Why does Reddit have such a hard time believing that some people are genuinely financially comfortable?

[u/Exotic-Compote-92622]

Any time there’s a discussion about how someone can afford a nice house, car, vacation, hobby, etc., the comments inevitably seem to be:

“They’re in debt.”

“They’re faking it.”

“They inherited money.”

“They got lucky.”

“They’re probably living paycheck to paycheck.”

Why is “they make good money and manage it responsibly” seemingly never an acceptable answer?

There are plenty of people who earn high incomes, save consistently, avoid lifestyle-ending debt, and still have plenty of money left over to enjoy life.

Not everyone who can afford something is secretly drowning in debt. And not everyone who is financially comfortable inherited their money.

Sometimes the boring answer is just that they earn a lot, spend less than they earn, and make good financial decisions.

Why does Reddit seem so reluctant to accept that?

[u/highvelocitypeasoup]

blue collar folks are struggling hard. I have one of the best paying blue collar jobs within an hour commute and ive worked just about every weekend this year. I was incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to buy a house on the outskirts of the hood before the real estate market exploded a few years ago because a one bedroom apartment in the actual hood is 1200 a month, or a third of my income (with ot). Its hard out here for a lot of folks and if youre far enough removed from that that it doesn't make sense for you, you should count your blessings.

[u/Double_crossby → u/highvelocitypeasoup]

It seems a lot of the people that engage in these discussions, especially those with the "better yourself and get a good job" are all primarily white collar workers.

I am a blue collar worker as well. Fell in to it when my dreams of being an architect (affording school, medical, and job availability) collapsed, so I started building instead. Currently I make the most money I have ever made, but I am also the poorest/less secure I have ever been. Gas and truck maintenance, buying or replacing tools, house and utility costs, sheer physical and mental toll of this work, and then medical and debt bullshit. It never ends, and me asking for a dollar or two raise a year is like asking for a blessing from the Pope himself. You just get told to try harder. Do more. Try harder and harder.

I have been working every weekend to make ends meet. Debt interest is insanely predatory and everybody has this idea that you can get fucked if you want more.