An even more interesting observation is the divergence of poverty and income. I know people who have a higher net income than me, yet a much lower net worth due to debt from cars, boats and houses. On the surface they seem wealthy, but I know of one case who doesn't even have access to $1000 of non-debt. In some ways, they embody the poor mindset. They spend like there's no tomorrow and can't weather most events that I view as minor because of my mindset and financial position. Yet on the surface, most people would think I am closer to broke than they are. It's such a complex topic that goes way beyond simple numbers. Many high income earners are living check to check.