It's true that the middle class is in decline.

But what I find truly baffling is the insistence among most of my colleagues on a pseudo-luxurious lifestyle that will either bankrupt or assure a working life that stretches well into the golden years.

2000 sq ft is a minimum (for childless couples), along with four bathrooms, granite countertops, and the ‘latest’ in appliances, décor, and gadgets.  This is coupled with two late model cars, at least one out-of-country holiday per year, a spiffy and ever-changing wardrobe, and 60 bucks a week on lattés.

I live well below my means, and sock away the extra.  My lifestyle isn’t luxurious, but neither is it penurious.  Who will have the last laugh?  Me, comfortably retired while still young enough to enjoy it – or my colleagues, replete with last year’s fashions and a mountain of debt?