Bag Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 Just now, ARYA said: Ina chestaru kada me rich people, money etla flush out cheyalo teliyaka papam anniya Xtra Small undi undunte enni functions chese vaado anniya tommy ne function ki ayina piluvu anniya ni Quote
baabaa Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 North Carolina lo consultancy owner 50K petti daughter's saree function cheste I thought what o what. Baboi 100K ante inka different range. 1 Quote
pinnigaaru Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 50 minutes ago, coffee said: $100K on a Half Saree Ceremony and I Came Home Questioning My Entire Budget...... Quick Poll: Would you rather be: 1️⃣ The poorest in a rich neighborhood 2️⃣ The richest in a modest one? (Vote with 1 or 2 below!) We just got back from a beautiful family event in Texas. It was for my cousin’s daughter's half saree ceremony and they celebrated it with so much love and care. Elegant venue, incredible food, professional photographers the whole thing felt like a wedding. They spent over $100,000 on it. And they did it happily. They could afford it. no stress, no show-off vibes. It clearly meant a lot to them. I was genuinely happy for them. But on the flight back, I kept thinking: Are we doing this whole money thing wrong? **What “Rich” Feels Like in Real Life** We live in a nice neighborhood. Our home is worth over a million. **But here's how that feels:** * My Honda Odyssey sits between G-Wagons and Range Rovers at school pickup * My kid asked once why we haven't been to Switzerland for spring break... because everyone else has * A parent once looked at my car: "That's practical" (You know the tone.) * At neighborhood gatherings, I am surrounded by Partners, Senior Architects, Directors at Fortune 500s * I just became a Manager this year... a promotion I was proud of... until I realized it barely registers in this crowd. Last week, my 11 year old asked if we are "**poor**" because we don't have a pool. I didn't know what to say. We are not struggling. Not even close. But sometimes… it doesn’t feel like we are doing enough. # Somewhere in the Middle We came to the U.S. in 2005-06. Shared apartments. Long work hours. No vacations for years. We saved. We invested. We built a life. We bought a home. Started a family. Got our green cards. On paper, we are doing well. So why does it still feel like we’re behind? # The Cultural Identity Crisis My parents didn’t have much growing up. They worked hard, lived simply, and stretched every rupee. They would probably think spending money on luxuries is wasteful. But they would also be proud that their grandchild goes to a top rated school. **The Cultural Tug-of-War** **In India:** Look how successful they are! Living in America! **In America:** Oh, you drive that? It is like I am being measured on two different scoreboards at the same time. One rewards simplicity. The other rewards status. It is exhausting. # The Wealth Ladder Wake-Up Call According to Nick Maggiulli’s wealth ladder, we’re at Level 4: Upper Middle Class ($1M–$10M net worth). That’s supposed to feel safe. Comfortable. But when you're Level 4 in a sea of Level 5s, it doesn’t feel that way. It’s like being the tallest 6th grader in a room full of high schoolers. You’ve grown. But you still feel small. # What We Gained, What We Lost **When we lived in a modest apartment:** * We felt more at peace ✓ * We saved ✓ * We blended in ✓ * But we were financially isolated, very few talked about Roth IRAs, 529s or any type of investments ✗ **Now we're surrounded by high achievers:** * Everyone's "doing well" ✓ * Smart money conversations ✓ * Career connections and mentorship opportunities ✓ * My kids are around high achieving peers who raise their aspirations ✓ * But even smart decisions feel like falling behind ✗ * What money mindset are we passing to our kids? ✗ Some days I feel confident. Other days I feel like a fraud in both worlds. ***Comparison isn’t just the thief of joy. Sometimes it’s the thief of financial peace and sleep.*** # Let’s Talk About It **Especially calling fellow NRIs and parents here:** * Share a moment when your environment made you question your financial choices * What's the most expensive thing you have seen people spend that made you pause? * Parents: What's the most "rich kid" thing your child has asked for? * Comment 'SWITZERLAND' if you've had THAT spring break conversation * How do you navigate looking successful in different communities? No advice needed. Just real stories. If you have ever lived in this weird financial in-between... between pride and pressure, between comfort and comparison.. please drop a comment. Because somewhere between the G-Wagon and the Honda Odyssey, there is a lot of us just trying to figure it all out. I am with you brother, I live in a same community. I am driving my 8 year old sedan with 100 K miles surrounded by Teslas/Rivians/Benz/Land Rovers 1 Quote
