But here’s the thing: Being able to afford those things is pretty good definition of affluence in modern American society. From: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01

But here’s the thing: Being able to afford those things is pretty good definition of affluence in modern American society. From: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/31/upshot/letter-from-the-editor-whos-really-middle-class.html http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/31/upshot/letter-from-the-edi... I'm not saying you are not making a good use of your money - I make similar tradeoffs. But we have the choice. Our income affords us that choice. There are people who do not get to make those tradeoffs, they do not have the choice of living in "OK areas", or paying for childcare.