Frugality by rationality

Gregadd

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Apr 20, 2010
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Yes, there's a difference between high-end audio and high-priced audio:

High-end audio strives for the highest fidelity no matter the cost.
High-priced audio costs a lot whether it's better or not, or even if it's worse.

--Ethan
Seems appropriate.
 

Gregadd

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
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Americans have $1.47 trillion in discretionary income. Median income is around $50k/yr. with up to $10k being discretionary. The top 2.2%of income earners account 11% of discretionary spending. There discretionary income is around 40k+.
 

mep

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
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Americans have $1.47 trillion in discretionary income. Median income is around $50k/yr. with up to $10k being discretionary. The top 2.2%of income earners account 11% of discretionary spending. There discretionary income is around 40k+.

Really? If you make $50K a year, $10K of that is discretionary income? I don't think so unless you are single and you still live with your parents and they don't charge you anything for living with them.
 

Johnny Vinyl

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 16, 2010
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That's roughly what I make, and I can tell you for a fact I don't have 10K of discretionary income. I should tell you that I'm single, so all expenses are mine.
 

Gregadd

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
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That's roughly what I make, and I can tell you for a fact I don't have 10K of discretionary income. I should tell you that I'm single, so all expenses are mine.
You live in Canada. The stats say "up to" and of course it is a statistical average.


Discretionary income is the amount of money left over after taxes are taken out, bills are paid, and basic needs are covered. Thanks to a recent study we learn how much extra cash Americans have on hand and what they're doing with it. A select few are spending a sizable portion of all the discretionary spending in the country.
 

Johnny Vinyl

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 16, 2010
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You live in Canada. The stats say "up to" and of course it is a statistical average.

I know, but I commented only because 20% of earnings at that income level seems rather high...Canada or U.S.
 

Gregadd

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
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Metro DC
John-I know, but I commented only because 20% of earnings at that income level seems rather high...Canada or U

I was trying to gauge what the average person would have available for audio purchases. It does not look like much. Even if you take into consideration the lower cost of living in rural areas. I also a look at savings rates . They are not very good either. So a $10k purchase might have to be amortized over several years.

It might explain why a lot of manufacturers are moving up scale. E.G. whoever thought Vandersteen would have a $50k speaker?
 

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