islander Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 28 minutes ago, ARYA said: NZ cost of living etla unthndi vuncle? USD to NZD convert cheste almost same ae untadi US laaga…but salaries matram US antha raavu uncle… NZ lo 100K USD vaste top bracket lo unnatte nuvu..contract cheste $130K USD vastai Quote
JerseyBidda Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 1 hour ago, coffee said: $100K on a Half Saree Ceremony and I Came Home Questioning My Entire Budget...... Quick Poll: Would you rather be: 1️⃣ The poorest in a rich neighborhood 2️⃣ The richest in a modest one? (Vote with 1 or 2 below!) We just got back from a beautiful family event in Texas. It was for my cousin’s daughter's half saree ceremony and they celebrated it with so much love and care. Elegant venue, incredible food, professional photographers the whole thing felt like a wedding. They spent over $100,000 on it. And they did it happily. They could afford it. no stress, no show-off vibes. It clearly meant a lot to them. I was genuinely happy for them. But on the flight back, I kept thinking: Are we doing this whole money thing wrong? **What “Rich” Feels Like in Real Life** We live in a nice neighborhood. Our home is worth over a million. **But here's how that feels:** * My Honda Odyssey sits between G-Wagons and Range Rovers at school pickup * My kid asked once why we haven't been to Switzerland for spring break... because everyone else has * A parent once looked at my car: "That's practical" (You know the tone.) * At neighborhood gatherings, I am surrounded by Partners, Senior Architects, Directors at Fortune 500s * I just became a Manager this year... a promotion I was proud of... until I realized it barely registers in this crowd. Last week, my 11 year old asked if we are "**poor**" because we don't have a pool. I didn't know what to say. We are not struggling. Not even close. But sometimes… it doesn’t feel like we are doing enough. # Somewhere in the Middle We came to the U.S. in 2005-06. Shared apartments. Long work hours. No vacations for years. We saved. We invested. We built a life. We bought a home. Started a family. Got our green cards. On paper, we are doing well. So why does it still feel like we’re behind? # The Cultural Identity Crisis My parents didn’t have much growing up. They worked hard, lived simply, and stretched every rupee. They would probably think spending money on luxuries is wasteful. But they would also be proud that their grandchild goes to a top rated school. **The Cultural Tug-of-War** **In India:** Look how successful they are! Living in America! **In America:** Oh, you drive that? It is like I am being measured on two different scoreboards at the same time. One rewards simplicity. The other rewards status. It is exhausting. # The Wealth Ladder Wake-Up Call According to Nick Maggiulli’s wealth ladder, we’re at Level 4: Upper Middle Class ($1M–$10M net worth). That’s supposed to feel safe. Comfortable. But when you're Level 4 in a sea of Level 5s, it doesn’t feel that way. It’s like being the tallest 6th grader in a room full of high schoolers. You’ve grown. But you still feel small. # What We Gained, What We Lost **When we lived in a modest apartment:** * We felt more at peace ✓ * We saved ✓ * We blended in ✓ * But we were financially isolated, very few talked about Roth IRAs, 529s or any type of investments ✗ **Now we're surrounded by high achievers:** * Everyone's "doing well" ✓ * Smart money conversations ✓ * Career connections and mentorship opportunities ✓ * My kids are around high achieving peers who raise their aspirations ✓ * But even smart decisions feel like falling behind ✗ * What money mindset are we passing to our kids? ✗ Some days I feel confident. Other days I feel like a fraud in both worlds. ***Comparison isn’t just the thief of joy. Sometimes it’s the thief of financial peace and sleep.*** # Let’s Talk About It **Especially calling fellow NRIs and parents here:** * Share a moment when your environment made you question your financial choices * What's the most expensive thing you have seen people spend that made you pause? * Parents: What's the most "rich kid" thing your child has asked for? * Comment 'SWITZERLAND' if you've had THAT spring break conversation * How do you navigate looking successful in different communities? No advice needed. Just real stories. If you have ever lived in this weird financial in-between... between pride and pressure, between comfort and comparison.. please drop a comment. Because somewhere between the G-Wagon and the Honda Odyssey, there is a lot of us just trying to figure it all out. I feel you're doing way better than me! Just chill. Quote
