Yes, it's possible to live quite "affluently" on even modest salaries if one spends wisely.
For example, I have plenty of money to buy a $29 t-shirt at Nordstrom's, but why should I when I can get the functional equivalent at Wal-Mart for $4.99?
I was spending $80 a month on haircuts for my boys. NOT. Another mom told me she cut her boys' hair (they mostly want military-style high-n-tights, especially during the summer) and that it was pretty easy to please them. A $29.00 clipper (from Wally World) later and we were in business. And the boys (and Mom) like the convenience of not having to make the trip to the barber shop, wait in line etc. This way it's zip and go. And parents save $80 bucks a month.
It all adds up --- to, say, our four vacations in Hawaii!
>I was spending $80 a month on haircuts for my boys. NOT.<
Try that on a GIRL. Thank goodness my little princess has very, very long hair (LOL).
I did, however, purchase a set of clippers for the Cocker Spaniel. No expensive trips to the groomer in our house!
(of course, the dog has a crew cut, but she doesn't mind a bit)