Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thanks Scholar. Good summary.

The issue is that the example provided ($80k saves $40k, so why can't $200k save $100k, implying "gosh you must have no self control in respect of lifestyle spending") is flawed, misleading, and simplistic.

The examples cited (tax and parental obligations) are just obvious example. Lets go into lifestyle differences:-

- Small car ($1,500 to $2,000 per month, including road tax, insurance, petrol and parking)
- House ($3.9 to 4.4k per month for 80% mortgage on $1mn property for 20y assuming 1.5 to 3% interest rates, which is about $2.9 to 3.4k per month more than the $80k guy staying in a HDB flat from the govt where I assume monthly payments are $1k)

Hence, you are talking about $4.4k to 5.4k per month more ($53 to 65k), just on very basic lifestyle choices (not BMW or city condos).

I am not saying "woe is me, look at my expenses" here, but all I am saying is, if you want to have an intelligent discourse, please engage on the same level. No point throwing out random numbers.