BattalaSathi Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 1 hour ago, coffee said: $100K on a Half Saree Ceremony and I Came Home Questioning My Entire Budget...... Quick Poll: Would you rather be: 1️⃣ The poorest in a rich neighborhood 2️⃣ The richest in a modest one? (Vote with 1 or 2 below!) We just got back from a beautiful family event in Texas. It was for my cousin’s daughter's half saree ceremony and they celebrated it with so much love and care. Elegant venue, incredible food, professional photographers the whole thing felt like a wedding. They spent over $100,000 on it. And they did it happily. They could afford it. no stress, no show-off vibes. It clearly meant a lot to them. I was genuinely happy for them. But on the flight back, I kept thinking: Are we doing this whole money thing wrong? **What “Rich” Feels Like in Real Life** We live in a nice neighborhood. Our home is worth over a million. **But here's how that feels:** * My Honda Odyssey sits between G-Wagons and Range Rovers at school pickup * My kid asked once why we haven't been to Switzerland for spring break... because everyone else has * A parent once looked at my car: "That's practical" (You know the tone.) * At neighborhood gatherings, I am surrounded by Partners, Senior Architects, Directors at Fortune 500s * I just became a Manager this year... a promotion I was proud of... until I realized it barely registers in this crowd. Last week, my 11 year old asked if we are "**poor**" because we don't have a pool. I didn't know what to say. We are not struggling. Not even close. But sometimes… it doesn’t feel like we are doing enough. # Somewhere in the Middle We came to the U.S. in 2005-06. Shared apartments. Long work hours. No vacations for years. We saved. We invested. We built a life. We bought a home. Started a family. Got our green cards. On paper, we are doing well. So why does it still feel like we’re behind? # The Cultural Identity Crisis My parents didn’t have much growing up. They worked hard, lived simply, and stretched every rupee. They would probably think spending money on luxuries is wasteful. But they would also be proud that their grandchild goes to a top rated school. **The Cultural Tug-of-War** **In India:** Look how successful they are! Living in America! **In America:** Oh, you drive that? It is like I am being measured on two different scoreboards at the same time. One rewards simplicity. The other rewards status. It is exhausting. # The Wealth Ladder Wake-Up Call According to Nick Maggiulli’s wealth ladder, we’re at Level 4: Upper Middle Class ($1M–$10M net worth). That’s supposed to feel safe. Comfortable. But when you're Level 4 in a sea of Level 5s, it doesn’t feel that way. It’s like being the tallest 6th grader in a room full of high schoolers. You’ve grown. But you still feel small. # What We Gained, What We Lost **When we lived in a modest apartment:** * We felt more at peace ✓ * We saved ✓ * We blended in ✓ * But we were financially isolated, very few talked about Roth IRAs, 529s or any type of investments ✗ **Now we're surrounded by high achievers:** * Everyone's "doing well" ✓ * Smart money conversations ✓ * Career connections and mentorship opportunities ✓ * My kids are around high achieving peers who raise their aspirations ✓ * But even smart decisions feel like falling behind ✗ * What money mindset are we passing to our kids? ✗ Some days I feel confident. Other days I feel like a fraud in both worlds. ***Comparison isn’t just the thief of joy. Sometimes it’s the thief of financial peace and sleep.*** # Let’s Talk About It **Especially calling fellow NRIs and parents here:** * Share a moment when your environment made you question your financial choices * What's the most expensive thing you have seen people spend that made you pause? * Parents: What's the most "rich kid" thing your child has asked for? * Comment 'SWITZERLAND' if you've had THAT spring break conversation * How do you navigate looking successful in different communities? No advice needed. Just real stories. If you have ever lived in this weird financial in-between... between pride and pressure, between comfort and comparison.. please drop a comment. Because somewhere between the G-Wagon and the Honda Odyssey, there is a lot of us just trying to figure it all out. Get rid of Range Rover friends and make friends with Honda Civic guys. Problem Solved. Quote
ARYA Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 1 hour ago, islander said: USD to NZD convert cheste almost same ae untadi US laaga…but salaries matram US antha raavu uncle… NZ lo 100K USD vaste top bracket lo unnatte nuvu..contract cheste $130K USD vastai heard its very beautiful, lucky you...milford sound ki poyinava? Quote
