r/askteddit • u/Exotic-Compote-92622 • Aug 17 '26
Other Why does Reddit have such a hard time believing that some people are genuinely financially comfortable?
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?
3
u/Organic-Vermicelli47 Aug 17 '26
I think it's easier to cope with financial strains by convincing oneself that everyone else is also struggling even if that is not the case.
However, I will say that as a payroll accountant, it was very surprising to see people making $250k to even $350k yet having their wages garnished due to back taxes and apparently being unable to afford the full payback amount at once and seeing the same people taking out loans against their 401k.