In the past few months, I lost a part-time position that forced our family make some significant adjustments on our budget.  Since it has been difficult to find another part-time job, we were surprised to out that our children qualified for Medicaid – even though we made $3,000 per month.  It got me to thinking, am I still considered middle class, lower middle-class, or am I considered among the poor in America.

In our society’s pursuit for material things and status, I came across some interesting statistics several years ago that defined wealth from a world perspective.

For instance, if you have sufficient food, decent clothes, live in a house that keeps the weather out, and own a reasonably reliable means of transportation, you are among the top 15 percent of the world’s wealthy.

Also, if you have any money saved, a variety of clothes in your closet, two cars (in any condition), and live in your own home, you are in the top 5 percent of the world’s wealthy.

According to the world’s standards, I am an incredibly wealthy person.  If I had all of my possession and lived in some village in a remote part of the world, I would have my house on the hill and be considered amazingly wealthy and rich throughout the region.

Talk about having an different perspective!