HarshitaG Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 2 hours ago, coffee said: $100K on a Half Saree Ceremony and I Came Home Questioning My Entire Budget...... Quick Poll: Would you rather be: 1️⃣ The poorest in a rich neighborhood 2️⃣ The richest in a modest one? (Vote with 1 or 2 below!) We just got back from a beautiful family event in Texas. It was for my cousin’s daughter's half saree ceremony and they celebrated it with so much love and care. Elegant venue, incredible food, professional photographers the whole thing felt like a wedding. They spent over $100,000 on it. And they did it happily. They could afford it. no stress, no show-off vibes. It clearly meant a lot to them. I was genuinely happy for them. But on the flight back, I kept thinking: Are we doing this whole money thing wrong? **What “Rich” Feels Like in Real Life** We live in a nice neighborhood. Our home is worth over a million. **But here's how that feels:** * My Honda Odyssey sits between G-Wagons and Range Rovers at school pickup * My kid asked once why we haven't been to Switzerland for spring break... because everyone else has * A parent once looked at my car: "That's practical" (You know the tone.) * At neighborhood gatherings, I am surrounded by Partners, Senior Architects, Directors at Fortune 500s * I just became a Manager this year... a promotion I was proud of... until I realized it barely registers in this crowd. Last week, my 11 year old asked if we are "**poor**" because we don't have a pool. I didn't know what to say. We are not struggling. Not even close. But sometimes… it doesn’t feel like we are doing enough. # Somewhere in the Middle We came to the U.S. in 2005-06. Shared apartments. Long work hours. No vacations for years. We saved. We invested. We built a life. We bought a home. Started a family. Got our green cards. On paper, we are doing well. So why does it still feel like we’re behind? # The Cultural Identity Crisis My parents didn’t have much growing up. They worked hard, lived simply, and stretched every rupee. They would probably think spending money on luxuries is wasteful. But they would also be proud that their grandchild goes to a top rated school. **The Cultural Tug-of-War** **In India:** Look how successful they are! Living in America! **In America:** Oh, you drive that? It is like I am being measured on two different scoreboards at the same time. One rewards simplicity. The other rewards status. It is exhausting. # The Wealth Ladder Wake-Up Call According to Nick Maggiulli’s wealth ladder, we’re at Level 4: Upper Middle Class ($1M–$10M net worth). That’s supposed to feel safe. Comfortable. But when you're Level 4 in a sea of Level 5s, it doesn’t feel that way. It’s like being the tallest 6th grader in a room full of high schoolers. You’ve grown. But you still feel small. # What We Gained, What We Lost **When we lived in a modest apartment:** * We felt more at peace ✓ * We saved ✓ * We blended in ✓ * But we were financially isolated, very few talked about Roth IRAs, 529s or any type of investments ✗ **Now we're surrounded by high achievers:** * Everyone's "doing well" ✓ * Smart money conversations ✓ * Career connections and mentorship opportunities ✓ * My kids are around high achieving peers who raise their aspirations ✓ * But even smart decisions feel like falling behind ✗ * What money mindset are we passing to our kids? ✗ Some days I feel confident. Other days I feel like a fraud in both worlds. ***Comparison isn’t just the thief of joy. Sometimes it’s the thief of financial peace and sleep.*** # Let’s Talk About It **Especially calling fellow NRIs and parents here:** * Share a moment when your environment made you question your financial choices * What's the most expensive thing you have seen people spend that made you pause? * Parents: What's the most "rich kid" thing your child has asked for? * Comment 'SWITZERLAND' if you've had THAT spring break conversation * How do you navigate looking successful in different communities? No advice needed. Just real stories. If you have ever lived in this weird financial in-between... between pride and pressure, between comfort and comparison.. please drop a comment. Because somewhere between the G-Wagon and the Honda Odyssey, there is a lot of us just trying to figure it all out. you know that g-wagon is a tax write off for small business 1 Quote
ARYA Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 52 minutes ago, HarshitaG said: you know that g-wagon is a tax write off for small business exactly.. Quote
praying Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 10 years back e 100K pettina party ki poyina nenu..... meeru endi vayya2025 lo kuda 100K function ki abbo antunnaru..... and this is not some DC, Atlanta big city batch...small village in Texas Quote
enigmatic Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 10 minutes ago, praying said: 10 years back e 100K pettina party ki poyina nenu..... meeru endi vayya2025 lo kuda 100K function ki abbo antunnaru..... and this is not some DC, Atlanta big city batch...small village in Texas ante op valla cousin poor antunnara 🤔 1 Quote
saravamnene Posted August 14 Report Posted August 14 option 1:close all holes..work ass off..earn money option 2: go to south dakota and settle in those mountains away from everyone indians means comparisons...and telugus are peaks in comparison...so you either run with crowd or just go to the side and walk by yourself 1 Quote
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