I am one of the guys who is under 30k. Being in the Army pays bad, I know, however, I think its a different situation for us. Right now I am deployed and have been for about 11 months, but the end of my 15 month deployment, I will have spent about $500 this entire deployment. With no bills at home, no insurance, no car to pay off, no cell phone bills, everything I made over is was not only tax free but also just accumlating
So I guess I am an exception, and I know people will say "take that money and invest, or something else) because I do make very little, however, when back in the states, I not only get free housing, but health insurance, food, pretty much everything. Am I going a little crazy? Sure, but driving a Camry your entire life, then spending 15 months in this god forsaken country makes you a little crazy about wanting a new car!