Yes there are many wonderful and ethical people who don’t make much money for one reason or another. Thank you for helping one out!
I’m still in contact with a number of people in a few of the places I’ve lived in this country from several hundred to several thousand miles away. We visit them when we can.
Probably well over half of them make probably $30-45K a year in a good year and live paycheck to paycheck. One of them is continually in hot water with the IRS for nonpayment. But they are genuinely good people – just poor at managing money. And these are smart people…when we visit they can go toe to toe with me in virtually any conversation except my profession. I’ve had many an epiphany just talking with them.
I’ve often talked with my wife about this. These people could do my job with the right training, but they chose not to apply themselves. Some graduated college, one was my college buddy, some went to high school with us, some were our neighbors. But they chose to live a simpler life and are unconcerned with money or status.
They have not been intimidated when we visit though we are at a way different income level now because they don’t care about money or status. They care about people and have centered their life around that. But as we approach retirement age, I have noticed a change in at least two of them. It has dawned on them they may never be able to retire, while we’ve stashed enough back that we are discussing when we are going to do just that. That, I think, bothers two of them. They are starting to regret their choice, I think.
One of them has found an interesting solution. She became a caregiver to a relatively famous person (people in San Diego have never heard of him but you say his name in the state he lives and everyone will know the name). She’s been doing it for about two years now and this man has come to make her almost a part of his family. He invited her to live on his large estate, bought her a very nice car, and has her kids, grandkids, and friends come over for parties using his large pool, manicured lawns, patios, etc. Recently he has signed a document stating how much a bonus she’ll get for every year she stays – and it is considerable. If he happens to die early, she also gets another considerable sum. It’s really an interesting and inventive situation that solves problems for both of them. He even solicits business advice from her sometimes. I’m very happy for her. And him, because she is a wonderful person who deserves to make a difference in someone’s life. I’m glad someone besides just me and my wife recognizes that. 🙂
