So You Wanna Be Fancy in Illinois? A Guide to the Upper Class Life (or Not)
Living the high life in Illinois? Sounds glamorous, right? But before you dust off your monocle (or is that a thing in Illinois?), let's unpack what "upper class" even means in the Land of Lincoln.
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| What is Upper Class In Illinois |
The Big Bucks: How Much Moolah Do You Need?
We all know money talks, and in Illinois, it whispers sweet nothings of a comfortable life at around $84,000 a year and up to enter the upper class club. That's according to the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, the folks who know their Benjamins from their Franklins.
Hold on a sec, you say. Eighty-four thousand? That seems a little low compared to those fancy pants on Rodeo Drive. Well, buckle up buttercup, because Illinois ain't exactly crawling with Wall Street sharks. Life moves at a different pace here, and apparently, so do the paychecks.
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Here's the Illinois twist: This magic number can change depending on where you plop down your fancy new chaise lounge. In Chicago and the suburbs, you might need closer to $100,000 to truly feel like royalty (or at least someone who doesn't clip coupons religiously). Head downstate, though, and that upper class threshold might dip down to a cool $65,000. So, location, location, location!
Beyond the Benjamins: Signs You're Upper Crust (Besides the Crumbs)
Of course, there's more to fancy living than just a hefty bank account. Here are some telltale signs you might be rubbing shoulders with the Illinois elite:
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- Your weekends involve getaways that don't involve strategically placed pool noodles to keep the little ones afloat. (Because, let's face it, that's a vacation for everyone else.)
- You know the valet at your favorite restaurant by name. (And they know your preferred vintage of champagne.)
- Your idea of "roughing it" is a night at a hotel with only a thousand-thread-count sheet. (Because anything less is practically barbaric.)
- You have a standing reservation at that exclusive art gallery opening...where the art itself is just an excuse to mingle with other people who have standing reservations at exclusive art gallery openings.
But wait! There's a hidden gem in this whole upper class thing. While the money and the lifestyle are nice, sometimes the best parts are the connections and the ability to give back to your community. So, if you find yourself among the Illinois elite, use your resources to do some good in the world!
FAQ: So You Want to Live the Fancy Life?
How to sound sophisticated while saying "a lot of money?"
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
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- Try "a comfortable financial position" or "fiscally secure."
How to avoid looking like a poser at a high-class event?
- Brush up on current events (beyond reality TV) and art (at least know the difference between a Monet and a microwave dinner).
How to score that elusive invitation to the exclusive club?
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
- Network! Volunteer for a worthy cause, join a professional association, or befriend someone who already has a foot in the door (but avoid name-dropping...it's tacky).
How to decorate your mansion without going overboard?
- Invest in a few quality pieces and let them speak for themselves. Less is often more (and easier to clean).
How to deal with the existential dread of having "too much stuff?"
- Remember, money can't buy happiness (but it can buy a really nice therapist).
So, there you have it! The not-so-secret guide to the upper class life in Illinois. Remember, it's not all caviar and champagne flutes. But hey, if you've got the means and the desire, who are we to judge? Just be sure to use your fancy life for good, and maybe even share some of those champagne flutes with your less fortunate neighbors.
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