<p>it seems like ppl who come on this site are on the wealthy side in the first place..... and by wealthy, I mean an income annually of $200,000+</p>
<p>It never seemed like that to me . . . in fact, it seems like the opposite. Only a handful appear to make anywhere near that much, and I'm definately not one of them.</p>
<p>I think not. What facts are you using to support this belief??</p>
<p>I know that I am not wealthy and I am not even close. lol</p>
<p>Nowhere NEAR that for our family...</p>
<p>we are not what I would consider wealthy if wealthy is income about $200,000. However we are wealthy in that we are able to pay the EFC so that our daughter can attend the school of her choice- ( after her contribution) does that answer your question?</p>
<p>yearly income is only part of wealth.... remember assets are far more important</p>
<p>We are rich in family only:)......no assets or $$$ to speak of.</p>
<p>Way below $200,000.00 a year and we live in the highest priced city in the country.</p>
<p>Ditto from another bklynmom :)</p>
<p>not even close here...wealth of friends and family but not $$$ ;)</p>
<p>i thought this mostly b/c the kids who go on here mostly go to very expensive private schools, such as Exeter, and thus their parents must be wealthy to afford the ridiculous tuition there.</p>
<p>
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the ridiculous tuition there.
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</p>
<p>(1) Not everyone plays "sticker price"
(2) It's a matter of opinion whether or not that tuition is "ridiculous"
(3) Some families will sacrifice to make private tuition possible, if that's what they want for their child.</p>
<p>My family, for example--my son's school isn't anywhere near Exeter in prestige or cost, but it does cost us money that we wouldn't have to spend if he went to public school. We don't get aid. For us, it means we don't travel to Europe, or don't replace our cars as often. Doesn't feel like a huge sacrifice to us--we value his experiences at this school. I'd imagine it's the same for people who have to make some choices when paying tuition at Exeter.</p>
<p>Exeter is a wealthy school by comparison of endowments. Please know that a third of Exeter students receive financial aid. Exeter seeks to enroll students from every corner of the world.......those with financial means and those without. I am sorry to read of folks still believing that only wealthy students matriculate at Exeter for it is NOT true. Many alums from Exeter donate funds to assure that financial aid is available for a third of every class at PEA.</p>
<p>My family maintains the illusion of wealth through my parents' employer's generous benefit package, which includes rent, private school tuition, and medical expenses. The downside of this is a modest actual salary, though it does cover some frivolous expenses--a housekeeper, vacations across the country, and luxurious gym memberships. To an outsider we seem wealthy, but the truth is that we don't actually pay for the essentials; we don't own our house, and we'd never be able to maintain this lifestyle if we had to subsist on the paychecks alone. We have almost nothing in the way of savings, no inheritances, and no investments. Sometimes I feel like an impostor. </p>
<p>I think I'm probably saying too much, but I suppose my point is that things aren't always as they appear.</p>
<p>thisyearsgirl, what kind of career is this that has these excellent benefits??</p>
<p>Diplomacy--for the Swedish government, more precisely. One of the dubious perks of socialism.</p>
<p>I am not rich by any means; My mom makes $20,000 and she may have $3000 for retirement and we don't own a house (it's my grandfather's home).</p>
<p>Thisyearsgirl,</p>
<p>I consider myself wealthy. I have accumulated a warehouse full of love from my marriage of 27 years. I am bursting with pride for my high school senior son. And, I cannot even describe the abundance of joy I have because of my 10 year old daughter. </p>
<p>I am also fortunate to be rich in good friends and satisfied with my good health.</p>
<p>I believe many of the people here are rich in many of these same ways. Probably your parents, too.:)</p>
<p>Let's start with the fact that $200,000 per year salary does not make you wealthy. After taxes, someone with that income ends up with maybe half. To then spen $35,000 to send each child to Exeter (or that better school, Andover) is not likely.</p>