Part 1: My Life Is a Lie

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Michael W. Green
yesigiveafig.com Saved Monday, November 24, 2025 Readwise
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Quick Take

Green's analysis that the real poverty line is ~$140k explains why Brian's tech salary feels stretched thin despite being "successful" on paper. The childcare trap ($32k+), healthcare costs, and housing inflation create a valley where higher earners are paradoxically worse off than benefit recipients - this directly impacts Brian's family planning and financial decisions.

Relevant Domains

Personal finance/risk/long-term planning Family/time management/tradeoffs (primary) Side projects/automation/earning from skills (secondary - explains motivation)

Blog Angles

1

"The $150k Poverty Line: Why My Startup Salary Feels Broke"

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Your Hook

2

"Why I Automate Everything: Escaping the Effort Trap"

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3

"The Developer's Dilemma: High Income, Low Wealth"

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4

"Two-Income Trap 2.0: Why Both Parents Code Now"

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Key Quotes

The real poverty line for a family of four isn't $31,200. It's ~$140,000.
You are literally poorer for working harder
The second earner is working to pay the stranger watching their children
Mean Reversion vs. Phase Change

Tags

#personal-finance #family-planning #economic-analysis #middle-class-trap #childcare-costs #tech-salaries #financial-stress