Originally posted by: pinion9
Let me preface this by saying this is not a bragging thread. I will keep details at a minimum.
My wife and I are 25. We both have very good jobs. I started in my current job at the bottom in college making like $10/hr. However, I worked hard and got my degree. Now I have a position of extreme responsibility, work 50+ hours a week, and am on call nearly 24/7. Together my wife and I make around 170K/year (good in Alaska.) Again, this is through hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. This didn't just land on us.
We just bought property and started building a house that is about 5400 sq. ft. We love being at home, so we don't have a problem having a large house payment. We got the down payment by saving and also busting our asses for 3 years owning and managing a 9-plex. We are doing some of the work on the house ourselves.
We have nice vehicles (practical though. She drives a new Montana and I have a Tracer and an '00 F350) We also have a timeshare and vacation in somewhat exotic places. But again, this is not without sacrifice.
We also don't talk about how much we make, flaunt it, etc. My wife will go out of her way to turn paychecks over, etc. if guests are coming over. We don't go overboard with Christmas/Birthdays. We don't showboat.
However, since we do own nice things and are building a large house, many people seem to think that we think we are better than them. They make comments about the large house, etc. etc. Is there anything we can do to change the perception, or is envy always going to be a part of being succesful?
Cliffs:
Wife and I are 25
Make ~170K year busting our asses working, going to school, etc.
Builind a nice house, own nice things, but do not flaunt the fact that we are doing well.
People seem to have a perception that we think we are better than them.
How can we change this?