I'm sure many people would be thrilled to live a middle class life.

I drive my daughter crazy with my determinedly positive perspective, but I often stop and think about such things (your statement above).

Long Island, where I live, is a kind of crazy place. It's not that big, but as you move around you see vastly different lifestyles. It's funny how neighborhood in a way shapes expectation. Middle class can mean a lot of things. It can mean the Porsche in the driveway with the $60,000 SUV, and the swimming pool in the back. That's one neighborhood in my children's (now grown) school district. It can mean 5 groomed acres, horse stables and of course a swimming pool...neighborhood in the same school district. Or it can mean a Subaru and 1/5 acre plot with a modified cape...another neighborhood in the same district.

I can spend my time coveting the 5 acres, and the Porsche. Or I can realize that my modest house, (100% mortgage free) and my seven-year-old Suburu (under 60,000 miles, works beautifully), would be coveted by some. I'm happy with my middle class life. Truly happy. The only thing missing is the ability to help those I love. That's what more money would do for me.