really needed. My kids are grown, I have 2 young grandchildren, with another arriving soon.

I'm one of the happiest people in the world, my life is full of joy, and I truly believe that having large quantities of money would put me in a condition of poverty, and if I could be granted one wish, I would wish for everyone in the universe to always be happier than me.

[lumberjack_jeff]

25. +1

Although wishing that everyone is happier than me is a challenge because most of my joy comes from helping others.

If I'm the least fortunate person in the universe, I become a consumer of help rather than a provider.

[moondust]

22. Meh.

Would be okay if I won the lottery, but I knew 30+ years ago that I'd never be willing to screw lots of other people to make myself rich even if indirectly responsible through stock ownership, etc.

[High_Voltage]

23. Optimimum is the minimum requirements you stated...

Higher than that and you start to worry about your family getting kidnapped...

[lumberjack_jeff]

24. Too little is a problem. Too much is also a problem. "Enough" is elusive.

I want enough net worth that I can fulfill all my needs and most of my interests without the need to kiss anyone's ass.

Giving of one's self is great. Selling it... not so great.

[clarice]

26. Of course I do...rich does not = evil. IMHO nt

[dionysus]

27. sure, i'd give it a try...

I'd get a pretty large house with some land (no tackily oversized mansion) with enough room for a billiards room and a music studio. maybe a basketball court.

then I'd focus my time on music, golf, and gardening.

it'd also free up time to be more involved with politics and charitable causes.

[11 Bravo]

28. I'll take Arthur's word for it.

[Bluenorthwest]

30. Unlike health, wealth is not sufficient to desire in a vaccum.

Having plenty is better than enduring paucity in general, but as Shakespeare said 'they are as sick that surfeit with too much as they who starve with nothing'.
It's a matter for detail and context.

[Blaukraut]

33. Just rich enough to not have to work anymore n/t

[brooklynite]

58. I'm rich and I wouldn't want to give up work...

I have a Government job benefiting the public; why would I want to stop just because I can?

[dawg]

34. Yes. It would remove many of the life pressures that I currently face.

It wouldn't solve any of my biggest problems, but it'd rip the hell out of all the smaller ones.

[HughBeaumont]

35. "Rich" would be nice, but "secure" would be more realistic.

I'd like to know that I'm able to earn a paycheck until I'm able to retire in my 60s.

I'd like to know that my health care would cover me if I get sick.

I'd like to know that my house (which isn't all that big) will eventually be paid off.

And while I'm still dreaming, I wouldn't mind a beach vacation.

[bigwillq]

36. Yes (nt)

[Neoma]

39. I'm already rich compared to the rest of the world...

[Shoulders of Giants]

41. Yes I'd like to be rich, but not for a lot of material goods.

I like video games, so I'd get a lot about them. However, the main reason I'd be glad to be rich is not having to worry about losing my house due to be fired, being a slave to a terrible boss for fear of making it on my own, or having an illness wipeout all my savings.

[joshcryer]

45. These poll results are fascinating.

DUers wishing to be oligarchs. :O

[eShirl]

47. with 8 million? they'd be laughed out of the oligarch club

[Warren DeMontague]

49. It's like a minigarch

At 100 Million you hit semigarch status*.





* unless you live in Manhattan, in which case it just means you can afford a 2 bedroom condo.

[Douglas Carpenter]

55. do you wish you were rich?

[joshcryer]

63. I am self sufficient.

That's all I need. That might be considered rich, but it doesn't allow for political influence.

[pipi_k]

57. I don't see

many (if any) actually wishing to be oligarchs.

What I see is people wanting to be rich enough to do good with their money.


As for myself, I would keep my little house out here in the woods and buy a second one closer to the city to live in during the winter because things can get pretty rough on a dirt road that can't be plowed for a couple of days, and it takes close to an hour to get to civilization anyway.

I would give some to all the kids...my own two, and three stepdaughters. In my daughter's case, I would probably buy her a small house so she's not constantly on the verge of being homeless.

No fancy car...no yacht...

I would like to have an animal shelter.

The only "power" I want is the power to make the lives of my family...and animals...a bit better.

[handmade34]

61. ...

^


therein lies the problem...

[eShirl]

46. it would let me take care of my family without worrying

and myself

[Nine]

50. This is crazy.

Who doesn't want free money? Being rich doesn't mean you have to live in a mansion or stop working or become a Republican. Give the excess to charity or liberal causes if nothing else.

Now if the question were, "What would you sacrifice to be rich?"... well, that's a horse of a different color.

[tazkcmo]

51. I would just like

to make a decision without checking my wallet first.

[JustAnotherGen]

52. What's the number?

What's the magical number liquid in the bank that we are measuring by?

[Prophet 451]

53. Yes, very much

I'm fairly severely mentally ill (MDD, GAD, "visions" and voices) and physically crippled. I live on benefits (welfare to you) and I'm very much aware of both how precarious my existence is (because it relies on those benefits and the bean-counters who administer them) and how much teh general British public hates me (because they've been trained to resent any and all benefit claimants). Being rich would remove all that worry.

In addition to that, I could do some good with that money. My SO and I have an agreement that if we were to win the lottery, we'd donate a million each to Cat's Protection (who introduced us to the kitties who've saved my life many times) and the PDSA (national charity here who provide vet care to poor people). I'd have enough money to buy billboards and full-page newspaper ads about how fucking evil the Tories are. I could set-up a really luxurious cattery, like a kittie spa, and make the fees on a sliding scale so poor people actually have the chance to go on holiday while their pets are well cared for.

[B Calm]

54. I would fly off to the South Pacific and have my bare butt swatted

with palm leaves by half naked hula girls.

[H2O Man]

56. Other.

Financially, I'm broke right now. It's not as pleasant as times when I've had a lot of money. But it isn't as important as many other things.

On Sunday, one of my best friends died. All four of my children immediately reached out to support me. Then, other relatives and close friends. By the end of the day, people I had not spoken to since 1976 were reaching out to me. There are things that money can't buy.

Note: To be fair and imbalanced, I will say that the Beatles' live version of "Money" remains one of my favorites.

[yuiyoshida]

59. I don't want to be rich o super rich..

I would like to be able to eat healthy once in while and afford some cookies when I want them. I would like to, just for once sit in a hot tub as the water is constantly heated, in a recycled system. I would like a nice futon bed with futon pillows to lay my head and be able to afford to take my cat to the vet when he needs to go. Just simple stuff like that.

[SomethingFishy]

60. I am "rich", I just have no money..

I have friends and family that I love and I have a job that brings joy to people, all the money in the world couldn't buy that...

[obnoxiousdrunk]

62. I don't care to be rich

but I don't want others to be rich.