In the United States, for example, by age 45 women are the majority and remain so. As infants and children cannot vote, women also form most eligible voters.
Yes, the credit card spending is technically a rebate, hence why it is tax free. However, I am going to purchase an identical basket of goods and services whether or not I use credit, so it is functionally identical.
Debt, used properly, makes you wealthy. Every billionaire you know has debt because of the advantages.
I grew up middle class. To afford my prestigeous university, I took out debt (before grant only financial aid). The value of my education allowed me to earn a higher salary to pay it off in two years. I kept earning that salary and more after the debt was paid. It had a high present value.
I bought my latest house four years ago. Mortgage rates were so low I decided to finance part of it at 2% even though I had the cash. I now earn 4.5% in money markets. After taxes, I earn 0.72% every year not to pay off my mortgage. With $350,000 remaining, this is an extra $2,500/year right now.
I shop with credit cards that give me 2-5% back on purchases. I pay off my balance every month and have never paid one penny in interest or penalties in over a decade. My credit cards therefore pay ~$1,500/year tax free.
Larry Ellison likes controlling Oracle and being a billionaire. Rather than selling stock of Oracle to fund his lifestyle, he instead borrows against the value of the stock. As Oracle appreciated, he got to keep the gains he doesn't trigger capital gains taxes.
Most Americans do live paycheck to paycheck. They live at the ragged edge of their means and remain ignorant of finance. However, this is a global phenomenon. The difference is that much of the United States tax code is set up to benefit the wealthy. Adopt their habits and your wealth starts to snowball.
Used electric cars are some of the cheapest you can buy with the lowest total cost of ownership. If you have to drive, at least spare yourself the awful experience, cost, and pollution of gas stations.
Business is morally dubious and absolute truth does not exist which is frustrating, but I lack the patience for bench research though recognize its much greater value. We are all exploited at work, but at least you have decent hours, labor protections, and I hope societal value.
Florida is a state of extremes. I love the warm, wet climate and the food/smells it produces, but it's even more superficial and transitory than the West Coast you know.
I am writing this from onboard a flight Europe. I appreciate your social cohesion (yes, even in the France of greves et manifestations), food quality, public transit, and historic city centers. I know France quite well and while I love Normandy and Paris, the weather and family draw me to PACA and Aquitaine. Since I debate retiring to France, how do you find life there compared to what you have witnessed of the United States?
Public schools are locally managed and every school board is different, but gifted programs are common in Canada and the US. Children are screened early, tested, and put in dedicated classes. I was moved to a different school that had a segregated group of classrooms at age eight. My children's school has gifted classes so they could stay starting at seven. Since you are past this age, what leads you to such an interest if you don't mind me asking?
No.
In the United States, for example, by age 45 women are the majority and remain so. As infants and children cannot vote, women also form most eligible voters.