Where do you draw the line in American society between HAVE & HAVE NOT financially?

Question

Go head put a number to it!

Answer 1

One obviously line might be positive net worth. If you have a zero or negative net worth, you clearly don't 'have.'

I think a better line would be working for a living though. If you need to work to maintain your lifestyle, you're a have-not, or, at least, a have-not-quite-enough, since you're willing to sell yourself (your labor) to get more.

If you don't need to work for a living to maintain your lifestyle (however lavish or squalid), then all your time is your own, and you're a 'have.'

Answer 2

The Federal Poverty line applies to me, with my Retirement from the military. I'm right at it, $12,280 per year.

Now disabled, and not able to work like I used to,
I still have two cars, a Truck, over 100 computers, 5 TV sets, 3 Tivos, broadband cable, and cable TV, own my home (well, the BANK does, and trusts me to make my mortgage!).

I think the official poverty level is very high, but, all the alcoholics in the Congress don't think so.

If you smoke and drink, and are on the 'poverty line' then, you really are poor! But, who can you blame?

There are people earning only $600 per year, who survive on it, in some nations. I call them poor.

I have yet to meet an American who is actually 'poor', with $12,280 per year income, from their welfare, pension, or SS income.

But, when I got the house in 2000, I made $18,000 because I still had a JOB, but, that blew away with the Twin Towers on 9/11.

Brother, can you spare me a $10 bill? I'm diabetic, and have to eat the special salads, and the prices are through the roof! Non-subsidized foods include all the healthy foods.

Junk foods are subsidized out the wahzoo by the sicko congress!

Answer 3

I believe a "have not family" is below the poverty line, where as they should be able to subsist comfortably on one "blue collar income". Unfortunately this is not always the case. There seems to be a large disparity between the "haves" and "have way too much". The "haves" should be above 100K a year, at least I would think. The "have way too much" crowd are the 1% who are filthy rich making over a million a year. It is not that they should not be that wealthy it is other factors like why should the "have nots" not be able to afford health care. This takes into account the cost of living expenses in the US.

Answer 4

I'm not sure that's possible. If I say that anyone making over $1,000,000.00 per year is a "have" would that mean that someone making $999,999.99 per year is a "have not"? In terms of taxation I think there would be valid concerns, if not bloody revolt over the first person (and anyone richer) paying 70% while the second person (and everyone poorer) paying 0%. That's why I like the idea of progressive taxation. People making $0 to, say, $20,000 per year pay 0% in taxes. Someone making $100,000 per year might pay 30-35%. Someone making $1,000,000.00 per yer might pay 70%.

Answer 5

Salam

The plan of man that is at the top is to take everything that you ever had from you that includes you financial ability and your rights as a human being.
That has been going on since the beginning of mankind, one gave his best and one gave the worst. That is very clear to see, the intentions of those bent at the top are always to fill their pockets with your riches. That is the plan they have and the Lord has a greater plan for he is the greatest of planners. He is in a place of no time, and its us that has the time granted. That was given to you long time ago and until you realize that your all blind and lost without a shepard again.

Answer 6

You can't put a number to it because the cost of living varies in different areas and situations vary. When someone can't afford the bare necessities like food, clothing, and shelter; they are a have-not. Some people may want to extend the have-nots to people who are struggling to make ends meet and can't afford health insurance, save up money for retirement, or afford to send their children to college.

Answer 7

At the 50 yard line.

Answer 8

i love how people think people living in poverty have cell phones and cable.

get a clue i have 0 cell phones no cable and energy bills that absorb 1 weeks check and 2 weeks to pay the dam rent

hell don't even have car insurance why? cant afford that

even banks get away with giving crap interest , god forbid you overdraft or overuse your account ,then you will be paying more to them then you gain on that taxable interest
the horribly taxed US we have to pay for our money 3X

Answer 9

I think when I look at the Nation as a whole compared to Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe...


I think Most Americans are haves.

Answer 10

If one lives in a rural area of the Midwest, and earns $1,000 per week before taxes, and hasn't succumbed to the lure of credit, they can 'HAVE' within reason.