Originally Posted by spooks69

Is this what the OP wanted to know?

Growing up I started out Middle Class. Then we moved to take care of my grandmother, and my parents didn't have to work. My dad chose to because he'd grown up in the family business (Electrical contractor) and missed it.

We ate at the country club, yacht club, dined with Billionaires (Late 80's early 90's) we had two houses, on the same Island in the Florida Keys, both bordering the country club. I took Tennis Lessons, and I had clothes that weren't custom tailored but were custom altered by a tailor. I wore Tuxedos to New Years events at 12.
By most standards we were a "Rich" Family. Not "Old Money" rich mind you. But....Then my parents divorced, and shortly thereafter, Grandma Died.

The estate was split up and the next Generation took over. The business was sold, the houses sold, the jewelry sorted and divided.

Luckily I was young, I started out Middle Class, and always had a good work ethic thanks to my dad. His parents bailed him out, but he refused to bail us kids out. I started working at 14, in the dishroom of a pizza restaurant, started working at a radio station at 15, and held both jobs plus Highschool. Started my own Mobile DJ company at 15, and quit the restaurant. Paid cash for everything, with the earning from my jobs.

At the same time my dad was failing at investing his money in New business ventures, and spent it all. He spent more money in 5 years, than he'd made in the previous 15. Hell My sisters wedding was a $25k affair in the middle of nowhere.

So, I grew up Middle class, then Rich, then so poor I lived in a Camper (Not a house Trailer a camper) with my mom. My parents were so bad with Money they both inherited hundreds of thousands of dollars and have NOTHING to show for it.

After High School I moved out on my own. I've always worked a FT job, and had something going on the side. I've worked my way up in my chosen profession, but know that if I truly aspire to own 2 houses in the Florida Keys again, I'll have to work harder at building a strong foundation of residual income. And nobody's going to do it for me.

So it doesn't matter if you grew up Rich, Poor, Middle Class, its alll about what you DO WITH IT.... THis is the only county in the world that I know f that you can literally turn a simple idea into a profitable business with nothing but hard work and determination. You don't even need CREDIT if you're willing to WORK HARD!

Oh and before you ask....I bought my first car with cash I earned, 2nd one too, Didn't go to college because I couldn't afford to, and I couldn't get financial aid, and bought mmy first house on my own with no help from my parents, Grandparents, ETC.

My Sister works in a bread factory, my brother drives a bus, and my dad runs an electronics recycling company I started, then gave to him when I moved back to Florida this year.

I may have had a period of "Growing up rich" But I'm self made, and still making! ;)