Quote:
Originally Posted by selchie
Ex-Pat, I disagree with your comparison of a "primitive" vs "sophisticated" understanding of money, though mostly because it is simplistic. It is also condescending to those who simply cannot afford to put away a part of that $100 in your example. They may understand quite well that investing could make their money grow in the long run, but they have immediate bills to pay. Others might see extra money - or time - as an opportunity to share with others. As long as they're not standing with a hand out at your door, why should you care how they spend their resources?
Dawn, thanks for the shot of Jonie Mitchell.
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Not trying to be condescending, I was explaining *my* world view on the global monetary system. I tried to keep it brief and simplistic but as for your point about people standing at my door with their hand out is *exactly* what I'm talking about. People aren't doing it themselves, they're doing it by proxy through government taxation.
If NZ has a predominant culture of "do it yourself" then WHY OH WHY is the taxation so high? 12.5% GST AND "rates" AND 40% income tax on anything above 60k is excessive for a culture that prides itself on self reliance don't you think?
And let me clarify, my wife and I LOVED New Zealand and we'd LOVE to move there. I spent a great deal of money touring the entire country to be sure that it was what we wanted and the main thing that kept us from moving there was the high cost of housing and taxation.
With sufficient money, neither of those issues will be a problem. Just biding our time...