[_qbxi]

> In fact Japanese generally make less money. IT salaries are in the $50k range. Minimum wage is $7.5 Yet they still go out.

What's their healthcare like? If something bad happens, do they need to rely on savings to pull through, or does their society have stronger social safety nets that allow them to spend their money with less concern?

[PaulDavisThe1st]

You know people who regularly say on a weekend evening "Sorry, I can't come, I need to put the $34 I'd have spent into my HSA" ?

It's not really about safety nets since most people don't discount (or account) for them (they're in the future). It's about disposable income, and for huge numbers of Americans, that's in short supply due to the exorbitant cost of housing, college education and health insurance & care.

[_qbxi]

I know people who don't want to spend $30 on dinner because they already drained their accounts for minor medical problems, yes.

[latentsea]

Healthcare is pretty good here. Insurance is mandatory and you only pay 30% of the cost.