> > > http://www.dilbert.com/blog/entry/how_much_do_the_rich_keep/#SB_Comments

> > > "What percent of a rich person's income does he spend on himself?

> > > To simplify the writing here, assume our hypothetical rich person is a
> > > guy. Let's say he pays about half of his income in taxes. That sounds
> > > about right, especially if you include sales taxes and property taxes.
Now
> > > let's say he has a wife and three kids. Most of his living expenses, such
> > > as his houses, benefit all five members of the family. So divide most of
> > > his expenses by five to get his individual piece.

> > > In our complicated world, the rich guy might have a first wife to whom he
> > > pays alimony, or he might support some other family members who need some
> > > help. And let's say he donates a healthy part of his income to charity.

> > > So far, we've only discussed the money that flows in and out during the
> > > rich guy's lifetime. The bulk of a rich guy's wealth passes to heirs.

> > > Net it all out, and I'll bet your typical rich guy spends only 5% of his
> > > income on himself. The rest goes to the government, family members, and
> > > charity. Therefore, arguably, every time a rich guy gets up and goes to
> > > work, it's 95% charity, roughly speaking.

> > > Now let's say the rich guy made his money by starting a company that
> > > employs a hundred people. Half of the firm's gross income might flow to
> > > employees and investors. Then there is an economic multiplier effect as
> > > those employees buy goods and services, and pay their own taxes. A
wealthy
> > > founder of a business might spend on himself only .001% of the gross
> > > income his company generates.

> > > I know, I know: You still hate our hypothetical rich turd because he has
a
> > > lot of toys, and lots of control over how his money is used. And every
> > > time he buys a Rolex instead of feeding a homeless family, he's not
> > > exactly walking with the saints. That's what society teaches us to think.

> > > I prefer to divide the world into two groups: People who are trying, and
> > > people who aren't. I respect anyone who is making a constructive effort
to
> > > improve any part of the world, including his or her own little piece.
When
> > > people apply effort, wealth is mostly a result of luck, in terms of
> > > genetics, geography, or timing. I don't begrudge anyone their luck."

> > That's an awful lot of effort to make us feel sorry for an imaginary rich
> > turd.

> he's speaking from experience.  it reminds me of the lottery.  you ask the
> average schmo what he'd do if he won $10M, and the answer is always some
> ludicrous amount of spending.  it's a claim to buy his whole family houses
> and pay for all the kids' college.  most people haven't got a clue that
> $10M is actually $6M, and that every house you buy creates tax liability
> near 2% ANNUALLY, that 4% on the 6M is $240k, but you're paying $50k of
> that in taxes every year.

> people are just idiots.  you see it here on rgp, clueless idiots.